Picardy Spaniel

The Picardy Spaniel is a very affectionate dog. They’ll greet you like you’ve been away for years and often stay as close as possible to their favourite human. 

High-energy working dogs love to play and the Picardy Spaniel is no exception. Playing is really important for these active dogs. It helps keep them physically and mentally stimulated. 

The puppies can be extremely active. In fact, they can even come across as a bit hyperactive. But this tends to settle down as they get older, and a well-exercised adult is a surprisingly docile animal. 

The Picardy Spaniel is a very intelligent dog. Like many working dogs, they learn quickly and are capable of understanding and following complex commands.

These dogs were bred to hunt, track and retrieve, specializing in hares and wild geese. They have an exceptionally high-prey drive. This means they need the right kind of exercise and lots of early socialisation.   

Picardy Spaniels are social dogs who love being around people. They will rarely display any nervousness around strangers.

Unlike other more independent hunting dogs, the Picardy flourishes in the company of their master.

This well-balanced dog can, in spite of its attachment to its masters, tolerate time alone without any problem.

Quiet, docile, and intelligent, the Picardy Spaniel is easy to educate, even for novice masters. They are eager to please, and very pleasant to interact with.

They are very discreet, and don’t bark without good reason.

Like any dog with a high prey drive, the Picardy Spaniel is a bit of a flight risk. Keep a close eye on them during long walks off the leash and secure all outdoor areas. 

As long as they’re getting enough exercise and companionship, a Picardy Spaniel will rarely become destructive. 

Picardy Spaniels can be quite greedy. They’re also quite good at pulling “puppy eyes” in the hope of getting an extra treat. So stay strong and don’t spoil them too much.

The Picardy is a hunting dog and companion, not a guard.

Picardy Spaniels are excellent starter dogs. They’re easy to train and their gentle nature is ideal for people with little or no experience of handling dogs. 

Although they would prefer to live in the countryside and hunt alongside their master, these dogs can easily acclimatize to a city life and apartment if their needs are respected.

These dogs need up to two hours of exercise each day, and they won’t be happy with a gentle stroll around the block. They need plenty of time off the leash to run, track, and explore to satisfy their physical and mental needs.

Picardy Spaniels make really good travel companions. They respond really well to crate training, and should be accustomed from an early age.

Despite their very strong predatory instinct, if the Picardy Spaniel puppy grew up alongside a cat, cohabitation could be very harmonious.

When socialised from an early age, Picardy Spaniels get along well with other dogs. 

These dogs are best suited to families with children who are respectful to animals.

Picardy Spaniels make excellent companions for elderly people living an active lifestyle.