Bleu Picard
Breed Description

The Bleu Picard is the alternate name for the Blue Picardy Spaniel, also known in its native France as the Épagneul Bleu de Picardie. This naming reflects the breed's distinctive blue-grey coloration and its regional origins in the Picardy area of northern France. The "Bleu" designation distinguishes this breed from its close relative, the Picardy Spaniel (Épagneul Picard), which features a brown coat rather than the characteristic blue-grey speckled appearance.

The breed is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under Group 7 (Pointing Dogs) and is classified separately from the standard Picardy Spaniel due to its unique coat coloration and the infusion of English Setter bloodlines in its development. In Canada, the breed gained recognition by the Canadian Kennel Club in June 1995, following importation efforts by dedicated enthusiasts in the late 1980s.

In the United States, the Bleu Picard can be registered with the American Rare Breed Association, which follows the FCI breed standard. The breed remains relatively rare outside of France, with approximately 1,000 puppies registered annually in its homeland. Despite its scarcity, the Bleu Picard has gained appreciation among sporting dog enthusiasts who value its versatile hunting abilities and gentle family temperament.

The name "spaniel" in this context refers to the breed's heritage and classification rather than its working style, as the Bleu Picard is actually a pointing breed rather than a flushing spaniel like Cocker or Springer Spaniels. This distinction is important for understanding the breed's hunting methodology and training requirements.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel's breed standard is maintained and overseen by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which officially recognized the breed in 1938 as distinct from the Picardy Spaniel. The FCI classification places the breed in Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.2 (Continental Pointing Dogs, Spaniel type), reflecting its versatile hunting heritage and working characteristics.

The breed standard established by the Club de l'Épagneul Picard et Bleu de Picardie describes a medium-sized, well-muscled dog with distinctive blue-grey coloration created by black and white hairs intermixed throughout the coat. The standard specifies that the head should be fairly large with a relatively broad, oval skull and pronounced stop. The muzzle must be long and fairly broad, with a wide nose featuring well-opened nostrils. Eyes should be large and dark, conveying a calm expression, while ears are set slightly above eye level and reach the tip of the muzzle when extended.

In North America, the breed has established a presence through organizations such as the North American Picardy Spaniel Alliance (NAPSA), which works to promote both the Picardy Spaniel and Blue Picardy Spaniel. The Canadian Kennel Club formally recognized the breed effective June 1, 1995, establishing breed standards that align with FCI requirements. In the United States, while not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, the breed can be registered through the American Rare Breed Association.

Breed standards emphasize the Bleu Picard's versatile hunting capabilities, requiring dogs to demonstrate proficiency in pointing, retrieving, and working in water. The breed should exhibit stamina, determination, and a willingness to work in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. Temperament is a crucial element of the standard, with emphasis placed on the breed's gentle, obedient, and even-tempered nature alongside its responsive working attitude.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Not Recognized"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Not Recognized"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized - Group 7, Section 1.2"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Not Recognized"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Recognized - Sporting Group"

The Bleu Picard presents a distinctive and elegant appearance that immediately sets it apart from other sporting breeds. The most striking feature is the coat's unique blue-grey coloration, created by a fine mixture of black and white hairs that produce a speckled or ticked effect throughout the body. Large black or dark blue patches often appear on the coat, adding to the breed's characteristic appearance. This coloration extends to the skin itself, which displays a bluish tinge unlike the brown-toned skin typical of most gundog breeds.

Standing 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 43 and 45 pounds, the Bleu Picard is a medium-sized dog with an athletic, well-proportioned build. The body is slightly longer than tall, conveying strength and endurance without appearing heavy. The chest is deep, providing ample lung capacity for sustained work, while the legs are long, strong, and well-muscled. The feet are rounded and well-furnished with hair between the toes, providing traction in marshy terrain.

The head is fairly large and presents a noble expression. The skull is relatively broad and oval-shaped, with a pronounced stop leading to a long, broad muzzle. Large, dark eyes set in deep sockets convey the breed's calm and gentle temperament. The eyes typically range from dark brown to deep amber. The nose is broad with well-opened nostrils, optimally designed for scenting work. Lips are fairly pendulous, giving the face a soft appearance.

The ears are one of the breed's most charming features, set slightly above eye level and hanging close to the head. When extended forward, they reach approximately to the tip of the nose. The ears are covered with long, silky, wavy hair that frames the face beautifully. The coat itself is flat or slightly wavy, of medium length, with pronounced feathering on the ears, legs, belly, and tail. This feathering requires regular attention to prevent tangling and maintain the breed's elegant silhouette.

The history of the Bleu Picard is intimately connected with the marshlands of the Picardy region in northern France, particularly the area around the mouth of the River Somme. At the turn of the 20th century, this region was renowned as a paradise for waterfowl hunters, attracting sportsmen from across Europe, particularly from Great Britain. The story of the Blue Picardy Spaniel's development begins with these British hunters and their prized English Setters.

Due to quarantine restrictions in the United Kingdom that made it difficult or impossible to bring dogs back home after hunting expeditions in France, British sportsmen began boarding their English Setters with local kennels in the Picardy area. Over time, these English Setters, particularly those displaying the blue belton coat pattern (a fine speckling of black and white), bred with the local Picardy Spaniels that had existed in the region for centuries. This interbreeding created dogs with distinctive blue-grey coloration that set them apart from the solid brown Picardy Spaniels.

The first recorded black and blue-grey spaniel that would become characteristic of the breed appeared in 1875, though it would take several more decades before the Blue Picardy gained recognition as a distinct breed. In 1904, a Picardy Spaniel was first shown at the Paris Canine Exposition, officially classified as a French Spaniel. When the Club de l'Épagneul Picard et Bleu de Picardie was formed in 1907, breeders began to categorize the two types of Picardy Spaniels as separate entities.

Official recognition of the Blue Picardy Spaniel as a distinct breed came in 1938 in France, acknowledging the unique characteristics that distinguished it from the Picardy Spaniel. The breed's development incorporated not only English Setter blood but also influences from Gordon Setters, which contributed to the breed's pointing ability and distinctive coloration. This careful blending created a versatile hunting dog that combined the best traits of spaniels and setters.

World War II nearly proved catastrophic for the breed, as it did for many European dog breeds. The population dwindled dramatically, and the Blue Picardy Spaniel faced potential extinction. Through the dedicated efforts of French breeders, the population slowly recovered in the decades following the war. By the 1990s, the breed had regained sufficient numbers to be exported to other countries, though it remains relatively rare even today.

The first Blue Picardy Spaniels arrived in Canada around 1987, imported by Ronald Meunier of Saint-Julien, Quebec. The breed gained official recognition from the Canadian Kennel Club in 1995. In the United States, the breed remains quite rare, with only a handful of breeders dedicated to its preservation and promotion. Today, approximately 1,000 Blue Picardy Spaniel puppies are registered annually in France, with small but growing populations in Canada and the United States. The breed continues to be valued for its exceptional hunting abilities and its gentle, family-friendly temperament that makes it equally at home in the field or on the family couch.

The Bleu Picard possesses a temperament that beautifully balances intense working drive with gentle companionability. In the field, this breed displays remarkable determination, focus, and stamina, working tirelessly to locate and retrieve game across challenging terrain and in adverse conditions. Yet at home, these same dogs transform into calm, affectionate family members who are content to relax on the couch after a satisfying day of activity.

One of the breed's most endearing qualities is its deep devotion to family. Bleu Picards thrive on human companionship and form exceptionally strong bonds with their people. They are sensitive to their owner's moods and emotions, responding with empathy and affection. This emotional intelligence makes them wonderful companions who seem to understand when their people need comfort or company. They are notably patient and gentle with children, tolerating the noise and activity of young family members with remarkable grace.

The breed's intelligence is evident in both hunting and home environments. These dogs are quick learners who understand complex commands and remember training well. Their desire to please makes them highly trainable, responding best to positive reinforcement methods that build on their natural enthusiasm and work ethic. However, their intelligence also means they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can manifest as restlessness or mischief.

Bleu Picards are generally quiet dogs, not given to unnecessary barking or vocalization. They may alert to strangers approaching but do so without excessive noise, making them suitable for suburban environments. Their calm demeanor extends to interactions with other dogs and pets, as they typically get along well with fellow canines due to their pack-oriented hunting heritage. While they possess prey drive befitting a hunting breed, proper socialization allows them to coexist peacefully with cats and other household animals.

The breed displays an even-tempered, stable personality that makes them reliable companions. They are rarely aggressive or overly timid, instead showing a balanced confidence in various situations. While gentle and patient, they maintain their dignity and aren't pushovers—they simply choose cooperation over confrontation. This stable temperament, combined with their affectionate nature and impressive working abilities, makes the Bleu Picard a truly versatile companion for active families who can provide the exercise and engagement these dogs need to thrive.

The Bleu Picard adapts remarkably well to family life, though potential owners must understand that this is fundamentally an active sporting breed that requires space and activity to thrive. In the right home, these dogs become cherished family members who participate enthusiastically in all household activities while maintaining a calm and pleasant demeanor indoors.

Space considerations are important for this breed. While Bleu Picards can adapt to suburban living with adequate exercise, they do best in homes with access to a securely fenced yard where they can explore and play. Their hunting heritage means they may follow interesting scents, so secure fencing is essential. Apartment living is generally not recommended unless the owner is exceptionally committed to providing multiple lengthy exercise sessions daily.

Family integration is where the Bleu Picard truly shines. These dogs want to be involved in family activities and don't do well when isolated or left alone for extended periods. They follow family members from room to room, content simply to be near their people. This attachment means they're poorly suited to outdoor-only living or situations where they would spend most of the day alone. They need human companionship to be emotionally healthy and happy.

With children, the breed demonstrates exceptional patience and gentleness. They seem to understand that youngsters require special care and adjust their behavior accordingly. Bleu Picards are sturdy enough to handle active play yet gentle enough to be trusted with even small children under proper supervision. They often form particularly strong bonds with kids who participate in their care and activities. Teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs remains important, as even patient dogs have limits.

The breed typically coexists peacefully with other family dogs, particularly when raised together from puppyhood. Their social nature and pack-oriented background make them excellent companions for other canines. With cats and smaller pets, early socialization is key. While their prey drive means supervision is wise, many Bleu Picards learn to view household cats as family members rather than prey.

Daily routine with a Bleu Picard should include substantial exercise—at least an hour of vigorous activity such as running, swimming, or field work. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, these dogs can become restless and may develop unwanted behaviors. When their exercise needs are met, they display the calm, easygoing nature that makes them such pleasant house companions. Many owners describe their Bleu Picards as having an "off switch"—intense and driven in the field, but perfectly content to relax at home once they've had their activity fix.

Training a Bleu Picard is generally a rewarding experience thanks to the breed's intelligence, eagerness to please, and responsive nature. These dogs are quick learners who thrive on positive reinforcement methods that build their confidence and enthusiasm. Starting training early—from puppyhood—establishes good habits and takes advantage of their natural willingness to learn.

The breed responds best to gentle but consistent training approaches. While they are biddable and eager to work, they can be sensitive to harsh corrections or overly forceful methods. Patience, consistency, and positive rewards create dogs who work enthusiastically and reliably. Early socialization is crucial, exposing puppies to various people, places, sounds, and experiences to develop confident, well-adjusted adults. Puppy kindergarten classes provide excellent opportunities for both socialization and foundational training.

Basic obedience training should emphasize recall, as the breed's hunting instincts mean they may be tempted to follow interesting scents. Teaching a solid recall command and reinforcing it regularly throughout the dog's life is essential for safety. Training sessions should be kept interesting and varied, as the breed's intelligence means they can become bored with excessive repetition. Short, frequent training sessions work better than long, monotonous ones.

For owners interested in hunting with their Bleu Picard, the breed's natural instincts make training straightforward. They possess excellent scenting ability, strong pointing instincts, and natural retrieving drive. Many begin showing hunting behaviors early, pointing birds and small animals even as puppies. Professional guidance from experienced pointing breed trainers can help develop these natural talents to their fullest potential.

Exercise requirements for the Bleu Picard are substantial and non-negotiable. This is a high-energy breed developed for sustained work in challenging conditions, and they need vigorous daily activity to remain physically and mentally healthy. A minimum of one hour of serious exercise is required, though many dogs appreciate more. Suitable activities include long runs, hiking, swimming, fetch games, and field work. Simply turning them loose in a yard isn't sufficient—they need activities that engage both body and mind.

The breed excels at various dog sports that channel their natural abilities. Hunting tests and field trials allow them to demonstrate their pointing and retrieving skills. Agility provides mental and physical challenges while building confidence and strengthening the handler-dog bond. Nose work and tracking activities tap into their exceptional scenting abilities. Dock diving appeals to their love of water and retrieving. These organized activities provide excellent outlets for energy while strengthening training and enhancing the human-dog relationship.

Without adequate exercise, Bleu Picards can develop behavioral problems including destructiveness, excessive barking, hyperactivity, and difficulty settling indoors. Meeting their exercise needs isn't just about physical health—it's essential for their mental wellbeing and for maintaining the calm, pleasant indoor demeanor that makes them such wonderful family companions.

The Bleu Picard is generally considered a healthy breed with relatively few genetic health problems, particularly when obtained from responsible breeders who conduct appropriate health testing. The breed typically enjoys a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, which is favorable for a dog of this size. Maintaining this good health requires attention to preventive care and awareness of potential health issues that can affect the breed.

Hip dysplasia is a concern in the breed, as it is in many medium to large sporting dogs. This condition involves improper formation of the hip joint, where the ball and socket don't fit together correctly. Over time, this misalignment causes arthritis, pain, and reduced mobility. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock through radiographic evaluation and obtain certifications from organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Weight management, appropriate exercise during growth, and joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help support hip health throughout the dog's life.

Eye disorders represent another area of concern for the breed. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative condition affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness. Ectropion, where the eyelid rolls outward exposing the inner surface, can also occur. Regular ophthalmologic examinations by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist help detect these conditions early. Reputable breeders have their dogs examined and cleared of eye problems before breeding.

Ear infections are common in the Bleu Picard due to their long, pendulous ears that trap moisture and limit air circulation in the ear canal. Dogs who swim frequently or work in wet conditions face increased risk. Regular ear cleaning, particularly after swimming or bathing, helps prevent infections. Watch for signs including head shaking, ear scratching, odor, redness, or discharge. Prompt veterinary treatment of ear infections prevents complications and chronic problems.

Obesity can affect the breed if food intake isn't carefully managed relative to activity level. While working Bleu Picards burn significant calories, dogs with reduced activity levels can easily gain excess weight. Obesity stresses joints, contributes to diabetes, and reduces lifespan. Measure food carefully, avoid excessive treats, and adjust portions based on body condition and activity level. Regular veterinary check-ups include body condition scoring and weight monitoring.

Field injuries represent occupational hazards for working Bleu Picards. Dogs hunting in rough terrain may experience cuts, punctures, torn pads, or encounters with wildlife. After field work, carefully examine the dog for injuries, paying particular attention to feet, legs, and face. Keep first aid supplies on hand and know when veterinary attention is needed. Some dogs benefit from protective boots when working in especially rough conditions.

Preventive care forms the foundation of good health for the breed. Regular veterinary examinations at least annually, and more frequently for senior dogs, allow early detection of developing problems. Keep vaccinations current according to your veterinarian's recommendations and your dog's lifestyle and risk factors. Maintain heartworm prevention year-round in endemic areas, as treatment for heartworm disease is lengthy, expensive, and risky. Flea and tick prevention protects against parasites and the diseases they transmit. Screening tests including blood work help detect problems before clinical signs appear, particularly as dogs age. Dental care prevents periodontal disease that can affect overall health. Weight management through appropriate diet and exercise maintains ideal body condition and reduces stress on joints and organs. With proper care, regular veterinary attention, and responsible breeding practices, the Bleu Picard typically enjoys a long, healthy, active life.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Bleu Picard's health and longevity.

The Bleu Picard's grooming needs are moderate and manageable for owners willing to commit to regular maintenance. While not as high-maintenance as some long-coated breeds, they do require consistent attention to keep their coat healthy and attractive and to prevent health issues.

Brushing should occur at least once or twice weekly using a slicker brush or pin brush to work through the medium-length coat. Pay particular attention to areas with feathering—the ears, legs, chest, belly, and tail—where tangles and mats are most likely to form. During spring and fall shedding seasons, increasing brushing frequency to three or four times weekly helps manage the increased hair loss and keeps the coat in good condition. Regular brushing distributes natural oils throughout the coat, promoting healthy skin and a lustrous appearance.

Bathing requirements vary depending on the dog's activities and living conditions. Dogs who spend considerable time in the field or water may need monthly baths, while less active dogs might be fine with bathing every two to three months. Always use a high-quality dog shampoo appropriate for their coat type, and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent skin irritation. After bathing, dry the dog completely, paying special attention to the ears to prevent moisture-related problems.

Ear care is particularly important for the Bleu Picard due to their long, pendulous ears that can trap moisture and debris. Check ears weekly and clean them as needed with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution. After swimming or bathing, carefully dry the ear canals to prevent bacterial or yeast infections. Watch for signs of ear problems including head shaking, scratching at ears, odor, redness, or discharge, and consult a veterinarian if these symptoms appear.

The hair growing between the toes requires regular attention. This hair can become matted and tangled, potentially involving the skin and causing discomfort. Trim this hair carefully every few weeks to keep the feet comfortable and to prevent debris accumulation. While trimming the foot area, also check and trim nails every two to three weeks. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect the dog's gait, so maintaining appropriate length is important for overall health and comfort.

Dental care is essential for long-term health. Brush teeth several times weekly using dog-specific toothpaste and a soft brush. Starting dental care early in puppyhood makes it a routine part of grooming that dogs learn to accept. Professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian supplement home care and help prevent periodontal disease.

Many Bleu Picards carry a characteristic dog odor that some owners find more pronounced than other breeds. Regular bathing and attention to skin folds and ears help minimize odor. Some dogs benefit from professional grooming every few months for thorough bathing, trimming, and coat care.

If you're looking to adopt a Bleu Picard, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Bleu Picards waiting for their forever homes.