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Saint-Usuge Spaniel
Sporting breed from Bresse region, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Saint-Usuge Spaniel
The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a medium-sized, elegant, and robust French spaniel with a brown coat. It is known for its versatility as a pointing and retrieving gundog and has a gentle, affectionate personality. The breed is described as intelligent, eager to please, loyal, devoted, energetic, and adaptable. However, individual temperaments can vary. Estimated adult weight ranges from 13 to 20 kg, height from 45 to 54 cm, and lifespan from 12 to 15 years. Its recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Saint-Usuge Spaniel at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginBresse region, France
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight13–20 kilogram
Female weight13–20 kilogram
Male height45–54 centimetre
Female height45–54 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is an ancient French breed developed in the 19th century in the Bresse region of France as a versatile gundog. It nearly became extinct after World War II, but its survival is credited to the dedicated efforts of Father Robert Billard, who began a careful breeding program in 1950 using remaining stock and regional historical standards. The breed was recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (France) in 1990 and provisionally by the FCI in 2003. Its origins are firmly in the Bresse region of France, and it belongs to the Sporting group.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
13–20 kilogramAdult weight45–54 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesPendingCoat colorsBrownRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentleaffectionateintelligenteager to pleaseloyaldevotedenergeticadaptable
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Saint-Usuge Spaniel-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Saint-Usuge Spaniel puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight13–20 kilogramAdult female weight13–20 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?
The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height is 45–54 cm, weight 13–20 kg. Estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These are modelled estimates, not exact figures.
What is the temperament of a Saint-Usuge Spaniel?
The breed is described as gentle, affectionate, intelligent, eager to please, loyal, devoted, energetic, and adaptable. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits.
How much exercise does a Saint-Usuge Spaniel need?
The breed has an energy score of 4 out of 5, indicating high energy. It likely requires regular, vigorous exercise, but specific needs depend on the individual dog.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming score is 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate grooming needs. The coat is brown, but specific coat types are not provided. Shedding score is 3 out of 5, indicating moderate shedding.
Is the Saint-Usuge Spaniel suitable for families or apartments?
Child suitability is scored 3 out of 5, dog compatibility 3 out of 5, and apartment suitability 3 out of 5. These scores suggest moderate suitability, but individual experiences may differ.
Where does the Saint-Usuge Spaniel originate from?
The breed originates from the Bresse region of France. It was developed in the 19th century as a versatile gundog.
Is the Saint-Usuge Spaniel recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. It was recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (France) in 1990 and provisionally by the FCI in 2003. Other registries may have different statuses.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.