Longevity
Life expectancy
With good lifestyle hygiene, a suitable diet and sufficient activity, the Blue Picardy Spaniel generally lives between 12 and 14 years. The stability of its weight, ear care and routine veterinary follow-up help to maintain this good longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
It is an enduring working dog, well suited to humid environments and regular outings in the great outdoors. Its coat and build give it good overall resistance, even if it remains necessary to check the condition of the ears, skin, pads and physical condition after exertion.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance mainly concerns the ears, the risk of otitis or inflammation after outings in a humid environment, as well as weight control if activity decreases. A regular check after walks also helps to spot parasites, grass awns or small injuries.
Otitis: Its drooping ears and frequent outings in humid environments can promote ear irritations and infections if they are not dried and checked regularly.
Overweight: If its activity decreases without adjusting its rations, it can gain weight and lose locomotor comfort and endurance.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Blue Picardy Spaniel tolerates cold and humidity rather well, which matches its history as a field dog. It tolerates moderate heat correctly, but intense exertion must be limited during high temperatures and always accompanied by easy access to water and shade.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed can gain weight if its rations are not adjusted to its actual activity level, especially outside the hunting season or when exercise decreases. Regular weighing, measured portions and reasonable treats help maintain a functional silhouette.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check and dry the ears after wet outings.
- Inspect coat, paw pads and skin after walks in nature.
- Regularly monitor weight and body shape.
- Maintain parasite prevention suited to its lifestyle.
Vaccination
Blue Picardy Spaniel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Blue Picardy Spaniel need? Like all dogs, Blue Picardy Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Blue Picardy Spaniel vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Blue Picardy Spaniel booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Blue Picardy Spaniel need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Blue Picardy Spaniel
Annual veterinary follow-up, ear checks, weight monitoring and a careful examination after outings in nature constitute a relevant basis. Depending on the lifestyle, the veterinarian may also recommend strengthened prevention against external and internal parasites.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
