{"id":83506,"date":"2014-11-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-25T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=83506"},"modified":"2025-11-07T17:10:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T15:10:41","slug":"blue-picardy-spaniel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-blue-picardy-spaniel","title":{"rendered":"Blue Picardy Spaniel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Blue Picardy Spaniel (\u00c9pagneul Bleu de Picardie)<\/strong> is a rare and elegant breed of gundog originating from the Picardy region of northern France. This dog is not just a beautiful companion, but also a highly skilled hunter, particularly adept at working in marshlands and water. Its unique ‘blue’ coat, which is actually a complex mix of black and white hairs, gives it an aristocratic appearance. However, beneath this refined exterior lies a hard-working, resilient, and incredibly loyal dog. In this article, we’ll explore all aspects of life with this unique dog, from its fascinating history to its daily care needs. Read more on this at Tvaryny<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Blue Picardy Spaniel: A Breed Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Blue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Characteristic<\/th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Origin<\/strong><\/td>France (Picardy)<\/td><\/tr>
Year of Recognition<\/strong><\/td>1938 (French Kennel Club), 1953 (FCI – standard clarification)<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.2 (Continental Pointing Dogs, ‘Spaniel’ type)<\/td><\/tr>
Life Expectancy<\/strong><\/td>12-14 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers (males)<\/strong><\/td>57-60 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers (females)<\/strong><\/td>55-58 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>18-23 kg (often cited as 15-20, but modern standards are slightly higher)<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Loyal, intelligent, calm at home, energetic in the field, friendly<\/td><\/tr>
Use<\/strong><\/td>Hunting (especially waterfowl and marsh game), companion dog<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Blue Picardy Spaniel is inextricably linked with its ‘father’ – the Picardy Spaniel<\/a>. For centuries, local spaniels existed in the Picardy region of France, valued for their hunting qualities. They were known for their stamina and ability to work in the challenging marshy conditions of the Somme river valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The emergence of the ‘blue’ variation began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At that time, British hunters often came to France with their dogs, particularly setters. Strict British quarantine laws made it difficult to bring the dogs back home, so many remained in France. This led to crossbreeding between the local Picardy Spaniels and blue roan English Setters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This crossbreeding was not just about changing the coat colour. The ‘English blood’ introduced a lighter build<\/strong>, more refined movements, and possibly enhanced some working qualities, particularly speed and search range. The English blood was dominant in the newly-developed breed, giving them a lighter frame than other spaniels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the black colouring (which creates the ‘blue’ effect when speckled) was initially undesirable in hunting dogs for fear they would be hard to see at dusk, the outstanding working abilities<\/strong> of these dogs quickly earned respect. The Blue Picardy Spaniel was recognised as a seperate<\/strong> breed in 1938. The breed remains relatively rare today, most common in its ‘homeland’ of Picardy and in Canada, where it is recognised by the local kennel club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Blue Picardy Spaniel Looks Like: Appearance and Standard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Blue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, athletic yet elegant in build. It gives the impression of a sturdy, resilient hunter<\/strong>, capable of working all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head and Skull<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dog’s head is large but proportional to its body. The skull is oval and fairly broad, with a pronounced stop (transition from forehead to muzzle), but not too sharp. The muzzle is long and straight, not pointed. The bridge of the nose is straight. The nose itself is large, black, with well-opened nostrils. The lips are somewhat pendulous but not excessively ‘wet’, and should cover the lower jaw well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eyes and Ears<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eyes are one of the breed’s most expressive features. They are large, dark (usually dark brown), with a very calm, gentle, and slightly melancholy expression. The ears are typical for a spaniel: thick, pendulous, and set slightly above the eye line. They are covered in long, wavy, silky hair, which adds to the dog’s charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body and Limbs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dog has a strong but not heavy build. The neck is muscular, with a slight dewlap. The chest is deep and well-developed, providing ample space for the lungs. The back is straight and strong, with muscular loins. The croup is slightly sloping. The limbs are muscular with strong bones, allowing the dog to move easily on both land and water. The paws are round, compact, with thick pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tail is of medium length, usually not extending below the hock. It is never hooked. It is covered with long hair, forming a ‘feathering’. The dog carries its tail fairly low, but it can be in motion when working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coat and Colour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The coat is thick and feels harsh on the body, but is not overly coarse. On the head, the hair is short and fine. On the ears, limbs, and tail, it forms longer, wavy ‘feathering’. The colour is what gives the breed its name. It is a grey-black speckling on a white background (known as blue roan)<\/strong>, which creates an overall impression of a ‘blue’ or greyish-blue shade. Large black patches of various sizes are often present. This colouring is a mandatory feature of the breed. Fawn (tan) markings are considered a fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Character: Temperament and Behaviour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a classic example of a dog with a ‘dual personality’ in the best sense of the term. In the field, it is a passionate, driven, and tireless hunter<\/strong>. At home, it is an affectionate, calm, and quiet member of the family<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n