Picardy Spaniel Breed Details
Below are details and specs for the Picardy Spaniel dog breed.
Picardy Spaniel Dog Breed
Epagneul Picard
The Picardy Spaniel is a dog primarily found in France. It is described as being gentle, intelligent, affectionate, and energetic. This dog is a medium sized dog and has a coat that is mottled brown with solid chestnut and chocolate patches. Its coat is thick and wavy, especially on the ears and tail. The original purpose of this breed was as a gundog for hunting waterfowl, although it makes a good hunting dog for most game and is an great companion dog as well. This breed is an adaptable and robust hunting dog, and is also an excellent retriever. It gets along well with children and other animals. The grooming needed for this dog is low, but it requires a large amount of exercise. It is versatile, being well suited to most environments and temperatures. There are no major health issues documented for the breed and the life expectancy is 14 years.
Picardy Spaniel Breed Description
The Picardy Spaniel is a medium sized dog, generally being 22-24 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 44-55 pounds.
Members of this breed are docile, gentle, playful, intelligent, obedient, and resilient dogs with a strong desire for work and companionship. They are excellent with children as well as other pets in the household.
The maintenance needs for these dogs are low for grooming and high for the amount of exercise required. A weekly brushing and extra attention for signs of ear infection are sufficient to meet the grooming needs. Daily exercise is recommended to due to the high level of stamina they exhibit.
Picardy Spaniel Breed History
Picardy Spaniels originated in France and are closely related to Blue Picardy Spaniels. French spaniels date back to the eleventh century, as a result of European pointers brought during the Crusades breeding with Arabian greyhounds. These spaniels began to differentiate among the various regions of France, based on traits better suited to hunting in the specific regions. In Picardie, especially near the Bay of Somme, the abundant waterfowl led to the spaniels of this region being well suited for hunting these birds. In 1907, the Picardy Spaniel was recognized as separate breed from other French spaniels. The Blue Picardy Spaniel is considered a separate breed and developed as a result of breeding between the Picardy Spaniel and English setters. The Picardy Spaniel is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, North American Kennel Club, and American Rare Breed Association.
Picardy Spaniel Appearance
Picardy Spaniels are muscular, squarely built, medium sized dogs. They have long, wide muzzles, and ears that hang down framing the face. Their coat is thick and wavy, with feathering on the ears, tail and legs.
Picardy Spaniel Colors
The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Picardy Spaniels.
Brown and White
Picardy Spaniel Temperament
Members of this breed are gentle, intelligent, social, trainable, eager to please, cheerful. loyal, and devoted family companions. They are obedient and have a strong desire to work, along with high intelligence and trainability. These traits combined with a high stamina and resilience to harsh environments make them excellent hunting dogs. They are very responsive and have a strong desire for human companionship, making them ill-suited to being left alone for long periods.
Picardy Spaniel Maintenance
These dogs are considered low maintenance breed for grooming, but high maintenance for energy. A weekly brushing will keep the coat looking presentable, although special attention should be given to the ears since they are susceptible to ear infection. Considering the high stamina which makes them efficient hunting dogs, the breed will require daily exercise. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable.
Grooming Requirements
Picardy Spaniels require a minimal amount of grooming. Brushing once a week is sufficient to keep the coat in good appearance. As with other dogs that have pendulous ears, they are prone to getting ear infections. To help prevent infections, the ears should be dried after the dog has been in water and should be cleaned regularly.
Exercise Requirements
Members of this breed are natural hunting dogs. Along with their ability to withstand harsh environments, they are obedient, highly trainable and tireless in their efforts to perform for their owner. While they tend to be inactive indoors, they require daily exercise to maintain their stamina. They love to swim and make great dogs for owners who enjoy outdoor activities such as walking and hiking. They can be trained to hunt most small game but excel for hunting duck and other waterfowl.
Living Requirements
Picardy Spaniels have a thick coat which is ideal for hunting in marshes, making them well suiting to most adverse weather conditions and harsh environments. They are better suited to open spaces, but can adapt to smaller areas as long as their exercise needs are met. Although they can tolerate living outdoors due to their thick coat, their desire to be near humans makes them prefer to be indoor dogs.
Picardy Spaniel Health
Similar to other working dogs with large, pendulous ears, this breed is susceptible to ear infections. There are no serious health issues documented with this breed and the life span is typically 14 years.
Picardy Spaniel Health Concerns
Below are potential health concerns associated with Picardy Spaniels.
Ear infections
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Updated:June 24, 2016