• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Alpine Spaniel Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Alpine Spaniel so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Extinct
Popularity Rank199
Reviews2
User Ratings
Compare the Alpine Spaniel With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Alpine Spaniel dog profile picture
OriginSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Savoy flagSavoy
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Alpine Spaniel known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Alpenlandischer SpanielSwiss Alpine Dog
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Alpine Spaniel? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Alpine Spaniel Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Alpine Spaniel? Learn how big the Alpine Spaniel breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does an Alpine Spaniel weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Alpine Spaniel breed.
88–100 pounds (40-45 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Alpine Spaniel?
94 pounds (42.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Alpine Spaniel? Alpine Spaniel height:
24-38 inches (60-96 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Alpine Spaniel?
31 inches (78 cm)

Alpine Spaniel Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Alpine Spaniel puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Alpine Spaniel costs.
Unavailable
Unfortunately the Alpine Spaniel is an extinct dog breed, so there isn’t any available price range or breeder in the world for purchasing this breed.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Alpine Spaniel? How many Alpine Spaniel are there in the world?
Unavailable: This dog breed, unfortunately, is no longer available, it may even be extinct.

Alpine Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Alpine Spaniel? Discover the Alpine Spaniel's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Alpine Spaniel dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Alpine Spaniel is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Alpine Spaniel? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's trainability and response to training methods.
Alpine Spaniel dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Alpine Spaniel as a watchdog? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's alertness and guarding instincts.
Alpine Spaniel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Alpine Spaniel dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is an Alpine Spaniel protective of its territory? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's guarding instincts and behavior.
Alpine Spaniel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Alpine Spaniel can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Alpine Spaniel will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Alpine Spaniel Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Alpine Spaniel have? Learn about characteristic Alpine Spaniel temperament and behavior traits.
ProtectiveLoyalTerritorialBrave
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Alpine Spaniel sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Alpine Spaniel dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Alpine Spaniel a good family dog?
Average to High: Alpine Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Alpenlandischer Spaniel need? Alpine Spaniel social needs:
Alpine Spaniel dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Alpine Spaniel to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Alpine Spaniel roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Alpine Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Alpine Spaniel have high prey drive?
Alpine Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Alpine Spaniel dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Alpine Spaniel Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Alpine Spaniel bark a lot? Learn about typical Alpine Spaniel vocalization patterns and triggers.
A lot: Alpine Spaniel is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Alpine Spaniel? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Alpine Spaniel breed.
The Alpine Spaniel is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Alpine Spaniel live in an apartment? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's suitability for apartment living.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alpine Spaniel breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Alpine Spaniel indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Alpine Spaniel Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Alpine Spaniel to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Alpine Spaniel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Alpine Spaniel be left alone? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's tolerance to solitude.
Alpine Spaniel dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Alpine Spaniel Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Alpine Spaniel biting potential? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Alpine Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Alpine Spaniel mouthy? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's tendency to use mouth during play.
Alpine Spaniel dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Alpine Spaniel dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Alpine Spaniel bite? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alpine Spaniel bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Alpine Spaniel measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Alpine Spaniel is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Alpine Spaniel bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Alpine Spaniel bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Alpine Spaniel puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Alpine Spaniel, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Alpine Spaniel bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Alpine Spaniel can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Alpine Spaniel Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Alpine Spaniel live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Alpine Spaniel breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Alpine Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Alpine Spaniel handle different weather? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's climate adaptability.
Prefers cold weather
The Alpine Spaniel can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Alpine Spaniel? Discover typical conditions affecting the Alpine Spaniel breed.
The Alpine Spaniel is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Alpine Spaniel need vet visits? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Alpine Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Alpine Spaniel Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Alpine Spaniel? Understand daily activity needs of the Alpine Spaniel breed.
Alpine Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Alpine Spaniel need? How much exercise do Alpine Spaniel dogs require per day?

Do Alpine Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises?

Alpine Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Alpine Spaniel breed need?
Alpine Spaniel dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Alpine Spaniel Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Alpine Spaniel prone to weight gain? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's obesity risks.
Average: The Alpine Spaniel has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Alpine Spaniel weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Alpine Spaniel need daily? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's feeding requirements.
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Alpine Spaniel Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Alpine Spaniel hypoallergenic? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Alpine Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Alpine Spaniel come in? Discover all possible Alpine Spaniel color variations.
Tan Red Brown
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Alpine Spaniel need? Learn about Alpine Spaniel coat maintenance requirements.
Advanced: The Alpine Spaniel requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Alpine Spaniel a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Alpine Spaniel, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does an Alpine Spaniel drool a lot? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's drooling habits.
The Alpine Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Alpine Spaniel could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Alpine Spaniel.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Alpine Spaniel smell bad? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's natural odor levels.

Low 🔽

The Alpine Spaniel has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Alpine Spaniel have? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's fur characteristics.
Curly
Bathing Needs
How often does an Alpine Spaniel need baths? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Alpine Spaniel dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Alpenlandischer Spaniel? Do Alpine Spaniel dogs shed a lot?
Alpine Spaniel dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Alpine Spaniel Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Alpine Spaniel good with children? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's behavior around kids of different ages.
Alpine Spaniel dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Alpine Spaniel get along with other pets? Discover the Alpine Spaniel's compatibility with other animals.
Alpine Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Alpine Spaniel temperament with other people:
Alpine Spaniel dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Alpine Spaniel dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Alpine Spaniel breed live with a cat?
Alpine Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Alpine Spaniel good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Alpine Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs?
Alpine Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Alpine Spaniel can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Alpine Spaniel breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Alpine Spaniel breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Alpine Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Alpine Spaniel dogs good office canines? Do Alpine Spaniel dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Alpine Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Alpine Spaniel dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Alpenlandischer Spaniel temperament with senior people? Are Alpine Spaniel dogs good for elderly owners?
Alpine Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.

Alpine Spaniel As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Alpine Spaniel be a service dog? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Alpine Spaniel is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Alpine Spaniel good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Alpine Spaniel is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Alpine Spaniel good at detection work? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Alpine Spaniel is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Alpine Spaniel do search and rescue? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Alpine Spaniel is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Alpine Spaniel good on boats? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Alpine Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Alpine Spaniel pull carts? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Alpine Spaniel is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Alpine Spaniel used in military service? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Alpine Spaniel Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Alpine Spaniel usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Alpine Spaniel pregnant? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Alpine Spaniel: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Alpine Spaniel have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Alpine Spaniel Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Alpine Spaniel in? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Alpine Spaniel in? Learn about the Alpine Spaniel's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Alpine Spaniel Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Alpine Spaniel dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Alpine Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Alpine Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Alpine Spaniel has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Watchdog Rating: Alpine Spaniel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Alpine Spaniel dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Child Compatibility: Alpine Spaniel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Alpine Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Alpine Spaniels are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Alpine Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Alpine Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alpine Spaniel breed.
  • Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The Alpine Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Alpine Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Alpine Spaniel dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Alpine Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Alpine Spaniel History

The Alpine Spaniel finds its origins on the snowy mountains of the Swiss Alps, dating back to the early 1800s.

The dogs were performing a noble task as mountain rescue dogs by the Austin Canons to save and rescue travelers who got lost, injured, or stuck in the harsh climate and the snowy terrain of the mountains. The dogs were also used for searching purposes, because of their scenting abilities, looking for stranded or buried hikers, alerting the rescuers about the location of the injured. Moreover, when the dogs were not climbing high on the mountains, they would help out people in the villages guarding the livestock, herding sheep and cattle, and towing heavy things, if necessary. Despite their name, the Alpine Spaniel was much stronger and larger than the Spaniel breeds we know today. Their coats were also different, it needed to acclimatize to the harsh external conditions while offering the dogs protection.

A male specimen of the Alpine Spaniel, named Barry became famous and honored for his work rescuing people in the early 19th century. It was known throughout the whole regions of the Swiss Alps, that Barry rescued a total of 40 people from the snowy death. There many tales, myths, and rumors about Barry’s heroic actions, and the life he had lived. According to urban legends, either Barry retired by the age of 12 and lived happily ever after on a nice farm, surrounded by loved ones, or that Barry died on his 41st rescue attempt. There is not much documentation left from that period of time, yet based on the local tales about Barry, it is safe to say that the breed was well-esteemed. The body of Barry is thought to have been preserved and modified many times, in order for experts to be able to describe the exact specifications of the Alpine Spaniel.

As people started to notice the Alpine Spaniel’s capabilities in search and rescue, breeders began to mix the breed with others, with the intention of getting an even better rescue dog. Breeders started the breeding processes by crossing the Alpine Spaniel with the Newfoundland, because of their large thick coats. Unfortunately, this breeding mix did not turn out great, for the reason that snow and ice resulted in being frozen into the dogs’ longer and thicker fur. Consequently, these puppies were given to the local villagers. Moreover, because of poor conditions in the villages, accident and disease outbreaks were considered rife. Consequently, around the middle of the 19th century, the Alpine Spaniel is thought to be extinct because of some underlying disease that eventually wiped out all of the purebred specimens of the population. Yet, because of the cross-breeding, two separate variations emerged from the Alpine Spaniel. Today these are known as the Clumber Spaniel and Saint Bernard. Today, the National History Museum holds information on the breed and also has preserved specimens, of what is thought to be the Alpine Spaniel. Nevertheless, there is always new information revealing about the breed, as research projects unfold the DNA left in the archaeological findings.

Rate The Alpine Spaniel Breed

Alpine Spaniel Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Nicole

    Jan 21, 2021, 3:34:30 PM:

    Answer to the review on why this breed is extinct. Breed numbers dwindled in the 1830's and an unknown disease wiped them out in the 1840's Pretty cool dogs, sad to know they're extinct.

  • dog good

    Jan 19, 2021, 7:39:54 PM:

    why extinct?