The French Spaniel is not yet a well known breed outside its native France. Heavy competition from other gundogs once brought it close to extinction, but the breed is now firmly reestablished thanks to a French priest who gathered the remaining French Spaniels in his kennels and rebuilt the lineages that are representatives of those we have now. There is some speculation that outcrosses of the breed make it the cousin of the Small Munsterlander and the Drentse Patrijshond. It is also thought that the French Spaniel is the forerunner of the modern setter.

The French Spaniel was little known outside of France and neighboring countries until it was introduced in the Canadian providence of Quebec in the 1970�s. It quickly became a popular dog for hunting woodcock and grouse. The Canadians formed a strong breed club to ensure the French Spaniel would continue to meet breed standards. In 1985 the French Spaniel received CKC or Canadian Kennel Club recognition.

There is documentation of the breed dated back to the 14th century where it was used for net hunting and falconry. The breed was introduced in the Canadian providence of Quebec in the 1970's and quickly became a popular dog for hunting woodcock and grouse. The Canadians formed a strong breed Club to help ensure the French Spaniel would continue to meet breed standards. In 1965, the French Spaniel received Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognition.

They are very versatile hunting dogs that will pursue, point, track and retrieve game on land or water, but as will most of the pointing b reeds, the French Spaniel's true strength is hunting in fields and forests. They are tough, determined dogs that can adapt to all types of terrain.

The French Spaniel is an intelligent dog that looks to please its owner. It does not take to a harsh handler. It responds well to positive treatment and repetitive lessons. It is a calm loving hunting companion and makes a wonderful house dog.

French Spaniel males should be 22-24 inches tall. Females should be 21-23 inches tall. They Should weigh between 50-60 pounds. They have a medium length weatherproof coat. They have feathering on their chest, underbelly and the back of the forelegs. The natural tail has a fair amount of fringe. Their color should be white with brown markings.