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Pont-Audemer Spaniel Breed Description

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Breed Organization

United Kennel Club (UKC)

Native Country
France

Other Names
Epagneul Pont Audemer

Life Expectancy
Approximately 12-15 Years

Litter Size
Average 4-6 Puppies

Breed Group
UKC-Gundog

General Description

It is different from most sporting dog breeds in the USA and UK in its length, and the pointed quality of the muzzle. The Pont-Audemer Spaniel's coat is curly or, at the very least, quite wavy, but smooth around the face. The most common pattern is brown and white roan but a solid brown coat. Both coat patterns can have red-brown “dead leaf glints”. The hair on the face is short. The topknot can take up to five years to fully develop. Most Pontos have docked tails. Tails that are left intact are usually well feathered like that of a setter, although it is not unheard of for a Ponto to have the shorthaired “rat-tail” of an Irish Water Spaniel.

Breed Standard

Head: Slender. Round skull with a very curly topknot. Prominent occipital peak. Pronounced stop. Long nosebridge with a bump in the middle. Lips thin, not very pendulous. Pointed, brown nose.
Ears: Set on fairly low, flat, moderately thick, long, and covered with long, silky, very curly hair that blends with the topknot, framing the head.
Eyes: Fairly small, dark amber or hazel.
Body: Straight or slightly domed back. Very slightly sloping croup
Tail: Carried fairly straight. Usually docked to one-third its length, thickly covered with curly hair. If not docked, it should be medium in length and slightly curved.
Hair: Curly and slightly rough. Very dense.
Coat: Brown, preferably mottled brown and grey, with dead foliage highlights.
Size: 52 to 58 cm (20.5-23 in).
Weight: Approx. 20 kg (44 lb).


History

Developed in the nineteenth century, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is believed to be descended from an old spaniel breed native to Pont Audemer, in the Eure region of France, crossed with the Irish Water Spaniel. The Picardy Spaniel and the Barbet may also have contributed to the breed. The Pont-Audemer Spaniel has been represented by the Picardy Spaniel Club since 1980. Already fairly rare by the early twentieth century, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is still quite limited in number.


Behavior

Tough, hardy, and vigorous, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is remarkably resistant to cold and bad weather. A flusher, he plows through thickets, but water is his element. He was bred to hunt waterfowl, including duck. Skilled at tracking a wide variety of game, he is a firm pointer and a perfect retriever. Affectionate, gentle with children, and very attached to his owner, he makes a good pet. His training need not be too rigorous.

He can adapt to city life but needs lots of exercise. He also requires weekly brushing.

Function

Hunting Dog, Companion Dog.


Health

Alopecia has been reported in the Pont-Audemer Spaniel, appearing first between the ages of seven and eighteen months. The ears and nose areas are primarily affected.



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