# Picardy Spaniel

Also known as: Épagneul Picard
- **Group:** Pointer (FCI group 7)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** France
- **Height:** 56–61 cm
- **Weight:** 20–25 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–14 years
- **Temperament:** Docile, Gentle, Sociable, Laid-back, Biddable
- **FCI standard:** No. 108

An old French gundog, larger than most spaniels, with a weatherproof wavy coat and a calm, gentle nature that suits both marsh hunting and family life.

## Overview

The Picardy Spaniel is one of the oldest continental spaniels, bred in northern France as a hunting companion. It is bigger than most spaniels, close to an English Setter in size, with a rugged, weatherproof coat.

It is calm and affectionate, easy to live with, and still prized by hunters of woodland and marsh.

## History

The breed is thought to descend from the old Chien d'Oysel described by Gaston Phoebus and was a favourite of French nobility. It featured in paintings by Desportes and Oudry. Hunting opened to everyone after the Revolution, and the breed thrived in the north-west.

British hunters arrived with their own dogs in the 19th and early 20th centuries and popularity declined; English Setter blood also produced the Blue Picardy Spaniel. A breed club formed in 1921.

## Appearance

A square, muscular dog about 56 to 61 cm tall and 20 to 25 kg. The head is oval with a long muzzle and low-hanging ears. The abundant coat is slightly wavy and comes in chestnut or brown with white and sandy markings.

## Temperament

Docile, sociable and fond of children, with a laid-back attitude and a good willingness to learn. It bonds closely with its owner.

## Care and exercise

Needs regular exercise and enjoys open space and water, though it adapts to a small home if walked well. Brush a few times a week and clean the ears. Avoid overfeeding.

## Health

No major hereditary problems are known and the average lifespan is around 14 years. Pendulous ears make ear infections the main concern, and it can gain weight if overfed.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 3
- Grooming: 3
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 2
- Good with children: 5
- Good with other dogs: 4

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/picardy-spaniel
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picardy_Spaniel · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38030
Photo: Pleple2000 (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Epagneul_picard_685.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.