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Saint-Usuge Spaniel Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Saint-Usuge Spaniel so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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OriginFrance flagFrance
Other Names
What other names does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel have?
Epagneul de Saint-UsugeSt-Usuge Spaniel
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Size and Weight

Size
Is a Saint-Usuge Spaniel small, medium or large dog?

How big do Saint-Usuge Spaniel get?

What is the average size of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel weigh? How much should a Saint-Usuge Spaniel weight? What is the normal weight of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel? How much does a full-grown Saint-Usuge Spaniel weight?
Male: 20–35 pounds (9–16 kg), Female:20–35 pounds (9–16 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?
Male: 27.5 pounds (12.5 kg), Female: 27.5 pounds (12.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Saint-Usuge Spaniel? Saint-Usuge Spaniel height:
Male: 17-21 inches (43-53 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?
Male: 19 inches (48 cm), Female: 19 inches (48 cm)

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel in the United States? How much money is a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?

Where to buy a Saint-Usuge Spaniel with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Saint-Usuge Spaniel. If you have a Saint-Usuge Spaniel for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Saint-Usuge Spaniel gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Saint-Usuge Spaniel? How many Saint-Usuge Spaniel are there in the world?
Average: The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Saint-Usuge Spaniel? Is the Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is Saint-Usuge Spaniel good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AffectionateObedientPatientLoyalTrainableMellow
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Saint-Usuge Spaniel sensitivity:
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Saint-Usuge Spaniel a good family dog?
High: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Epagneul de Saint-Usuge need? Saint-Usuge Spaniel social needs:
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Saint-Usuge Spaniel to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Saint-Usuge Spaniel roam?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Saint-Usuge Spaniel have high prey drive?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Epagneul de Saint-Usuge bark?
Average to High: The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Saint-Usuge Spaniel good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Saint-Usuge Spaniel in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Saint-Usuge Spaniel indoors.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Saint-Usuge Spaniel be left alone? How long can you leave a Saint-Usuge Spaniel alone?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel? How much bite force does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel have? How strong is a Saint-Usuge Spaniel bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Saint-Usuge Spaniel bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Saint-Usuge Spaniel measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Saint-Usuge Spaniel bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Saint-Usuge Spaniel bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Saint-Usuge Spaniel puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Saint-Usuge Spaniel bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Saint-Usuge Spaniel can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Saint-Usuge Spaniel bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Epagneul de Saint-Usuge? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Saint-Usuge Spaniel? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel do?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Saint-Usuge Spaniel see the vet?
Average
The Saint-Usuge Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs live? How old can a Saint-Usuge Spaniel be? What is the age limit of the Saint-Usuge Spaniel? How many years can the oldest Saint-Usuge Spaniel live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?

How long is the lifespan of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Saint-Usuge Spaniel: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel have? What is the activity level of the Saint-Usuge Spaniel?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel need? How much exercise do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs require per day?

Do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises?

Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed need?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Saint-Usuge Spaniel? How much food should I feed my Saint-Usuge Spaniel?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Saint-Usuge Spaniel risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Saint-Usuge Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Saint-Usuge Spaniel weight regularly.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickSmoothStraight
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Saint-Usuge Spaniel coats?
Brown
Grooming
How to groom the Saint-Usuge Spaniel and how often? How often should I take my Saint-Usuge Spaniel to the groomer?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Saint-Usuge Spaniel requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Saint-Usuge Spaniel is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Epagneul de Saint-Usuge? Do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs shed a lot?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel need a bath? How often should you give a Saint-Usuge Spaniel a bath? Can I bathe my Saint-Usuge Spaniel every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed hypoallergenic?
No
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel drool?
The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Saint-Usuge Spaniel could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Saint-Usuge Spaniel.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs get along with other pets? Are Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Saint-Usuge Spaniel temperament with other people:
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Saint-Usuge Spaniel temperament with children:
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed live with a cat?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Saint-Usuge Spaniel good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs?
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Saint-Usuge Spaniel can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs good office canines? Do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Saint-Usuge Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Epagneul de Saint-Usuge temperament with senior people? Are Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs good for elderly owners?
Saint-Usuge Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Saint-Usuge Spaniel be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Saint-Usuge Spaniel is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Saint-Usuge Spaniel be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Saint-Usuge Spaniel be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Saint-Usuge Spaniel be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Saint-Usuge Spaniel be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Saint-Usuge Spaniel be a boat dog?

Not really

Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Saint-Usuge Spaniel be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Saint-Usuge Spaniel pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Saint-Usuge Spaniel: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Saint-Usuge Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can the Saint-Usuge Spaniel breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel have? How many puppies can a Saint-Usuge Spaniel give birth to?
4-8 puppies

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Recognition

AKC Group
Is Saint-Usuge Spaniel recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Saint-Usuge Spaniel recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are very easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Saint-Usuge Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Saint-Usuge Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Saint-Usuge Spaniel dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Saint-Usuge Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Saint-Usuge Spaniel History

Apparently the Saint-Usuge Spainel has come a long way and it is known since the 16th century. There is not much information about the breed before 20th century but according to Doctor Longin, he tells us in his research that the Saint-Usuge Spainel is not a recent creation but rather a very old one. According to the research some tapestries from the Pope’s palace and various castles in Avignon confirm the breed’s presence dating back a long time ago. Evidence in the Hunters’ Diary of 1838, mentioning the qualities of a dog that leave no nook unexplored, also suggests that these dogs existed way before.

However, by the mid 20th century the breed almost disappeared following the two world wars. Although there was someone who was at the origin of the new development of the breed, a priest called Robert Billard. In September 1945, after having been recently realized from a POW camp, he was given a parish in Saone-et-Loire in the Bresse region of France. The Bresse region is a sporting paradise for hunters, where quail, pheasant, and grouse hunting abound. Father Billard was an active hunter and he began to search for a suitable hunting dog. However, he did not just want any dog, he wanted a local dog. He was told of a local breed known as the “Epagneul de Saint-Usege” and contacted the Société Centrale Canine in order to find out what happened to the breed. Billard found out that the last recording of the Saint-Usege Spaniel was in a dog show in 1936 in the nearby town of Louhans, and he located the breed standard from that show. He decided to visit the hunters in the parish until he found a dog that matched the breed description, a female named Poupette. Not so much later, in 1950 he found a male spaniel named Dick, who was a son of Braco, the dog which won the best in a show at the show in 1936. He continued his search for other male dogs around the region as he wanted to reconstruct the breed. In 1962, he imported a Small Münestländer female named Bianca von der Rumerburg to incorporate her into his breeding program as that breed’s standards were most closely to the Saint-Usuge Spainel’s. In 1980, the work on reconstructing the breed was handed over to Serge Bey, a local conservation agent. Father Billard’s program bred almost 250 dogs over a 33 year period. Moreover in 1990, the national breed club in France was set up known as the Club de l’Epagneul de Saint-Usuge. The Société Centrale Canine eventually recognized the breed on the 8th of January in 2003, placing it within Group 7 with other continental spaniels. While the breed is not fully recognized by the American Kennel Club, it is listed as a breed in the club’s companion animal recovery scheme. In 2005 the Club de l’Epagnuel de Saint-Usuge already registered 797 dogs and the birth of 66 puppies. These dogs can be found throughout France with the majority being in Saone et Loire but there are also dogs in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States.

Overall, the Saint-Usuge is a superior hunting dog. The breed excels as a water dog, especially hunting grouse. Armed with a keen nose it loves to point and will retrieve tirelessly. This breed is very faithful to its master and it is also a wonderful family pet that loves children.

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