Epagneul Pont Audemer

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 descendant 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 suited for gun dog environments and are water dogs. During the early 20th century, these dogs were used to hunt wild ducks in wet conditions.

This rare breed of dog is known to have originated in the 19th century and owes 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 believed to have originated in France’s Pont-Audemer region.

Evolution and Origins

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, as well as poachers.

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.

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.

Size and Weight

These are medium-sized dogs with a very elegant appearance. Both the male and female stand at about 20-23 inches in height. Males weigh around 44 to 60 pounds, while females weigh around 40 to 55 pounds.

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 over 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 on its head helps it withstand extreme winter 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

The Epagneul Pont Audemer is affectionate and shows unwavering loyalty toward its owners. However, without getting their regular dose of attention, these dogs can often get anxious, which is a major trait of their 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 other Epagneul Pont Audemers that are not part of 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

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 understand their dog’s nutritional needs. 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.

Chicken and turkey provide natural glucosamine and chondroitin to keep your dog’s joints healthy and mobile. Plus, this specially formulated kibble has a crunchy texture, unique shape, and polyphosphate to keep teeth and gums in ideal condition.

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 listed above that affect these dogs. Compare multiple pet insurance companies to learn which appointments, medications, and emergencies are covered by their plans.

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 its 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 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.