Epagneul Pont Audemer

Canis lupus

Last updated: February 10, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License / Original

Hard-working, gentle and affectionate!


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Epagneul Pont Audemer Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Epagneul Pont Audemer Conservation Status

Epagneul Pont Audemer Locations

Epagneul Pont Audemer Locations

Epagneul Pont Audemer Facts

Diet
Omnivore
Common Name
Epagneul Pont-Audemer
Slogan
Hard-working, gentle and affectionate!
Group
Gun Dog

Epagneul Pont Audemer Physical Characteristics

Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
13 years
Weight
24kg (53lbs)

Epagneul Pont Audemer as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1200 to $1600
Dog group
Sporting
Male weight
44-60 lbs
Female weight
44-60 lbs

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Key Points

  • This breed is prone to Von Willebrand’s Disease and hyperthyroidism.
  • The Epagneul Pont Audemer is generally great with kids.
  • However, it is too laid-back to be a good guard dog.

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The Epagneul Pont Audemer is a diligent breed and is typically easy to train and is fun-loving and affectionate. It was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

Very popularly known as the ‘little clown of marshes’ in France, the Epagneul Pont Audemer is a French dog and is also known to be a descendent of the Picardy spaniel. It has always been a rare breed and saw a rapid decline in population after World War II.

Rarely identified as family pets, they are usually best in gun dog environments and are usually water dogs. During the early 20th century, these dogs were used to hunt wild ducks in wet conditions.


Articles Mentioning Epagneul Pont Audemer

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Articles Mentioning Epagneul Pont Audemer

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This rare breed of dog is known to have originated in the 19th century and owe their origin to several different water spaniel breeds. However, owing to their decreasing population, these dogs were, around 1980, merged with the Picardy spaniel to avoid extinction. They are known to have allegedly originated in France’s Pont-Audemer region.

Pros and Cons of Owning Epagneul Pont Audemer

Like any other animal, several factors should be taken into account while considering adding this breed as a family pet.

Health and Entertainment for your Epagneul Pont Audemer

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Pros!Cons!
Playful
These dogs are playful and cheerful. Therefore, if kept as a pet, it will keep your home lovely and lively.
Not a particularly good watcher or guardian
If you’re looking to keep a pet that helps you with being a watchdog, this might not be the best choice. These dogs are known to be very affectionate and are too kind to be good watchers.
Simple grooming needs
The grooming needs of this dog breed are simple, which means that they wouldn’t need too much of your attention and are easier to keep as a pet.
Needs physical activity
This breed requires a great deal of daily physical activity, otherwise, they just turn lazy and lethargic.
Family companion
Audemers are known to be great family companions and are especially known to be great with children, thus making a wonderful choice of a pet.
Ideal for bigger houses
Since these dogs require a great deal of space, small apartment owners might want to look for other pet options. These dogs would be ideal for bigger spaces.

Evolution and Origins

Epagneul Pont Audemer isolated photograph

Epagneul Pont Audemers are believed to be the descendants of barbets, Picardy spaniels, and poodles.


©Desaix83, d’après le travail de Томасина / CC BY-SA 3.0 – License

Epagneul Pont Audemers originate from France where they are believed to have been the descendants of barbets, Picardy spaniels, and poodles. By the 19th century they had become a firm favorite among hunters interested in waterfowl, and poachers as well.

Following the two world wars, however, the numbers of this breed plummeted and enthusiasts were forced to breed it with the Irish water spaniel to prevent it from becoming extinct.

However, its numbers remain low and only about 300 are thought to be in existence.

Size and Weight

These are medium-sized dogs and have a very elegant appearance. Both the male and female stand at about 20-23 inches of height. Meanwhile, the males weigh around 40 to 60 pounds and the females weigh around 40-55 pounds.

HeightWeight
Male20-23 inches44-60 lbs
Female20-23 inches40-55 lbs

Appearance

The Epagneul Pont Audemer is an elegant medium-sized dog with a muscular and sturdy body and a deep chest. It has padded paws with medium-length legs. This breed has beautiful hair that drapes upon its head giving the appearance of a curly wig.

It has round eyes and longish ears. The curly hair is also found on its tail and may be red or brown. It also has shorter hair on the face. However, the longer, denser hair falling from its head is what makes it able to bear the extreme wintry conditions.

Common Health Issues

Like all other animals, this breed has health conditions to watch for. Canine hip dysplasia, a condition relating to the hip sockets, can cause arthritis in dogs. These dogs are also prone to Von Willebrand’s Disease (a bleeding condition involving clotting), and hyperthyroidism (overproduction of hormones in the thyroid).

Aside from those concerns, kneecap dislocation and dental problems are the most common health issues encountered by this breed. Alopecia, a skin disease caused by ringworms or other parasites, can also affect these dogs.

To summarize, the following health concerns are not uncommon in the Epagneul Pont Audemer breed:

  • Canine hip dysplasia
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Dental diseases
  • Kneecap dislocation
  • Alopecia
  • Temperament

The Epagneul Pont Audemer is affectionate and shows seamless loyalty toward its masters. However, without getting its regular dose of attention, these dogs can often get anxious, which is a major trait of its personality.

These dogs are especially great with kids and are very social. They also make great playmates and family companions. However, if you are looking for a good watchdog, this might not be the best choice as they are too kind and laid back to guard anything or anyone.

This breed is great with other dogs but does not fare well with dogs of the same breed that do not belong to the same pack or group. It is also not very friendly towards other pet animals. However, puppies of this breed easily mingle with other animal pets and are known to have a friendly behavior towards them.

How to Take Care of an Epagneul Pont Audemer

Epagneul Pont Audemer full body photo

Members of this breed require food which contains high amounts of animal-based protein and require intense exercise

©Alephalpha / CC BY-SA 3.0 – License

From what food should be given to them to how to groom them and what to do when they get sick, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you decide to bring the Epagneul Pont Audemer home:

The Best Dog Food for the Epagneul Pont Audemer

Pet owners need to know what their dog needs nutritionally. This breed often needs about 2.25-2.75 cups of high-quality dry dog food. Epagneul Pont Audemer puppies need a diet that is rich in animal-based protein including dried chicken and turkey. They also need food products that are rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. In adult dogs, chicken is a great source of protein that helps in building their muscles for a stronger body.

The A-Z Animals pick for the best dog food for the Epagneul Pont Audemer is Eukanuba Adult Medium Breed Dry Dog Food.

Chicken and turkey ingredients deliver natural glucosamine and chondroitin to keep the joints moving as much as your dog does. Plus, this specially formulated kibble has a crunchy texture, unique shape, and polyphosphate to keep teeth and gums in ideal condition.

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Best for Active Medium Breeds
Eukanuba Adult Medium Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Adult medium breed dry dog food formulated with complete and balanced nutrition for medium breed dogs over 12 months old and weighing between 24-54 lb.
  • Promotes lean muscle development and joint health in active adult dogs with a combination of animal protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate.
  • Helps keep dogs sharp and supports healthy brain function with DHA and vitamin E.
  • Fuels an active lifestyle with optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates.
  • High-quality chicken is the first ingredient for protein that powers his day.


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Insurance

Insurance is a must-have when you’re thinking of getting an animal. With the Epagneul Pont Audemer, find insurance that covers the risk factors based on the health conditions and threats that affect these dogs. Shop multiple pet insurance companies to learn what appointments, medications, and emergencies are covered by their premium.

Maintenance and Grooming

The fur on these dogs could look like it needs a lot of grooming but in reality, this breed needs little to no maintenance at all. Regular brushing once or twice every week is all that’s required.

However, the dog’s ears require cleaning on an as-needed basis and are at risk of infection if not kept clean.

Training

Training the Epagneul Pont Audemer is easy. This dog is very obedient and loyal to the master’s orders. The training sessions, however, need to be short because the dog hates any long, repetitive tasks.

Exercise

This dog has extensive exercise needs, which means that even long walks usually won’t satisfy it. The most satisfaction it would get would be from any long hunting sessions. However, if hunting isn’t a reality, this dog should be allowed to frolic in controlled areas for it to burn enough calories and meet its exercise requirements.

Puppies

Epagneul Pont Audemers have different food needs than adult dogs and require animal proteins. Some of the food that you could give the puppies in their best interest would be dried chicken and turkey.

Children

Epagneul Pont Audemers are known to be family companions and are especially great with children. They are known to be very loyal to their masters and are very loving and affectionate.

Similar Breeds

Several dog breeds are remarkably like the Epagneul Pont Audemer. These include:

  • American Water Spaniel: This breed is similar to that of the Epagneul Pont Audemer because they are also water hunter dogs. In addition to that, they have similar personality traits like being affectionate, loving, and highly loyal to their masters.
  • Irish Setter: An Irish setter is also like the Epagneul Pont Audemer not only in looks but also in behavior and personality. They are fun-loving and are family companions just like the Audemers.
  • Boykin Spaniel: Much like the Epagneul Pont Audemer, these dogs also have a fun-loving, bright personality. They are similar in looks too. They are also great with children and make great companions for a family setting.

Famous Epagneul Pont Audemers

Hunting gun dogs have often played important roles in training videos. You’ll often find these videos on social media and websites to help others with training their gun dogs.

The following can be some of the common names for this breed of dog:

  • Buddy
  • Charlie
  • Sadie
  • Mollie
  • Oliver

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Epagneul Pont Audemer FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much does Epagneul Pont Audemer cost to own?

Epagneul Pont Audemer puppies usually cost about $1200 to $1600.

Is the Epagneul Pont Audemer breed good with kids?

This French gundog is great with children and is very loyal and playful that makes them even more friendly towards the kids of the family.

How long does a Epagneul Pont Audemer dog live?

These dogs usually live to be about 12 to 14 years old.

Where did the Epagneul Pont Audemer originate?

These dogs are believed to have originated in France. It is said that they allegedly originated in France’s Pont-Audemer region around the nineteenth century.

How big are Epagneul Pont Audemer dogs?

The Epagneul Pont Audemer is usually 20-23 inches in height. The males usually weigh about 40-60 Kgs while the females usually weigh about 40 to 55 Kgs. Otherwise, they are medium-sized dogs.

How long do Epagneul Pont Audemer dogs live?

These dogs usually live for about 12 to 14 years of age.

Are Epagneul Pont Audemer good family dogs?

Yes, the Epagneul Pont Audemer is a great family dog and is especially great with children. It is fun-loving, loyal, and obedient towards its masters.

Do Epagneul Pont Audemer dogs bark a lot?

This French gun dog is usually shy but also might get aggressive if they encounter another dog of the same breed that may not be a part of their pack or group.

Are Epagneul Pont Audemers herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Epagneul Pont Audemers are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to?

Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to?

Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to?

Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to?

Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to?

Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to the order Carnivora.

What type of covering do Epagneul Pont Audemers have?

Epagneul Pont Audemers are covered in Hair.

What genus do Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to?

Epagneul Pont Audemers belong to the genus Canis.

What is an interesting fact about Epagneul Pont Audemers?

Epagneul Pont Audemers are hard-working, gentle, and affectionate!

What is the scientific name for the Epagneul Pont Audemer?

The scientific name for the Epagneul Pont Audemer is Canis lupus.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. United Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.ukcdogs.com/epagneul-pont-audemer
  2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont-Audemer_Spaniel
  3. Petolog.com, Available here: https://petolog.com/dogs/pont-audemer-spaniel
  4. Wag!, Available here: https://wagwalking.com/breed/pont-audemer-spaniel
  5. Dog Temperament, Available here: https://www.dogtemperament.com/pont-audemer-spaniel-temperament/
  6. Dog Breeds List, Available here: https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/Pont-Audemer-Spaniel.html

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