The Picardy spaniel originated in the Picardy region of France. It is one of the two oldest spaniel breeds known today. In its native homeland, the Picardy spaniel was developed as a gun dog to tag along on hunting expeditions in search of pheasant, ducks, hares and other quarry. The breed was popular with French nobility. Its numbers waned, however, when British hunters introduced the novelty of their own hunting breeds to the region. Considered a rare breed today, the Picardy spaniel still has not achieved recognition in the American Kennel Club.
The Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized Spaniel-type breed with square proportions and a muscular body. Their heads are oval and they have long muzzles. Their ears are large and pendant. The wavy coat of the Picardy Spaniel is medium-length or long and can vary in color. The coat needs to be brushed often to prevent matting and tangling.
Personality
The Picardy Spaniel is a friendly, sociable and happy breed. They are very affectionate and loving and form close bonds with their human families. They need plenty of exercise and are not suited for indoor living. They are very intelligent and loyal, and therefore easy to train. They are friendly towards other dogs and strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spaniels |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Epagneul Picard |
Picardy Spaniel Build Information
The Picardy spaniel’s muscular body stands at an average height of 22 to 24 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 44 and 55 pounds. The weather-resistant coat is medium in length and slightly wavy, and there is feathering on the backs of the legs, tail, ears and abdomen. Coat colors may be chestnut or chocolate brown, and there may be either sandy markings or areas with white or gray spots. The ears and the tail are carried downward. The Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized Spaniel-type breed with square proportions and a muscular body. Their heads are oval and they have long muzzles. Their ears are large and pendant. The wavy coat of the Picardy Spaniel is medium-length or long and can vary in color. The coat needs to be brushed often to prevent matting and tangling.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
Behaviour and Personality
The Picardy spaniel is a sociable dog that is easy to train. The gentle dog enjoys playing with children. The breed is essentially calm and very loyal. Picardy spaniels enjoy the water, and they make excellent sidekicks on the hunting trails. The Picardy Spaniel is a friendly, sociable and happy breed. They are very affectionate and loving and form close bonds with their human families. They need plenty of exercise and are not suited for indoor living. They are very intelligent and loyal, and therefore easy to train. They are friendly towards other dogs and strangers.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
A Picardy spaniel should be brushed or combed two to three times a week to prevent the hair from tangling and matting. Attention should be paid to combing out the feathery hair on the armpits, ears and abdomen. The ears need to be inspected during these grooming sessions to check for dirt and debris. Clean the ears if any debris is noted to prevent ear infections. The Picardy spaniel’s teeth should be brushed three times a week in order to remove plaque and prevent the onset of periodontal disease.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Picardy Spaniel Common Health Conditions
The Picardy spaniel lives an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. The breed is hardy and has no known genetic health conditions.
Picardy Spaniel Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a rare breed of European hunting dog that also serves as a loving and loyal family member, consider the Picardy spaniel. The Picardy spaniel originated in France. The Picardy spaniel is also known as an Epagneul Picard. The Picardy spaniel is a gentle and affectionate family companion and a skilled hunter and retriever. The Picardy spaniel stands 22 to 24 inches tall and weighs 44 to 55 pounds. The Picardy spaniel has a moderate energy level. The Picardy spaniel requires moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Picardy spaniel is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
