The Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a distinctive brown and grey mottled coat and feathered ears.

Medium

22-24 inches (at the shoulder)

45-55 pounds

Medium-length, flat or slightly wavy, with feathering on the ears, legs, and tail

Brown and grey mottled, often with tan markings, giving a roan-like appearance

Rounded skull, well-defined stop, long muzzle

Dark amber, expressive

Set high, hanging close to the head, covered in silky hair

Naturally long, reaching to the hock, carried in a slight curve

The Picardy Spaniel is known for its gentle, affectionate, and calm temperament, making it an excellent family companion.

Forms strong bonds with family members and loves to be involved in activities.

Known for its gentle nature, especially with children and other pets.

Generally calm indoors, but energetic and enthusiastic when outdoors.

Highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.

Extremely loyal to their owners and protective of their family.

Generally friendly towards strangers, though they may be reserved initially.

The Picardy Spaniel is best suited for active individuals or families who can provide ample exercise and companionship, and who appreciate a gentle, affectionate dog.

Generally good with children and other pets.

Hunting instincts may lead them to wander if not properly contained.

The ideal owner for a Picardy Spaniel is someone who is active, dedicated to training and socialization, and looking for a loving and loyal companion, whether for hunting or family life.

Care for the Picardy Spaniel involves moderate grooming, a balanced diet suitable for an active breed, and a living environment that allows for regular exercise.

Brush their coat 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Bathe only when necessary.

Check and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections, especially important due to their floppy ears.

Trim nails regularly, usually every few weeks, to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Brush their teeth regularly to maintain good dental hygiene.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding to prevent weight gain.

Adaptable to various living situations, but access to a securely fenced yard or regular outdoor exercise is essential.

Picardy Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train, and they require moderate to high levels of exercise.

Picardy Spaniels respond well to positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and play. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial for developing a well-behaved companion. They excel in obedience, agility, and, of course, hunting activities. Their intelligence means they can become bored easily, so training sessions should be kept engaging and varied.

This breed needs a significant amount of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Long walks, jogging, hiking, and swimming are excellent activities. They also thrive in activities that utilize their natural hunting instincts, such as field trials or retrieving games. A fenced yard is recommended, as their hunting drive may lead them to wander.

Maintain a consistent training schedule and rules to reinforce good behavior.

Use positive reinforcement techniques for best results.

Expose them to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age.

Provide puzzle toys and interactive games to keep their minds engaged.

Harsh training methods can damage their sensitive nature.

The Picardy Spaniel is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.

A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and lameness.

Their floppy ears can trap moisture, making them prone to ear infections.

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

The Picardy Spaniel originated in the Picardy region of France, with its roots tracing back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Developed from local French spaniels and, possibly, English Setters, the breed was primarily used for hunting waterfowl and other game in the marshy areas of the Somme River. The breed's numbers dwindled during the World Wars, but dedicated breeders worked to preserve it. The United Kennel Club (UKC) officially recognized the Picardy Spaniel in 1996. While still rare, especially outside of France, the breed is gaining appreciation for its hunting prowess and gentle nature.

Yes, Picardy Spaniels are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them excellent companions for children, especially when raised together.

They have a moderate shedding level. Regular brushing (2-3 times a week) helps manage shedding.

They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, including walks, runs, or playtime. They also benefit from mental stimulation.

Yes, they are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.

They can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are met, but a home with a fenced yard is ideal.

The average lifespan of a Picardy Spaniel is 12-14 years.

No, Picardy Spaniels are not hypoallergenic.

They are not excessive barkers, but they may bark to alert their owners to something unusual.

Finding a breeder may require some research, as they are relatively rare. Contacting breed clubs or organizations dedicated to French Spaniels can be helpful.

While closely related, the Picardy Spaniel is primarily brown and grey mottled, while the Blue Picardy Spaniel has a bluish-black and grey mottled coat, giving it a distinct 'blue' appearance. The Blue Picardy also tends to be slightly smaller.