Pont-Audemer Spaniel
🧠 Temperament & character
This pointing dog is gentle, enduring and exceptionally people-oriented. He loves water above all else and sets to work with enthusiasm and stamina, without ever seeming hectic. At home he shows himself affectionate, sociable and balanced, but seeks a close bond with his people. His playful, good-natured manner makes him a pleasant companion for all who can do him justice.
📜 Origin & history
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel arose in the 19th century around the Norman town of Pont-Audemer, where a robust helper was needed for hunting in marshes and wetlands. Old French water dogs as well as the Irish Water Spaniel probably went into it, which explains the typical curly coat. After the Second World War the numbers shrank dramatically, and today the breed is looked after together with the Picardy spaniels by a single club. He is among the rarest pointing dogs in the world.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel's curly, slightly oily coat needs regular care so that it does not mat – especially after outings into the water. As a passionate retrieving and water dog he needs plenty of exercise and, ideally, access to bodies of water. Scent work, dummy training and varied activity challenge his alert mind. He learns willingly and is easy to handle, as long as one works with him fairly and patiently.
🩺 Health
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is considered a robust, healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 12 to 13 years. Because of the very small population the gene pool is limited, which is why responsible breeding is particularly important. Reputable breeders pay attention to hip health and as broad a genetic base as possible. Anyone interested in this breed must usually reckon with long waiting times.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
This rare breed suits active people who take pleasure in water, nature and shared activity. Ideal is a home with plenty of exercise and access to lakes or rivers – in water-rich Switzerland the Pont-Audemer Spaniel finds the best conditions for this. As an affectionate family dog he feels happiest in close company and does not like being alone. For a pure city apartment without exercise he is not made.