Breed History:

The Picardy Spaniel (Épagneul Picard) is one of the oldest continental spaniel breeds, developed in the Picardy region of northern France during the Middle Ages. It was used by the French nobility for upland bird hunting in marshy, wooded terrains.

Closely related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel, the Picardy is believed to have descended from early French hunting dogs crossed with British sporting breeds, especially after British hunters brought Setters and Spaniels to France in the 19th century. While historically popular among local hunters, the breed remains rare outside France today.

If you want to learn about other spaniel breeds, check out our page "Different Spaniel Dog Breeds". 

Size: Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Picardy Spaniel is a strong, athletic, and well-balanced dog with an elegant sporting build.

The breed commonly features:

• Broad, well-proportioned head
• Long, square muzzle
• Dark amber eyes
• Long, feathered ears
• Deep chest
• Strong, muscular neck
• Well-developed limbs
• Moderately long, feathered tail

Its dense, slightly wavy coat is weather-resistant and provides excellent protection while working in wet and rough terrain.

Common coat colours include:

• Grey with brown markings
• Brown roan
• Grey-brown with brown patches

The breed's feathered coat and athletic frame reflect its heritage as a versatile pointing and retrieving dog.

Breed Type – Sporting Dog:

The Picardy Spaniel is an intelligent, calm, and dependable sporting breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Gentle
• Calm
• Affectionate
• Eager to please

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and generally gets along well with children, strangers, and other pets when properly socialised.

Training:

The Picardy Spaniel is highly intelligent and eager to learn.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Recall training
• Leash manners
• Consistent leadership

The breed excels in:

• Hunting
• Pointing
• Retrieving
• Tracking
• Obedience
• Companion activities

Structured, reward-based training helps the breed become a confident and well-mannered companion.

Health & Care:

The Picardy Spaniel is generally healthy but may be prone to several health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
• Ear infections
• Progressive retinal atrophy

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Picardy Spaniel thrives in active homes where it receives regular exercise, training, and close family companionship.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with secure yards
• Rural or suburban homes
• Active families
• Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts
• Experienced or committed first-time dog owners

The breed prefers living indoors with its family and is not suited to prolonged isolation.

Exercise:

The Picardy Spaniel has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Daily walks
• Hiking
• Retrieving games
• Swimming
• Obedience training
• Mental enrichment activities

Regular physical activity and mental stimulation are essential to maintain the breed's physical and mental well-being.

Grooming:

The dense, feathered coat requires moderate maintenance.

• Brushing two to three times per week
• More frequent brushing during seasonal shedding
• Occasional bathing
• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming
• Regular dental care

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year and benefits from consistent coat maintenance to prevent tangles.

Advantages:

• Highly intelligent and easy to train
• Excellent pointing and retrieving companion
• Gentle and affectionate family dog
• Calm and adaptable temperament
• Good with children and other pets
• Hardy and well suited for outdoor activities

Disadvantages:

• Requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
• Needs regular grooming and ear care
• May become bored without sufficient activity
• Prone to hereditary joint and eye conditions
• Can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently
• Relatively rare breed with limited availability