Pont-Audemer Spaniel
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is one of France's rarest and most charming gun dogs — a small marsh and water spaniel from the Normandy coast, nicknamed "the little clown of the marshes" for its distinctive topknot of curly hair on the forehead that gives it a clown-like appearance.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
France
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
18–24 kg (40–53 lbs)
Height
52–58 cm (20–23 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food appropriate for an active waterfowl hunting dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is one of France's rarest and most charming gun dogs — a small marsh and water spaniel from the Normandy coast, nicknamed "the little clown of the marshes" for its distinctive topknot of curly hair on the forehead that gives it a clown-like appearance. Developed for hunting in the marshes, swamps, and coastal wetlands of Normandy, it is an exceptional water dog. The breed nearly went extinct during WWII and was rebuilt by crossing with Irish Water Spaniels. It remains one of the rarest French breeds.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A medium-sized, elegant water spaniel with a curly or wavy coat and the characteristic curly "pompon" topknot on the forehead — its most distinctive feature. Liver and white or liver roan in colour. The ears are long and covered in wavy curls.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Low
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Joyful, energetic, and gentle — the Pont-Audemer is a cheerful, sociable companion. Excellent in water. Affectionate with family. The "little clown" nickname reflects its playful, entertaining nature.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
clinginess, whining, restlessness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours exercise daily including swimming opportunities. Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Ear cleaning weekly — the curly ear coat traps moisture.
Nutrition Notes
Healthy breed. Ear infections. Omega-3 for curly coat. "Little Clown of the Marshes."
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Alopecia in some lines. Hip dysplasia. Ear infections. Among rarest spaniel breeds (<300 worldwide). "Powdered-wig topknot." 12-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1100 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
800 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally healthy. Hip dysplasia can occur. Very limited health data due to breed rarity.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
<300 worldwide. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Pont-Audemer Spaniel's distinctive "powdered wig" topknot of curls on the forehead is unique among spaniels — no other spaniel breed has this feature, which has earned it the affectionate nickname "little clown of the marshes."
The breed was rebuilt after WWII by crossing with Irish Water Spaniels — the two breeds share a curly, water-resistant coat and exceptional swimming ability, making the cross both practical and aesthetically consistent.
