Picardy Spaniel: temperament, price, health, and breeders

Originally from Picardy, the Picardy Spaniel is a very old French breed and one of the first spaniels in the country. It is said to come from crosses between local Spaniels and the Chien d'Oysel. Less widespread than some of its English cousins, it experienced a decline at the beginning of the 20th century before being definitively recognized by the FCI in 1954.

The Picardy Spaniel is a solidly built pointing dog, well muscled and harmonious, a little smaller than the English Setter but overall more developed than other spaniels. Its oval head has a long and fairly broad muzzle, very expressive dark amber eyes and low-set, drooping ears well furnished with silky hair. Its coat is grey speckled with brown patches and tan markings on the head and feet.

Alert, gentle, intelligent and docile, the Picardy Spaniel proves very attached to its owner and pleasant in family life. It nevertheless retains a well-marked hunting dog temperament, with a real taste for searching, work and retrieving, including in wet environments.

The Picardy Spaniel likes to expend energy, play and work. He enjoys long daily outings and thrives more in a house with a fenced garden than in an apartment. Sociable with children and generally fine with other animals, he remains not very inclined toward guarding.

Its intelligence, its docility and its desire to cooperate make the Epagneul Picard fairly easy to train, provided it is offered a consistent and active framework. Learning benefits from being based on play, motivation and regularity, with measured firmness but without harshness.

The purchase price of the Epagneul Picard varies depending on the lineage, the seriousness of the breeding kennel and the dog's intended purpose. As the breed remains relatively confidential, availability can also influence the budget and the waiting time.

The Epagneul Picard is overall a hardy and resilient dog, well suited to outdoor conditions and harsh climates. The breed is not known to show a strong major hereditary predisposition, but careful monitoring remains necessary as for any active dog.

The Picardy Spaniel is an active pointing dog that needs a complete diet, energetic enough on hunting days or long outings, and more measured at rest. Good digestibility and weight control protect the joints.

The Picardy Spaniel is particularly appreciated for its ability to work in marshes and to retrieve game in water. Although it is one of the old varieties of French spaniels, it remains today a relatively little-known breed outside its region of origin and the hunting world.