Blue Picardy Spaniel
Summary
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is a French breed developed in the early 20th century in the Picardy region, from crosses between the Epagneul Picard and English Setters with "blue belton" coats. Recognized as an autonomous breed for its blue-toned grey-black speckled coat, the breed nearly disappeared after World War II, being recovered by dedicated breeders from the 1960s onward. It is currently more common than its relative the Epagneul Picard.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium
- Height (male)
- 57–60 cm
- Height (female)
- 55–58 cm
- Weight (male)
- 20–25 kg
- Weight (female)
- 18–22 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 11–12 years
- Coat
- Flat or slightly wavy, with feathering on the ears, legs, and tail; dense texture
- Common Colors
- Grey-black speckled with a bluish tone (blue roan) with black patches; puppies are born white with black patches
Temperament & Personality
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is described as a calm, obedient, and very adaptable breed, despite needing plenty of exercise given its high endurance. It is especially appreciated for its gentleness with children and its ability to work both in open fields and in marshes and aquatic areas. Its balanced temperament and eagerness to please make it easy to train and suitable for hunters and active families.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 90 minutes
- Suitable for Apartment
- Not recommended
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 4–6 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Ear infections
- Ectropion (eyelid)
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity (pronounced tendency)
- Recommended Health Tests
- Eye examination
- Genetic testing
- Orthopedic evaluation
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Good
- With Cats
- Moderate
- For First-Time Owners
- Acceptable
Is a Blue Picardy Spaniel right for you?
A Blue Picardy Spaniel may suit you if:
- You are prepared to provide at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, satisfying their high endurance.
- You enjoy outdoor adventures, especially activities involving fields, marshes, or water.
- You appreciate a calm, adaptable companion known for its gentle nature and eagerness to please.
- You are committed to consistent, positive training, which they respond to very well.
- You are prepared for moderate grooming, including regular brushing of their dense, feathered coat.
- You understand and can manage their natural pointing instincts and love for exploring scents.
Think twice if:
- You expect a dog that will always prioritize your commands over an interesting scent trail.
- You have a routine that requires your dog to be left alone for long stretches each day.
- You are unwilling to carefully introduce and supervise interactions with cats, given their moderate compatibility.
- You are unable to commit to their daily need for significant physical activity and mental engagement.
- You live in an apartment or do not have a securely fenced outdoor space for them to explore.
- You are not prepared for the energetic and sometimes boisterous nature of a medium-sized dog during its adolescent phase.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel offers a wonderful blend of calm companionship and spirited outdoor enthusiasm. While their adaptable and gentle nature makes them a joy to live with, their deep need for exercise and mental stimulation is non-negotiable. For an active family ready to embrace their hunting heritage and provide consistent engagement, this loyal and loving breed will truly thrive, enriching your life for 11-12 years.
Training a Blue Picardy Spaniel
Your Blue Picardy Spaniel is a joy to train, thanks to their calm, obedient nature and eagerness to please. These intelligent dogs thrive on positive reinforcement, responding best to short, fun, and consistent sessions that keep them engaged. They are highly adaptable and possess high endurance, so ensuring they receive their recommended 90 minutes of daily exercise is crucial for their focus. If training lacks consistency or becomes too repetitive, or if their energy isn't properly channeled, they may become bored or less responsive, making progress slower than it needs to be.
Begin with:
- Attention and response to name around distractions
- Recall on a long line
- Loose-leash walking
- Leave it and drop it
- Calm greetings without jumping
- Settling on a mat or bed
- Cooperative handling for grooming, ears, feet and teeth
- Waiting at doors and gates
Strong Prey Drive
Blue Picardy Spaniels are pointing dogs with a strong natural instinct for scent and prey, developed for working in fields and marshes. This drive can make recall challenging, especially in stimulating environments where an interesting scent or movement can quickly capture their attention and lead them away.
To manage this, start recall training in a low-distraction area, using high-value treats and enthusiastic praise. Gradually introduce distractions, always practicing on a long line until their recall is rock-solid. Make coming back to you the most rewarding choice they can make. This consistent effort will build a reliable recall, even when their instincts kick in. For more detailed steps, check out this guide on teaching recall.
Leash Manners
With their medium size, strength, and high energy, Blue Picardy Spaniels can become strong pullers on the leash if not taught proper manners early. Their daily need for at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise means many walks, so good leash etiquette is essential for both your enjoyment and theirs. A pulling dog can make walks stressful rather than relaxing.
Focus on loose-leash walking from day one, using positive reinforcement to reward walking calmly by your side. Stop walking every time they pull, only resuming when the leash is slack. A front-clip harness can be a helpful tool to discourage pulling without causing discomfort, but consistent training and patience are truly key to success.
Managing High Energy
Blue Picardy Spaniels have a high energy level and require significant physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. If under-exercised, under-stimulated, or left alone for long periods, they can develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or digging, as they seek to entertain themselves and release pent-up energy.
Ensure your Blue Picardy receives at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, which could include long walks, runs, or engaging in dog sports like agility or scent work. Supplement physical activity with mental enrichment through puzzle toys, training sessions, or interactive games to keep their intelligent minds busy and prevent boredom. This balanced approach will help them be calm and content companions.
Blue Picardy Spaniel — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel)?
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie, or Blue Picardy Spaniel, is a charming medium-sized dog hailing from the beautiful Picardy region of France. Developed in the early 20th century, this breed is a delightful blend of the Epagneul Picard and English Setters with distinctive "blue belton" coats. As a member of the FCI Group 7 (Spaniel Type), they are renowned for their striking blue-toned grey-black speckled coat, which truly sets them apart. They embody the classic spaniel elegance with a unique coloration, making them a truly special companion.
What was the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel) originally bred for?
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie was originally bred in France with a clear purpose: to be an exceptional hunting companion. Developed in the early 20th century, these dogs were specifically valued for their high endurance and ability to work tirelessly in diverse environments, from open fields to challenging marshes and aquatic areas. Though the breed faced near extinction after World War II, dedicated breeders lovingly brought them back from the 1960s onward, preserving their remarkable hunting instincts and balanced temperament for future generations to enjoy.
How much exercise does an Epagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel) need?
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is a dog with a high energy level and impressive endurance, so they definitely need plenty of activity to stay happy and healthy! We recommend at least 90 minutes of exercise every day. This isn't just a casual stroll; they thrive on vigorous activities like long walks, runs, swimming, or engaging in dog sports. Providing them with ample opportunities to burn off their energy will ensure they remain a calm and well-behaved member of your family, truly fulfilling their active nature.
Is the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel) a good family dog?
Absolutely! The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is known for being a wonderful family dog. They possess a calm, obedient, and very adaptable temperament, which makes them a joy to have around. They are especially appreciated for their gentle nature with children, often forming strong, loving bonds. Their balanced disposition also helps them integrate well into homes with other pets, making them a harmonious addition to a multi-pet household. With their loving personality, they truly thrive as part of an active family.
Is the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel) easy to train?
You'll be delighted to know that the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is generally considered quite easy to train! Their balanced temperament, combined with an eagerness to please, makes them very receptive to learning. They are described as calm and obedient, which are fantastic traits for any dog owner, especially those new to training. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or an active family looking for a well-behaved companion, their intelligence and cooperative spirit will make training a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both of you.
What health issues are common in the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel)?
Like all breeds, the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie can be prone to certain health conditions, and being aware of them helps you provide the best care. Some documented health concerns for this lovely breed include ear infections, which can often be managed with regular cleaning and veterinary attention. They can also be susceptible to Ectropion, an eyelid condition, and hip dysplasia. Additionally, this breed has a pronounced tendency towards obesity, so maintaining a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine is crucial for their long-term well-being.
What is the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel)'s coat like and how much grooming does it need?
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie boasts a beautiful blue-toned grey-black speckled coat that is as functional as it is attractive, designed to protect them during their work in various terrains. While their specific grooming needs aren't overly demanding, regular care is important to keep them looking their best. Brushing their coat a few times a week will help prevent mats and tangles, especially in the longer feathering on their ears, legs, and tail. This also helps distribute natural oils, keeping their skin healthy and their coat shiny.
What is the typical lifespan of an Epagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel)?
It's wonderful to think about the many happy years you can share with an Epagneul Bleu de Picardie! These delightful dogs typically enjoy a lifespan of 11 to 12 years. Providing them with excellent nutrition, plenty of exercise, regular veterinary check-ups, and a loving environment are all key factors in helping your Blue Picardy Spaniel live a long, vibrant, and fulfilling life by your side. They truly become cherished members of the family for many years.
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