Popular with royalty during the Middle Ages, it nearly became extinct by the turn of the 20th century but was saved by the efforts of Father Fournier, a French priest.

The American Kennel Club has included the breed in its Foundation Stock Service, the first step to full recognition.

Spaniels were first mentioned in France during the 14th century in Gaston III of Foix-Béarn's work Livre de chasse, later translated into English as The Master of Game.

They became a favourite of French Royalty and Kings and Princes at the royal courts of Versailles favored them over other breeds of hunting dogs.

The Sporting Magazine wrote of the French Spaniel and the hunting of mallards in 1805, "The rough French Spaniel has been found the best companion on these occasions: he watches the conduct of the sportsman, and, with a velocity unequalled, darts on the wounded prey, presents it with all possible speed at the feet of his master.

In addition, they must be geographically spread across twenty states or more, and finally the clubs by-laws and constitution must be reviewed as well as breed observations made by AKC staff.

During this time, the breed club must be seen to be active and hold seminars, matches as well as local and national speciality shows.

[19] The Kennel Club (UK) does not have a miscellaneous class or foundation stock service, instead it requires British bred dog and three generation pedigrees of them, along with details from the country of origin including the breed standard.

This allows listing on the Imported Breeds Register, with full recognition granted at the discretion of the Kennel Club Review Committee.

The normal colour of a French Spaniel's coat is white with brown markings rather in shade from a light cinnamon to dark liver.

Dogs who are affected will lick, bite and mutilate their extremities resulting in ulcers with secondary bacterial infections.