Sporting gun dog Medium size 18-27 kg
Pont Audemer Spaniel
A rare, water-loving French gundog that is affectionate and biddable - it needs real exercise and coat care, not a low-effort household.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Medium
Size
18-27 kg, 52-58 cm tall
High
Activity
Working spaniel that loves swimming and retrieving
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Affectionate and people-focused
Easy
Handling
Willing and quick to learn
Moderate
Coat care
Curly coat needs regular brushing and trims
Good
Fit with kids
Cheerful and gentle with children
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with other dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Hip, ear and eye issues
The Pont Audemer Spaniel typically weighs 18-27 kg, stands 52-58 cm, and lives 12-14 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a friendly, biddable gundog that loves water,
you can provide daily exercise plus retrieving or swimming,
you enjoy training an eager, affectionate working dog,
you accept regular brushing and periodic coat trims.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a calm, low-exercise house dog,
the dog would be alone for long workdays,
you have no time for grooming a curly, water-loving coat,
you cannot commit to daily activity and training.
A typical day with a Pont Audemer Spaniel
- 6:30 · Morning45-60 min walk, run, or swim
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest after exercise; chew and settle
- 12:30 · NoonRetrieving games or a shorter walk
- 16:00 · AfternoonTraining session, 15 minutes
- 18:30 · EveningLonger walk or water play with the family
- 21:00 · NightContent indoors once worked and near its people
Family and environment
Kids Good
Cheerful and gentle; a friendly family spaniel.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Some prey drive; best with cats it was raised with.
Apartment Not suited
High exercise needs make flat life a poor fit.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps, but the dog still needs real exercise.
City Conditional
Possible with committed daily activity and access to open space.
Countryside Ideal
Space and water to work in suit it best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock for hip scores
Chronic ear infections Drop ears trap moisture; check regularly
Progressive retinal atrophy Genetic eye disease; DNA testing available
Allergies and skin issues Can cause recurring itching and infections
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Another curly-coated water gundog
Irish Water Spaniel
A clever, energetic curly-coated retriever with a low-shedding coat - a joy for active outdoorsy owners, but easily bored and reserved with strangers.
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Similar water-working spaniel
American Water Spaniel
A rare, versatile hunting spaniel that is eager and biddable, suited to an active owner who will keep its curly coat in order.
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French curly-coated water dog
Barbet
A friendly, curly-coated French water dog that is eager and sociable, but the woolly coat demands regular, committed grooming.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Pont Audemer Spaniel cost?
This is one of the rarest French gundogs, with very small numbers even in France, so expect limited availability, long waitlists, and likely importing from a European breeder plus transport costs. Firm puppy prices are hard to quote for such a scarce breed. Over its life, feeding, grooming, and routine plus emergency vet care outweigh the purchase price, so plan for insurance or an emergency fund.
Is a Pont Audemer Spaniel a good family dog?
Yes, for an active family. It is affectionate, cheerful, and biddable, and typically gentle with children. The caveats are its need for daily exercise, its love of water and mess, and regular coat care. In a busy outdoor household it fits well; in a sedentary one it will be under-stimulated.
Does a Pont Audemer Spaniel need a lot of grooming?
A fair amount. The curly, slightly woolly coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent matting and benefits from periodic tidying trims, and the drop ears need routine checking and cleaning, especially after swimming. It is not a wash-and-go coat, though it is less demanding than a full poodle clip.
How much exercise does a Pont Audemer Spaniel need?
Plan for at least an hour of real activity a day, ideally including retrieving and swimming, which it loves, plus some training. It was bred to work marshes and water, so a short stroll will not satisfy it. Give it a job and daily exercise and it settles nicely at home.