The Saint-Usuge Spaniel: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Épagneul de Saint-Usuge is a pointing dog originating from Bresse, around the village of Saint-Usuge in Saône-et-Loire. Used by local hunters, it nearly disappeared in the 20th century before being saved by enthusiasts who established the type from the last remaining dogs. The Club of the Épagneul de Saint-Usuge supported its official recognition in France. It remains a little-known breed, mainly found among hunters of plains and woods.

Medium-sized spaniel, slightly longer than tall, with fine bone structure. The head is fine, the stop slightly marked, the ears long and flat, well fringed. The coat is medium-long, flat or slightly wavy, never woolly. The coat color is brown, brown and white, sometimes roan, often with white markings. The gait is supple and sustained.

A hunter at heart, affectionate at home and cooperative with a clear master. He is generally gentle with the children of the household. His nose and his desire to search make him less available as soon as a trail appears. He is not a guard dog.

He needs varied outings, searching, and contact. A fenced garden helps, but is not enough. In an apartment, only with a very sporty owner. After hunting or a long hike, he often proves calm at home.

Receptive and sensitive, he learns well through play and regularity. Recall and the “stop” are essential. Brutal methods shut him down. Early socialization with other dogs and hunting noises makes the work easier.

A Saint-Usuge Spaniel puppy is often between 800 and 1,500 euros. The rarity of litters matters more than commercial prestige.

A rustic breed that is still little industrialized, it mainly presents the usual risks of pointing dogs: ears, eyes, joints and parasites. The narrow genetic base requires cautious breeding. A puppy from worked and monitored parents remains the best choice.

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel needs a complete, digestible diet adjusted to its age, its activity and its body condition. Protein quality and control of energy intake matter as much as the volume of the ration.

He is sometimes simply nicknamed “Saint-Usuge”. Its revival from a very small core makes it one of the finest successes in preserving a French spaniel. It is still little known outside hunting circles.