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Blue Picardy Spaniel - MAIN HUB

Meet the Blue Picardy Spaniel: a rare, gentle soul with a stunning speckled coat. Loyal and sweet, this active pup is a dream for energetic families!

BREED GROUP

Sporting Dogs

Country of origin

France

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

22 -

24 IN

56 -

61 cm

BREED WEIGHT

40 -

70 LB

18 -

32 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a rare, medium-sized gun dog from France, prized for its distinctive blue-grey speckled coat and gentle temperament. Known for being calm and even-tempered, this breed is highly affectionate and makes a loyal companion for active families. They are intelligent and eager to please, though their high energy levels require significant daily exercise and mental stimulation. Their coat is relatively low-maintenance, needing only weekly brushing. While generally quiet, they are alert watchdogs that bond deeply with their humans and typically get along well with children and other pets. While generally good with other pets, their strong hunting instincts for waterfowl and upland game may require careful supervision with smaller animals.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Blue Picardy Spaniels good family dogs?

Very Good

8 out of 10

The Blue Picardy Spaniel makes an excellent family dog due to its gentle, even-tempered nature and deep bond with its owners. They are highly affectionate companions that typically get along well with children and other pets, provided they are part of an active household that can meet their high exercise needs.

Good

8 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels are generally excellent with children, known for being friendly, loving, and protective companions. Their calm and patient temperament allows them to match a child's energy during play while remaining gentle and tolerant. As with all breeds, early socialization and supervised interactions with younger children are recommended to ensure safe and respectful play.

Great

8 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels are a great choice for first-time owners due to their obedient, adaptable, and eager-to-please nature, which makes them relatively easy to train. Their gentle and even-tempered personality helps novice owners build confidence, though they must be prepared to meet the breed's high exercise and social needs. Consistent, positive reinforcement is key to successfully managing this sensitive and loyal companion.

Not Recommended

4 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels are generally not recommended for apartment living due to their large size and high energy levels. They require significant daily physical and mental stimulation, which is best met in a home with a large, secure yard. While they can be calm and quiet indoors if their exercise needs are met, their hunting heritage and need for vigorous activity make them better suited for active families in rural or semi-rural environments.

High

3 out of 10

A large, fenced yard is highly recommended for the Blue Picardy Spaniel due to its high energy levels, demanding exercise needs, and strong hunting instincts. While they are calm indoors, these dogs require secure outdoor space to roam, play, and follow scents safely. Without a yard to supplement vigorous daily activity, they may become bored and engage in destructive behaviors.

Below Average

4 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels are highly social dogs that bond deeply with their owners and are not recommended for being left alone for long periods. They thrive on human companionship and can develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors if isolated, as they prefer to be an integral part of their family's daily activities.

Below Average

3 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels generally get along well with other pets, including cats, especially when raised together from a young age. However, as a dedicated gun dog, they possess natural hunting instincts that may trigger a drive to chase. While generally good with other pets, their strong hunting instincts for waterfowl and upland game may require careful supervision with smaller animals. Early socialization and supervised, gradual introductions are essential to ensure a peaceful and safe relationship with feline housemates.

Alert

4 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels are not naturally aggressive; they are known for their calm, mannerly, and patient temperament. While they are gentle and affectionate companions that bond deeply with their families, they possess good watchdog skills and will bark to alert owners when a stranger approaches. Their protective nature ensures they remain alert to potential threats while remaining friendly and well-behaved with those welcomed by their family.

Energetic

8 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels are athletic dogs with high energy levels that thrive on having a job to do. While they are known for having an "off switch" and being calm and laid back indoors, they require significant daily physical and mental activity, such as long walks, hiking, or swimming, to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

60-90 min a day

6 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels are high-energy athletic dogs that require a significant amount of daily exercise to remain healthy and calm indoors. They thrive with at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity, such as long walks, jogs, or hikes, and particularly enjoy swimming and fetching games. Incorporating mental stimulation through dog sports like agility or tracking, along with daily pack walks, helps satisfy their hunting instincts and prevents boredom-related behaviors.

Average

5 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels have a moderate tolerance for warm weather but can be prone to overheating due to their thick, speckled coats. Owners should provide constant access to fresh water and shade, especially during outdoor activities. It is best to schedule exercise during the cooler morning or evening hours and monitor for signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting or lethargy, to ensure their safety.

Average

5 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels have a moderate tolerance for warm weather but can be prone to overheating due to their thick, speckled coats. Owners should provide constant access to fresh water and shade, especially during outdoor activities. It is best to schedule exercise during the cooler morning or evening hours and monitor for signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting or lethargy, to ensure their safety.

Often Restricted

4 out of 10

Blue Picardy Spaniels may face apartment restrictions due to their large size and high energy levels, which often exceed weight limits or space requirements for smaller units. While they are known for their gentle temperament, they are a rare breed that many landlords may not be familiar with, so providing a pet resume and exercise plan can help secure approval. Always verify individual rental policies regarding specific size or breed-related insurance constraints.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Blue Picardy Spaniels are generally healthy and hardy dogs, but their rare status means prospective owners should be vigilant about specific genetic predispositions. As a veterinarian, I recommend prioritizing screenings for hip dysplasia and eye conditions like ectropion and entropion, which can occur in some lines. Because they are avid swimmers and have heavy, feathered ears, they are particularly prone to chronic ear infections; keeping the ear canals clean and thoroughly drying them after water activities is essential. Maintaining an active lifestyle is vital for their physical and mental well-being, but owners should also be aware of rare genetic traits like the recessive yellow gene. Regular veterinary check-ups and proactive ear care will help ensure these gentle, athletic companions reach their full life expectancy."

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