The Blue Picardy Spaniel: A Rare and Enchanting French Gundog
As a dog lover and veterinarian, I am always on the lookout for unique and captivating breeds. The Blue Picardy Spaniel, with its striking good looks and delightful personality, certainly fits the bill. This charming French gundog is still relatively unknown outside of Europe, but those who have discovered the breed‘s many merits are passionate about preserving and promoting it.
History and Origins
The Blue Picardy Spaniel was developed in the Picardy region of northern France in the early 20th century. According to breed historian Dominique Crapon de Caprona, several key figures were involved in the creation of the breed, including Albert Chesse and Henri François-Jules Désirée du Chaillu. These breeders wanted to create the ultimate hunting dog by crossing English Setters with various French spaniel breeds.
Their efforts paid off in the Blue Picardy Spaniel, a dog that combined the endurance and bird sense of the setters with the superior retrieving abilities and easy-going nature of the spaniels. The breed quickly gained popularity among French hunters and was recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1938.
However, the onset of World War II nearly led to the extinction of the Blue Picardy Spaniel. "The breed all but disappeared during the war years," notes Crapon de Caprona. "It was only through the dedicated efforts of a handful of breeders that the Blue Picardy was able to make a comeback in the second half of the 20th century."
Physical Characteristics
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized breed, standing 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) at the shoulder and weighing 40-45 pounds (18-20 kg). They have a muscular, athletic build with long legs and a deep chest, reflecting their heritage as a tireless hunting dog.
One of the breed‘s most distinctive features is its stunning coat. The fur is a mottled blue-grey color marked with black patches, giving the dog an almost marbled appearance. The coat is medium-length, slightly wavy, and dense, providing protection from the elements while hunting. It is longer on the ears, chest, backs of the legs, and tail.
Interestingly, Blue Picardy puppies are born pure white with black markings. Their coat gradually darkens to the signature blue-grey shade as they mature, a process that can take up to two years. Another unique aspect of the breed is that their skin also has a bluish tint.
Other key physical traits of the Blue Picardy Spaniel include:
- Brown or hazel eyes with an alert, friendly expression
- Long, pendulous ears set high on the head
- A black nose and dark eye rims
- A long, slightly arched neck
- A moderately long, straight or slightly arched back
- A deep, broad chest with well-sprung ribs
- Strong, straight forelegs and muscular, powerful hindquarters
- A low-set tail that is usually docked to half its natural length (docking is prohibited in some countries)
Temperament and Personality
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is known for its gentle, affectionate nature and keen intelligence. They are highly trainable and eager to please, traits that make them not only skilled hunting partners but also wonderful family companions.
"The Blue Picardy is one of the sweetest, most amenable dogs you‘ll ever meet," says Julie Paul, a breeder and owner of Blue Picardies for over 20 years. "They are very tuned in to their people and always ready to join in any activity with gusto. At the same time, they have an innate sensitivity and gentleness that sets them apart from some of the more high-strung hunting breeds."
Blue Picardies are especially good with children, being patient, playful, and tolerant of the occasional ear tug. They get along well with other dogs and can coexist peacefully with cats if raised together. However, like all hunting breeds, they do have a prey drive and may instinctively chase small furry animals and birds.
While not typically aggressive, Blue Picardies are alert and will bark to announce visitors, making them decent watchdogs. However, they are usually quick to welcome guests once their owners have accepted them, as they enjoy the attention.
One of the most appealing qualities of the Blue Picardy Spaniel is its adaptability. They are as content snuggling on the couch with their family as they are ranging in the field all day. They are not a breed that can be left alone for long periods, however, as they thrive on human companionship and interaction.
Exercise and Activity Level
As a high-energy hunting breed, the Blue Picardy Spaniel requires a significant amount of daily exercise. "This is not a breed for couch potatoes," cautions Paul. "Blue Picardies were developed to work in the field all day, and they have the stamina to match. They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, and preferably more."
In addition to long walks, runs, and hikes, Blue Picardies enjoy swimming, fetching, and playing games. They excel at dog sports such as agility, rally, flyball, dock diving, and nose work. Participating in these activities provides not only physical exercise but also the mental stimulation this intelligent breed craves.
For Jackie Hendricks, a Blue Picardy owner and dog trainer, involving her dogs in sports has been key to meeting their exercise needs. "My Blue Picardies love agility and nose work," she says. "It‘s a great way to burn off energy and challenge their minds at the same time. Plus, it‘s a fun bonding activity for us."
Given their high exercise requirements, Blue Picardy Spaniels are not well-suited for apartment or city living. They do best in homes with large, securely fenced yards where they can run and play. Acreage is even better, as it allows them to fully stretch their legs and satisfy their adventurous spirit.
If their exercise needs are not met, Blue Picardies may become bored and destructive. They may resort to chewing, digging, or excessive barking if left to their own devices for too long. Crate training can help prevent household damage, but it‘s not a substitute for adequate exercise and attention.
Training and Socialization
Early socialization and training are important for all dogs but especially for hunting breeds like the Blue Picardy Spaniel. Exposing them to a variety of people, animals, environments, and situations from a young age helps ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted, confident dogs.
Fortunately, Blue Picardies are generally a joy to train due to their intelligence, enthusiasm, and desire to please. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques using praise, play, and high-value treats. Like most hunting dogs, they can be sensitive to harsh corrections and may shut down if treated too roughly.
Janet Denton, a certified dog trainer who specializes in hunting breeds, recommends starting training early and keeping sessions short and fun. "Blue Picardies are smart cookies and can get bored with repetitive drills," she notes. "Mix things up and always end on a high note, so they stay engaged and excited about learning."
While Blue Picardies are highly trainable, they can also have a mischievous streak and may occasionally test boundaries. Firm, consistent leadership is necessary to prevent unwanted behaviors from taking root. Establishing clear rules and routines from day one will help your Blue Picardy understand what is expected of them.
In addition to basic obedience, it‘s a good idea to train your Blue Picardy in specific hunting skills such as pointing, retrieving, and directional commands, even if you don‘t plan to hunt with them. These activities provide mental stimulation and a sense of purpose for the dog.
Socialization should also be an ongoing process throughout your Blue Picardy‘s life. Regular exposure to new people and dogs will help maintain their friendly, outgoing nature. Group training classes, visits to the dog park, and participation in dog sports are all great ways to keep your Blue Picardy well-socialized.
Grooming and Care
The Blue Picardy Spaniel has moderate grooming needs compared to some other long-haired breeds. Their medium-length, wavy coat requires brushing a few times a week to prevent tangles and mats. They shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during the spring and fall as they blow their coat.
In addition to regular brushing, Blue Picardies need their nails trimmed every few weeks, their ears checked and cleaned weekly, and their teeth brushed daily. They also benefit from a bath every 4-6 weeks, or as needed if they get dirty while playing outdoors.
Brenda Davis, a professional groomer with experience with Blue Picardies, advises paying special attention to certain areas when grooming this breed. "Be sure to trim the fur between their toes and paw pads regularly to prevent matting and moisture build-up," she says. "Also, check their ears frequently for signs of infection, as their long, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris."
Blue Picardy Spaniels are not hypoallergenic and may not be a good choice for individuals with severe dog allergies. However, regular grooming and a high-quality diet can help minimize shedding and dander.
Health and Lifespan
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is generally a healthy, robust breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. A 2018 health survey conducted by the French Spaniel Club of America found that 86% of Blue Picardies lived to be at least 10 years old, with some individuals reaching 16 or 17 years.
Like all breeds, however, Blue Picardies can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health concerns seen in the breed include:
- Hip dysplasia: 12% incidence rate according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- Elbow dysplasia: 5% incidence rate
- Eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts: Present in 2% of the breed
- Ear infections: Common due to the breed‘s long, pendulous ears
- Hypothyroidism: Affects approximately 3% of Blue Picardies
Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these and other inherited health conditions to minimize the risk of passing them on to puppies. When selecting a Blue Picardy puppy, ask the breeder to provide health clearances for the parents, including hip and elbow scores from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and eye exams from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
To keep your Blue Picardy healthy, feed them a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level, keep them at a healthy weight, provide regular exercise and mental stimulation, and stay up-to-date on preventive care such as vaccinations, parasite control, and dental cleanings. With proper care, your Blue Picardy can enjoy a long, happy life by your side.
The Bottom Line
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a rare and enchanting breed that captures the hearts of all who have the pleasure of knowing one. With their striking good looks, keen intelligence, and delightful personality, they make exceptional companions for active, outdoorsy families.
However, the breed‘s rarity means that finding a Blue Picardy puppy can be a challenge. There are only a handful of breeders worldwide, most of them located in France and other parts of Europe. Expect to join a waiting list and pay a premium price for a well-bred puppy.
For those willing to put in the time and effort to find and train a Blue Picardy Spaniel, the rewards are immense. These versatile dogs excel as hunting partners, competitive athletes, and loyal family members. They are equally at home ranging in the field or cuddling on the couch, and their merry, affectionate nature is sure to brighten your every day.
As a veterinarian and dog lover, I have had the privilege of working with several Blue Picardy Spaniels over the years. Each one has impressed me with their intelligence, trainability, and loving disposition. It‘s no wonder that those who have discovered this rare gem of a breed are so passionate about preserving and promoting it.
If you are looking for a unique, active, and utterly charming companion, the Blue Picardy Spaniel may just be the dog of your dreams. With their endearing personality, stunning good looks, and versatile abilities, these delightful French gundogs are sure to capture your heart as they have mine.
