Blue Picardy Spaniel

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Blue Picardy Spaniel (�pagneul Bleu de Picardie) is a hunting dog originating in France. This relatively new dog breed is considered one of the best dogs in France when it comes to locating and retrieving game under most adverse conditions. A descendent of Picardi Spaniels and English Setters, the Blue Picardy Spaniel is a calm, friendly and gentle dog around its family and a relentless and hardworking dog when on the hunt. This medium size muscular dog has height and weight between 22-24 inches and 43-45 pounds respectively. The skull is large and oval with a long and wide muzzle. The nose is large and well open and the large expressive eyes are dark colored. The thick ears are set just above the eye line. Neck is strong with a slight dewlap. The chest is moderately deep with well sprung ribs. Back and loin are moderately long. Both the forequarters and the hindquarters are well muscled. Its tail typically does not extend beyond the hock and is normally straight. The coat of Blue Picardy Spaniel is flat or slightly wavy with feathering on the ears, legs, underside and tail. It comes in speckled gray black forming a bluish shade.

Still rare outside its native country France and Canada, this breed is NOT recognized by AKC however UKC, CKC, FCI recognize this dog as a pure breed.

Color

The Blue Picardy Spaniel's coat is speckled gray black forming a bluish shade. This distinguished coat color makes this dog unique among other dogs.

Coat

The coat is flat or slightly wavy with feathering on ears, legs, underside and tail.

Personality

Calm, well-mannered and very patient, the Blue Picardy Spaniel has all the characteristics to qualify as a very good and handy family pet. Known to be very gentle and kind to children, it makes a good playmate for them. Its very adaptable nature means the dog gets along well with other dogs in the family. This eager to please dog displays gentle, acquiescent, affectionate character and is excellent with children and other dogs. Though very gentle and always non-aggressive towards its family, the dog has built-in protecting instinct. It makes a good watch dog and will defend its family and property if such need arises. When on hunting, the dog is untiring and relentless. It can cover long distances trotting or galloping depending upon terrain. Its love for work is unsurpassed. This dog is built to be a working and it is happy when on the job. This versatile dog can work in different conditions equally well and is an excellent hunting companion. Its owners will no doubt be proud of its beautiful blue-grey, roan coat and its heavy feathering which gives an air of elegance to its athletic frame. Faithful, intelligent, obedient and even-tempered, the Blue Picardy Spaniel makes an admirable family pet and hunting companion.

Care

Its coat is easy to maintain. Brushing the coat once in a week should be sufficient to keep it clean. Ears should be checked for infection.

Training

Intelligent and very responsive, the Blue Picardy Spaniel will be easy to train specially with gentle but consistent training sessions. Innovative training sessions with praise and rewards will be best for this smart dog.

Activity

As like all working dogs, the Blue Picardy Spaniel has high exercise needs. This high energy dog will not be satisfied with a mere long daily walk. It would need lots of playing opportunities and ample space to run and play freely.