Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 13 to 14 years, the Epagneul Picard can accompany its family for a long time if its physical activity, its diet and its veterinary follow-up remain suited to its lifestyle.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its solid build, hardiness and good tolerance of bad weather make it an overall robust dog. This natural endurance does not exempt it from regular maintenance, especially after outings in the countryside, in undergrowth or in wet areas.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance mainly concerns the routine care of an active dog and monitoring of the drooping ears, which are more exposed to moisture and irritation. Good hygiene after outings and regular checks help to limit small everyday problems.
Otitis: Like many dogs with drooping ears, it may be more prone to inflammation of the ear canal, especially after wet outings or swimming.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Picardy Spaniel tolerates cool and humid climates well, which corresponds to its history as a field hunting dog. In hot periods, efforts must be adapted and intense outings shifted to the most temperate hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Even though it is athletic, the Picardy Spaniel can be greedy. Maintaining a healthy weight requires a ration adjusted to its actual activity, measured treats and regular monitoring of its body shape.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Dry and inspect the ears after working in cover or in water.
- Keep the dog lean to protect the joints.
- Avoid strenuous exertion during growth.
Vaccination
Picardy Spaniel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Picardy Spaniel need? Like all dogs, Picardy Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial 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 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 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 Picardy Spaniel
Request hip evaluations and an eye examination of the breeding dogs, as well as a recent clinical assessment. Annual follow-up with monitoring of weight, ears and locomotion is recommended.
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.
