Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison

The American Staghound is hunting dog and type of sighthound that is not recognized as a separate breed. They have historically been bred to hunt coyotes and then other game. Even though they are not considered a separate breed some of their breeding lines have existed much longer than some officially recognized breeds. The American Staghound is a cross between the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There was probably some Borzoi mixed in as well. The Staghound is believed to have traveled with General Custer across the American West. The breed is a long-legged running dog with the speed of a Greyhound, the sighting ability of sight hounds and more endurance than any running breed. They are incredible athletes with amazing agility and have been bred to course game – coyotes mostly – and therefore are bred with a very intense prey drive. In the past they chased stags and deer and today they chase coyotes and hare. Coyotes are much faster than wolves and fight just as hard. The American Staghound is the only breed fast enough to track down the coyote. However, the breed is not recognized by the AKC. Hunting with an American Staghound today is not very different from hunting with them in medieval times. Strict breeding practices and the non-commercialization of the breed has led to the almost perfect preservation of this hunting breed. They have not changed very much over the centuries. They have been breeding Staghound to Staghound since the early 1800’s. At times very, good hunting dogs from Greyhound and Deerhound stock are added to the mix. For hundreds of years now the closed breeding has led to what might be the finest coyote chasing sighthound possible.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel hails from France. The dog, known also as Epagneul Pont-Audemer is a rare breed of gun dog, and dates back to the 19th century.

There aren’t clear records on the origins of the dog, but it is thought that it was developed during the 19th century. It is also thought that the dog was bred from the English Water Spaniel and the Irish Water Spaniel.

When numbers of these dogs declined, the president of the Pont-Audemer breed club permitted other breeds to be crossed with the existing gene pool. In 1980, the breed club merged with the Picardy Spaniel club and the dog is recognized by the FCI as the Pont-Audemer Spaniel.

When you look at the American Staghound you can clearly see the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound lines. They have strong running muscles in their long legs and deep chest. He is of course a sight hound, so his vision is acute. His running endurance is second to none. It is this endurance in running all day that makes the American Staghound difference from the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound. Yes, both the Deerhound are greyhound are great runners, but the American Staghound runs just as fast with an endurance level ten times that of the other hounds. His heavy bones structure and thick skin are also different from the other racing fast sight hounds.

The Pont Audemer Spaniel is a medium- to large-sized breed, standing at between 50 and 58cm in height and weighing in the region of 20 – 27kg, the Pont Audemer Spaniel has a wavy, slightly curly coat of medium length, with some long hair on the top of his head. Common coat colors include white and reddish brown although there are some solid colors too. Te Muzzle of the dog is longish and fairly pointed, the nose brown and they eyes amber or hazel. This is a deep chested dog and wile the tail is traditionally docked, these days it tends to be left long and carried with a slight curve.

Temperament:

The Pont Audemer Spaniel is an intelligent dog that will respond well to training. Training and socialization are important for making him well-rounded and obedient. This spaniel-type dog just loves having loads of fun, even to the extent of being clownish.

Because he is a working dog, and an energetic one at that, he wouldn’t do well in a tiny city property but is better suited to life in the suburbs or the countryside. He is a playful dog and will get on well with children. He can also make a great friend of other dogs, particularly if he grew up with them.

This dog was bred to run fast and long after something it sees. They are not considered hyperactive but won’t live well in a confined space such as an apartment or condo. You will need a single-family house with a large yard. Though they are affectionate, family dogs, they are not cut out to be guard dogs. They are not especially protective or territorial, though they may bark at what they can see in the distance. They are calm in their homes if exercised enough and great with children. They are often gentle and loving. They are pack oriented and accept other dogs, but they are not welcoming toward cats or other prey sized animals. Be careful with the AS around small children as he might knock them down or see them as prey as well. They consider anything smaller that runs to be prey. When chasing prey, they are not only fast and enduring, they are tenacious and courageous. Remember that this is a breed that has been bred true in order to hunt and only in order to hunt. Their hunting instincts will override almost any other. Over the centuries only the best hunters were allowed to be bred so that only the best hunters would be born.

This is truly an old breed of spaniel, loving to spend time outdoors and in marshy areas.

He is a calm, gentle breed, and passionate breeders have worked to preserve it as the dog makes a splendid pet. With an amicable look on his face which has a kind expression, he has other good characteristics to his name such as being intelligent, courageous and energetic.

Whether you’re indoors or out, the Pont-Audemer spaniel is a great companion thanks to his loyalty. Your docile, affectionate and cheerful friend will ensure you tick him off as a pet to be recommended.

The American Staghound has been bred so consistently within the breed and true that they exhibit very few health problems. All running dogs are susceptible to joint issues, but the Staghound has less than most. Two issues they do face more often are a problem with anesthesia if they ever need it and the propensity to be vulnerable to bloat. Since they are a centuries old hybrid there are no real health issues born of genetics.

There isn’t a great deal of information on this dog as it is a fairly uncommon breed, but nonetheless a robust dog breed. He can reach 14 years or more if well cared for.

Their long, floppy ears may be a problem as dogs with long ears like this, where sunlight and air don’t reach the insides of the ear, are more prone to dampness, dirt and wax. The inside of the ears becomes a breeding place for bacteria.

Bloat:

It is the deep chest of the Pont-Audemer Spaniel that can put him at risk for developing bloat. When a dog like this becomes bloated you can actually see the swollen, hard stomach. The dog is extremely restless, he is panting and pacing. Immediate veterinary attention is required as this is a life threatening illness.

Follicular Dysplasia:

Known also as alopecia, there are a few things that can cause your pet to lose his hair. These can be hormonal issues or parasites such as worms.

Feeding

It is important that you don’t ever over feed you American Staghound as they are thin and bred to run. Even though they are heavier boned than their closest relatives, they are still very susceptible to obesity if overfed. The adult AS should be fed about 4-6 cups of dry food every day in at least 2 meals but 3 of more would be better. This will prevent bloat.

Health issues

As previously mentioned there are no genetic issues with the health of the American Staghound. Bred for one reason and one reason alone for many centuries has led to this healthy state. Also, as stated previously they can have issues with bloat and anesthesia. The issue with anesthesia comes from the fact that the American Staghound has very little body fat to muscle ration. The issue with bloat or torsion can be avoided with many smaller meals and not running your Staghound right after they eat a large meal.

Exercise and games

Of course, the American Staghound loves to run and if you are not going to hunt with her, you will have to find another source of vigorous physical activity. Every day from puppyhood on the AS must be stimulated mentally and physically in order to grow and mature correctly. He must have a home where the freedom to run is an everyday experience, not a dog park once a week. If you ride bikes, race walk or run on a daily basis this might be the dog for you. They obviously excel at games like lure coursing and can be good at agility.

Exercise:

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel has always been a working breed so he is used to being active. They have high exercise requirements and will require having quite a large outdoor space to run. Ball and rope games are a must for him, lots of swimming and hikes as well as a daily walk.

Grooming:

Even though the fairly long hair of the spaniel looks as though it may require quite a bit of upkeep, the Pont Audemer Spaniel is a low maintenance dog that will require a good brush twice a week.

While you’re brushing him, feel him over for any new, unusual lumps. Look into his eyes to make sure they’re bright and alert. Check around his ears for ticks and fleas and look inside his ears for dirt and wax which could lead to bacteria and an ear infection.

Diet:

You don’t want your dog gaining weight and becoming obese as this opens up a whole lot of health issues. There are always dogs that can gain weight after they have been spayed or neutered. Remember if you’re using commercially manufactured dog food, to make sure it is high quality and also suited to your dog’s age, it’s season of life and its activity levels.

Give your canine friend some home-made food too, bearing in mind that dogs like simple, healthy food that won’t upset their stomachs, and which will be good for them too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach all chopped up can be so beneficial for your pet. If you cook it in bulk, it can be put into portions and some of this can be added into the dry kibble occasionally. This is a great treat for your dog.

Some raw meat added in from time to time can also be hugely benefit for your pet. Avoid all spicy, exotic foods for your pet.

Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.