French Spaniel
Loyal, affectionate, and eager to please, this breed thrives on companionship and outdoor adventures. French Spaniels are gentle with families and excel as versatile hunting partners.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
56–61 cm (male)
55–59 cm (female)
WEIGHT
20–27 kg (male)
18–24 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
French Spaniel: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A French Spaniel isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding French Spaniel's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The French Spaniel is known for its gentle, friendly temperament and strong attachment to its family, making it a sociable and dependable companion.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate and sociable with people and pets
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and outdoor exercise
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Strengths
- Gentle and friendly with children
- Eager to please and trainable
- Good stamina for long outdoor activities
- Strong natural hunting instincts
- Gets along well with other dogs
Challenges
- Needs regular exercise to prevent boredom
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- High grooming needs due to feathered coat
- Can be sensitive to harsh training methods
- Tends to chase small animals outdoors

Protect your French Spaniel
French Spaniel can develop hip dysplasia and ear infections. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
French Spaniels are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and eager to learn, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistent training methods. They are quick learners and generally cooperative during training sessions.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
French Spaniels have moderate to high energy levels and require daily physical exercise along with mental stimulation to stay balanced. Regular walks, play, and training activities are recommended to keep them healthy and content.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
French Spaniels are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a French Spaniel would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Gentle nature and moderate trainability suit patient first-time owners
Apartment Living
Moderate energy and exercise needs may not suit small apartments
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys regular activity and thrives with active owners
Kids
Patient and tolerant with children when supervised
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable and adaptable with other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how French Spaniels compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Spaniel
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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