Picardy Spaniel
Other names: Épagneul Picard

The Picardy Spaniel is a handsome, athletic dog that was bred to hunt, retrieve, and track prey. These dogs need lots of exercise but become surprisingly docile once they’ve stretched their legs. They have gentle natures and are very affectionate towards young children, making them a great family pet. The Picardy Spaniel is also easy to train and responds best to a gentle hand. They make an excellent “starter” dog for first-time owners.
Key facts about the Picardy Spaniel
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Origins and history
Considered as one of the oldest and most capable spaniel breeds, the Picardy Spaniel was a prized companion and hunting dog of the French aristocracy. The breed became even more popular after the French revolution. After the revolution, hunting was no longer an exclusive right of the nobility, meaning that many working-class farmers and hunters came into contact with these highly prized working dogs. The Picardy Spaniel is still very much a working dog and is virtually unseen outside of its native France. This means it has yet to be recognised by UK kennel clubs.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Picardy Spaniel
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 24 in
Male : Between 22 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 40 and 51 lb
Male : Between 40 and 51 lb
Coat colour
Speckled grey, marked with brown.
Type of coat
Single layered. Slightly wavy. Medium length.
Eye colour
Dark amber.
Description
The Picardy Spaniel is an active dog with a sturdy, well-balanced frame. They have powerful legs, long streamlined bodies, and a high, proud head framed with wavy-haired ears. Their rich, glossy coats give them an almost regal appearance, while their dark soulful eyes create an endearing and warm expression.
Good to know
Picardy Spaniels are sensitive creatures. They need a gentle hand and lots of love and affection. They have an exceptionally high-prey drive. They shed during spring and autumn.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Picardy Spaniel
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Is the Picardy Spaniel right for you?
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Compatibility
Price
We do not have enough data to set an average price. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £70 to £100 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
Their long, silky coats require a weekly brush, and their ears should be checked and cleaned to avoid infection. Apart from that, the Picardy Spaniel is a fairly low-maintenance breed.
Shedding
Moderate shedder.
Nutrition of the Picardy Spaniel
An adult Picardy Spaniel requires around 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food each day. Traditional meals of raw meat, vegetables, etc, are preferable, but otherwise high quality industrial foods should be fine.
Health of the Picardy Spaniel
Life expectancy
The Picardy Spaniel is a very healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 13 years.
Strong / robust
Picardy Spaniels were bred to hunt and track prey through the dense countryside. This means they are tough, sturdy, and very robust.
Withstand heat
Picardy Spaniels have no problems dealing with warmer weather, although it best to avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day.
Withstand cold
Their long thick coats do a great job of keeping them warm during colder times of the year.
Tendency to put on weight
These dogs can be a bit greedy, meaning they’ll quickly put weight on if you overfeed them or they do not get enough exercise.