Blue Picardy Spaniel
Other names : Bleu Picard, Épagneul Bleu de Picardie
The Blue Picardy Spaniel was developed in France during the early 20th century. She descends from the Picardy Spaniel and English Setter. Like her close relatives, the Blue Picardy Spaniel is a highly energetic dog that needs around two hours of exercise each day. This versatile hunting dog can also make a great family pet, although they’re extremely rare outside of France and Northern Canada.
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Life expectancy |
The Blue Picardy Spaniel has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Medium
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Adult size |
Female
Between 22 and 27 in
Male
Between 22 and 24 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 33 and 40 lb
Male
Between 33 and 40 lb
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Coat colour
Speckled blackish gray. The general appearance is that of a bluish dog, with black spots. |
Black
Blue
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Type of coat
Medium length. Single layered. Flat or wavy. |
Long
Wavy
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Eye colour
Dark. |
Brown
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The Blue Picardy Spaniel isn’t actually blue, although her grey coat takes on a “bluish” hue under certain kinds of lighting.
Around a 1,000 Blue Picardy Puppies are born in France every year. They’re also popular in Canada but virtually unheard of everywhere else.
Her exercise demands can’t be underestimated. She needs at least two hours of intense physical activity every single day.
More details about the Blue Picardy Spaniel
Blue Picardy Spaniel: Origins and history
In the early 20th century, the area around the mouth of the river Somme was a popular hunting spot for French and British game hunters, but the British hunting parties were required by law to quarantine their dogs in the Picardy area. These English setters were cross-bred with french hunting dogs, and the Blue Picardy Spaniel was born. It was recognised as a separate breed in 1938 and is still a popular working dog in France and the French-speaking areas of Canada.
FCI classification of the Blue Picardy Spaniel
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Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
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Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Blue Picardy Spaniel: Characteristics
This kind, soft-natured dog loves showing and receiving lots of affection.
High-energy working dogs like the Picardy Blue love to play, and it’s really important for their early development and long-term health.
As long as her needs are met, she will be calm and relaxed at home. She adapts very well to family life.
Like most working dogs, the Blue Picardy is a quick learner with a natural desire to impress the pack leader. She is capable of understanding complex commands and rarely forgets a new “trick.”
These dogs are natural born trackers and retrievers. She has an exceptionally high-prey drive, and particularly likes hunting in wet terrain.
Picardy Spaniels are social dogs that thrive off human company. They’re also very curious and keen to make as many human friends as possible.
She loves her master, and will stick to them like glue.
Blue Picardy Spaniel: Behaviour
These dogs are not suited to long periods of solitude. They form very strong bonds with their owners and will soon develop mental health issues if they’re not getting enough companionship.
The Blue Picardy is a naturally obedient breed that responds really well to the right training methods. Sessions should be short, fun, and challenging.
Generally pretty quiet. No specific issues with excessive barking.
Keep a close eye on her during long walks off the leash and secure all outdoor areas. There is a chance she could run away.
Since she doesn’t like being lonely, she can do silly things if she is left too long without distractions.
Blue Picardys can be quite greedy; they’ll eat as much as you let them! So go easy on the doggy treats.
Her great kindness and affection mean she is a pretty hapless guardian. She will ask for cuddles from any home intruder.
Training a Blue Picardy Spaniel
The Blue Picardy is a naturally obedient breed that responds really well to the right training methods. Sessions should be short, fun, and challenging.
Blue Picardy Spaniel: Lifestyle
She can adapt to life in a flat, as long as she gets plenty of walking time outdoors every day.
These dogs need up to two hours of exercise each day. And they need lots of time off the leash. Ideally, they need to be exercised in large parks or the countryside.
Blue Picardy Spaniels make really good travel companions, although it’s a good idea to take her for a really big walk before any long journeys. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
Breed compatibility Blue Picardy Spaniel
These dogs were bred to track and chase furry creatures; they’re very likely to see any cats as potential prey unless they have grown up together.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a social animal that gets on really well with other dogs. These natural pack dogs quickly establish a hierarchy and rarely resort to aggressive or confrontational behaviour. Early socialisation is important to develop canine codes.
The playful Blue Picardy Spaniel is especially good with children, making her a great family pet.
Personality wise, these dogs are well suited to elderly owners. However, some senior citizens may struggle with the Blue Picardy’s exercise demands.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is easy to train and its gentle and obedient nature is a great match for the first-time dog owner.
Blue Picardy Spaniel: Purchase price
We do not have enough data to set an average price, but you can expect to pay upwards of £800 for a well-bred puppy. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £70 to £100 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Blue Picardy Spaniel: Grooming
Her long, silky coat requires a weekly brush to avoid knots. She should also be checked over after any hunts or forest walks.
Blue Picardy Spaniel: Health
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a well-bred and very healthy animal with an average lifespan of 13 years.
Working dogs tend to be strong and robust, and the Blue Picardy Spaniel is no exception.
Picardy Spaniels have no problems dealing with warmer weather, although it’s best to avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day. They can get overexcited which may lead to heat exhaustion.
These hardy dogs are well equipped for the cold weather. They have dense, insulating coats designed to keep them warm, and can safely dive in ice to recover game.
She is very greedy, and the risk of weight gain is significant. Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial for any dog’s long-term health.
- Ear infections
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Hunting injuries
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