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Picardy Spaniel - MAIN HUB

Meet the Picardy Spaniel: a rare, gentle French gundog that’s loyal, athletic, and loves active family adventures. Ideal for hiking and swimming!

BREED GROUP

Sporting Dogs

Country of origin

France

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

20 -

25 IN

51 -

64 cm

BREED WEIGHT

44 -

55 LB

20 -

25 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Picardy Spaniel is an ancient, rare French gundog known for its calm, gentle, and loyal temperament. Originally bred for hunting in marshy terrains, these versatile dogs are exceptionally athletic and require 1-2 hours of daily exercise, such as hiking or swimming. They are highly intelligent and food-motivated but possess a sensitive nature, thriving best with positive reinforcement training. While they adapt well to family life and are great with children, their high prey drive and need for mental stimulation make them better suited for active owners.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1954.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Picardy Spaniels good family dogs?

Good

7 out of 10

The Picardy Spaniel is an excellent family dog due to its calm, gentle, and loyal temperament, and it is known to be great with children. However, they are best suited for active families who can provide the one to two hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation they require to thrive.

Good

7 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels are generally excellent with children, known for their calm, gentle, and patient temperament. They form strong bonds with family members and are often protective and watchful over kids. Due to their high energy and athletic nature, they thrive best with active children who can engage them in outdoor play and exercise.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels are a good choice for first-time owners who are active and committed to consistent training. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to positive reinforcement.

Below Average

4 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels can adapt to apartment living if their high physical and mental exercise needs are met daily. While they are friendly and relatively calm indoors, they require vigorous activity to prevent boredom.

High

3 out of 10

A yard is highly recommended for the Picardy Spaniel to provide a safe space for them to run and play, satisfying their high energy and athletic nature.

Above Average

6 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels are people-oriented gundogs that don't do well left alone for long stretches, especially without enough exercise beforehand. Four to six hours is generally the upper limit for adult dogs, and less for puppies. Pairing alone time with a satisfying walk or training session beforehand helps this breed settle.

Great

8 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels generally coexist well with cats, especially when raised together from a young age or provided with systematic socialization. Their gentle and affectionate temperament helps them form friendly bonds with other animals, though their natural hunting instincts mean that interactions with smaller pets should be supervised to ensure they aren't mistaken for prey.

Easygoing

7 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels are not naturally aggressive and are known for their calm, gentle, and sociable temperament. They are typically friendly with strangers and other dogs, although they possess a serious bark and a vigilant nature that makes them good watchdogs. Any potential for reactivity is generally managed well through their natural desire to please and a sensitive disposition that responds best to positive reinforcement.

High Energy

6 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels are high-spirited and athletic dogs with abundant energy levels. Bred for endurance, they require significant daily exercise to stay balanced.

~60 min a day

6 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels require at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, such as long walks, hiking, or swimming, to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Good

6 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels can tolerate warm weather with proper care, but their thick, weather-resistant coats make them susceptible to overheating during intense activity. Owners should provide constant access to shade and fresh water, and limit vigorous exercise to the cooler morning or evening hours.

Good

6 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels can tolerate warm weather with proper care, but their thick, weather-resistant coats make them susceptible to overheating during intense activity. Owners should provide constant access to shade and fresh water, and limit vigorous exercise to the cooler morning or evening hours.

Often Restricted

4 out of 10

Picardy Spaniels are often restricted in apartments primarily because their large size frequently exceeds common rental weight limits, which typically range from 25 to 50 pounds. Although they have a gentle and easygoing temperament, their high exercise requirements and athletic nature make them less suitable for small, confined spaces. It is essential to verify individual landlord policies regarding weight caps and specific rules for active sporting breeds before renting.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Picardy Spaniels are a generally healthy and hardy breed, but their small gene pool and physical structure necessitate proactive care. As a veterinarian, I recommend prioritizing screenings for hip dysplasia and eye conditions like entropion or ectropion. Due to their heavy, pendulous ears, they are particularly prone to chronic ear infections, requiring regular cleaning and drying, especially after swimming or field work. Owners should also be aware of rare instances of juvenile cataracts and seizures. Maintaining a lean body weight is essential to prevent obesity and reduce stress on their joints, ensuring these athletic gundogs remain active and comfortable throughout their long lifespan."

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