The French Spaniel gained distinction during the Middle Ages as a setting dog used for net hunting. The breed is regarded as the precursor of the modern setters with its style of moving stealthily along and freezing like a statue at the scent of feathers. The French Spaniel is one of the breeds that not only hunted birds, but they also hunted with birds. They often worked with falcons on outings.

Also called Epagneul Francais.