Breed History:

The Blue Picardy Spaniel (Épagneul Bleu de Picardie) originated in the Picardy region of northern France in the early 20th century. It evolved from French Picardy Spaniels with English Setters brought by British hunters to the area after restrictions on hunting in the UK.

Bred as a versatile hunting dog, the Blue Picardy quickly gained a reputation for its excellent scenting ability, adaptability to wet terrain, and calm temperament. Although still relatively rare outside France, it is highly valued among hunters for its ability to retrieve, point, and track game birds in marshy or wooded environments.

Size: Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is elegant and athletic, with a graceful silhouette and a feathered, wavy coat that is distinctively bluish-grey with black ticking or mottling. Its head is long and refined, with dark, expressive eyes and pendulous ears covered in soft hair.

It has a long tail, carried low, and feathering on the chest, legs, and underbelly. The breed’s colouration is unique among spaniels and gives it a striking, almost mystical look.

Breed Type – Gun Dog (Versatile Hunting Breed):

Bred as a multipurpose field dog, the Blue Picardy Spaniel excels at pointing, retrieving, and working in wetlands and woods. It has a strong prey drive, yet it is gentle-mouthed and biddable.

Outside of hunting, the breed is known for being affectionate, quiet, and friendly, making it an ideal companion for active families or outdoorsy individuals.

Training:

The Blue Picardy is intelligent, eager to please, and sensitive, making training relatively straightforward:

• Responds well to positive reinforcement

• Early socialisation and basic obedience are important

• Has natural hunting instincts, so training for field work often comes easily

• Harsh methods should be avoided—they prefer a gentle, consistent hand

They do best with interactive training that includes scent-based tasks or light agility.

Health & Care:

Generally, a robust and healthy breed, though a few issues may occur:

• Ear infections due to long, floppy ears

• Hip dysplasia (uncommon but worth screening)

• Eye problems, such as entropion (rare)

• Obesity if under-exercised

Routine care, especially ear cleaning and weight control, helps maintain long-term health.

Living Conditions:

While adaptable to different settings, the Blue Picardy Spaniel thrives in homes with access to outdoor space. They are best suited for:

• Rural or suburban homes

• Active owners who enjoy hiking, walking, or field work

• Quiet, stable households with time for companionship

They can adjust to apartment living if exercised well, but prefer having room to roam.

Exercise:

High energy and athletic:

• Needs at least 60–90 minutes of daily activity

• Enjoys long walks, running, field games, or retrieving

• Mental enrichment, like nose work or training drills, is important

• Can be a calm indoor dog after satisfying exercise needs

Without sufficient stimulation, they may become restless or bored.

Grooming:

Moderate grooming requirements:

• Brush 2–3 times per week to prevent matting

• Check and clean your ears regularly to avoid infections

• Trim feathered areas if prone to collecting burrs or dirt

• Bathe occasionally, especially after field work

• Routine nail trimming and dental care

The coat is relatively self-cleaning and does not have a strong odour.

Advantages:

• Versatile and skilled hunting companion

• Loyal, affectionate, and calm at home

• Highly trainable and responsive

• Beautiful, unique coat and elegant appearance

• Friendly with children and other pets

• Low aggression and typically quiet indoors

Disadvantages:

• Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation

• Can become bored or destructive if underworked

• Requires attentive grooming, especially ears

• May follow scents and wander off if not trained

• Not well-suited to very sedentary or urban lifestyles

• Still rare outside France, making access to breeders limited