Saint-Usuge Spaniel
Also known as Épagneul de Saint-Usuge · St-Usuge Spaniel
France, Spaniels and gundogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 41–53 cm
- Weight
- 14–22 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 yrs
- Gentle
- Biddable
- Affectionate
- Keen
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a small French pointing spaniel from the Bresse region. It is brown with white markings, often with a white star on the forehead, and has long feathered ears and an undocked, curving tail. It was revived from near extinction and remains rare, with small numbers outside France.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 41–53 cm
- Adult weight
- 14–22 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
12–14 years
Most Saint-Usuge Spaniels live 12–14 years. Like other medium dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 8, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Its breed standard describes a gentle, tractable and affectionate dog that is sensitive and easy to train, yet keen and passionate in the field. It is a good fit for a household that enjoys outdoor activity.
- Gentle
- Biddable
- Affectionate
- Keen
Food
For a typical 18 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 980 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 720 ml–1.1 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayIt needs a good daily outing, ideally with chances to run, swim and search. Gundog training or scent games suit it well.
Grooming & shedding
Brush the feathering on the ears, chest and tail a couple of times a week to stop tangles. Check the ears regularly, as long, hanging ears can trap moisture.
Health
A sensitive dog, it responds best to gentle, reward-based training. It works through marsh and thick cover, so check for grass seeds and burrs after walks. Published health information is limited.
The breed can be prone to
- Ear infections
- Little breed-specific health data published
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
- Eye examination
Not every Saint-Usuge Spaniel is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Spaniels of this type are traced to the 1500s, but the breed had all but disappeared by the Second World War. After returning from captivity, Father Robert Billard tracked down surviving dogs from about 1946, guided by a 1936 show standard, and later used a Small Münsterländer to widen the gene pool. A breed club formed in 1990 and the French kennel club recognised the breed in 2003.
- Country of origin
- France
- Type
- Spaniels and gundogs
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Société Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club); not yet recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Saint-Usuge Spaniel right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Saint-Usuge Spaniel FAQ
How big does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel get?
Adult Saint-Usuge Spaniels typically stand about 41–53 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 14–22 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Saint-Usuge Spaniels live?
Typically 12–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Saint-Usuge Spaniels easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Saint-Usuge Spaniels shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Saint-Usuge Spaniels good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Saint-Usuge Spaniel live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Saint-Usuge Spaniels have?
The breed can be prone to ear infections, little breed-specific health data published. Not every Saint-Usuge Spaniel is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.