Blue Picardy Spaniel
Breed Description

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is known by several names that reflect its French heritage and distinctive characteristics. The breed's official French name is Épagneul Bleu de Picardie, which directly translates to Blue Spaniel of Picardy. Some enthusiasts and breed clubs also refer to this dog as the Bleu Picard, a shortened version that highlights its regional origins. In international sporting dog circles, it may be called the Blue Picardy Setter due to its setter ancestry and pointing behavior. Hunters sometimes use the informal name Long-legged Spaniel to distinguish it from other spaniel breeds, as the Blue Picardy Spaniel has notably longer legs than traditional water spaniels. The breed is occasionally referred to as the Picardy Blue in casual conversation, though this name can cause confusion with its close relative, the Picardy Spaniel, which has a brown coat rather than the distinctive blue-gray coloring that gives this breed its name.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel stands as one of France's most elegant sporting breeds, combining the refined appearance of a setter with the enthusiastic temperament of a traditional spaniel. This medium-sized gun dog exhibits a perfectly balanced physique that speaks to its dual heritage from both Picardy Spaniels and English Setters. The breed's most striking feature is its distinctive blue-gray coat, created by an intricate pattern of black and white speckling that gives the fur a shimmering, almost metallic appearance in certain lighting conditions.

Standing between 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55 to 65 pounds, the Blue Picardy Spaniel possesses an athletic build that enables it to work tirelessly in challenging terrain. The breed's body is slightly longer than it is tall, creating a rectangular silhouette that maximizes both power and endurance. Their strong, muscular hindquarters provide the drive needed for long days in the field, while their well-developed chest houses the lung capacity essential for sustained work.

The head of the Blue Picardy Spaniel is beautifully proportioned, featuring a moderately wide skull with a gentle dome and well-defined stop. Their expressive dark eyes convey intelligence and eagerness, while their long, pendulous ears frame the face gracefully. The muzzle is broad and strong, designed for soft-mouthed retrieval of game. Their neck is of moderate length, blending smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders that contribute to their fluid, efficient gait.

Perhaps most remarkable is the breed's coat quality and pattern. The Blue Picardy Spaniel's fur is flat to slightly wavy, with beautiful feathering on the ears, legs, chest, and tail. The base color appears blue-gray due to the unique intermingling of black and white hairs, often accompanied by larger black patches that create additional visual interest. Puppies are born primarily white with gray markings, with their full adult coloration developing as they mature.

This breed's movement is characterized by a smooth, ground-covering gait that demonstrates both power and grace. Their natural pointing instinct is strong, and they typically exhibit excellent bird sense from an early age. The Blue Picardy Spaniel carries its tail at or slightly below back level, with an animated wag that reflects their enthusiastic approach to both work and life.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, as this rare French breed has limited presence in the United States. However, the AKC acknowledges the breed's quality and sporting abilities, and individual dogs may participate in AKC events through their Foundation Stock Service program when available. The breed's rarity in North America means that formal AKC recognition remains a future possibility pending sufficient population growth and breed club establishment.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI recognizes the Blue Picardy Spaniel under Standard No. 106 in Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.2 (Continental Pointing Dogs of Spaniel Type). The standard describes a well-balanced, medium-sized dog with distinctive blue-gray coloring from black and white speckling. The ideal height ranges from 57-60 cm (22.4-23.6 inches) for males and 56-58 cm (22-22.8 inches) for females. The FCI emphasizes the breed's gentle expression, strong build for work, and characteristic coat pattern. The tail should be carried horizontally or slightly below, and the movement should be fluid and energetic. Disqualifications include aggressive behavior, obvious physical abnormalities, and deviation from the blue-gray coat color.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC officially recognized the Blue Picardy Spaniel (Épagneul Bleu de Picardie) on January 1, 1996, in the Gun Dog Group. The UKC standard describes a versatile sporting dog that should appear "quite low to the ground, well built for work, a true Picardy spaniel." The breed should exhibit a gentle, intelligent temperament with strong natural hunting instincts. The standard emphasizes the importance of the distinctive coat color and pattern, with the blue-gray appearance resulting from black and white hair intermixture. The UKC notes that this breed should possess adaptability and willingness to please, making it suitable for various hunting conditions. Structural soundness and typical spaniel characteristics are essential, with particular attention to the breed's moderate stop, broad muzzle, and pendant ears.

Other Organizations

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognized the Blue Picardy Spaniel effective June 1, 1995, placing it in the Sporting Group. The CKC standard aligns closely with FCI guidelines while emphasizing the breed's versatility as both a hunting companion and family dog. Various European kennel clubs, including those in France, Belgium, and other EU countries, recognize the breed under FCI standards. Some specialized sporting dog organizations and rare breed clubs also maintain breed standards and registries. The North American Picardy Spaniel Alliance (NAPSA) works to promote both Picardy Spaniel breeds and maintains breed standards for enthusiasts in North America. These organizations focus on preserving the breed's working abilities while maintaining proper type and temperament.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel emerged during a fascinating period of canine history in early 20th century France, born from the convergence of sporting dog traditions and international hunting practices. The breed's story begins in the marshy regions around the mouth of the River Somme in the Picardy region of northern France, an area that became a renowned paradise for waterfowl hunters at the turn of the century.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, British hunters regularly crossed the English Channel to take advantage of the exceptional hunting opportunities in the Picardy marshes and Brittany's sandy moors. These sportsmen brought their prized hunting dogs, primarily English Setters and Gordon Setters, which had been carefully bred for their pointing and retrieving abilities. The British quarantine laws of that era, however, effectively prevented these dogs from returning to England once they had been on continental soil.

Faced with the inability to transport their valuable hunting dogs back home, British hunters made arrangements to board their setters with local French farmers and kennels during the off-season. This practical solution created an unexpected opportunity for genetic mixing between the visiting British setters and the indigenous Picardy Spaniels that had been working the same marshlands for generations. The local Picardy Spaniels were already well-adapted to the challenging wetland conditions and possessed excellent hunting instincts, making them ideal candidates for crossbreeding with the refined setter lines.

The first documented appearance of a black and blue-gray coated spaniel occurred in 1875, though these early dogs were not initially recognized as a distinct breed. The unique coloration resulted from the English Setter's blue belton coat pattern being introduced into the Picardy Spaniel gene pool. This crossing also brought Gordon Setter influences, contributing to the breed's size and refined appearance. The resulting offspring combined the best attributes of both parent breeds: the Picardy Spaniel's marsh-adapted working ability and the setter's elegant appearance and refined hunting style.

By 1904, these distinctive blue-gray spaniels began appearing in French dog shows, initially classified simply as French Spaniels. The Paris Canine Exposition of that year featured several examples of what would eventually become known as Blue Picardy Spaniels. As more hunters and breed enthusiasts recognized the unique qualities of these dogs, interest in establishing them as a separate breed began to grow.

The formal recognition process accelerated in 1921 when the Picard Spaniel and Blue Picardy Spaniel Club was formed, creating an official organization dedicated to promoting and standardizing both varieties of Picardy Spaniels. This club played a crucial role in documenting the breeds' characteristics and establishing breeding protocols that would preserve their distinctive traits. The Blue Picardy Spaniel's separation from its brown-coated cousin was primarily based on coat color and the subtle temperamental differences that had emerged through selective breeding.

The breed achieved formal recognition as a separate entity in France in 1938, when the French kennel authorities officially acknowledged the Blue Picardy Spaniel as distinct from the original Picardy Spaniel. This recognition was based not only on the obvious color differences but also on emerging behavioral traits, with the Blue Picardy being noted as having a somewhat softer, more biddable temperament compared to its brown relative.

World War II nearly proved catastrophic for the breed, as it did for many European dog breeds. The conflict significantly reduced breeding programs and scattered the existing population. Many breeding records were lost, and several bloodlines disappeared entirely during the war years. The breed faced near extinction in the immediate post-war period, with only a handful of dedicated breeders working to preserve what remained of the gene pool.

The breed's salvation came through the dedicated efforts of French sporting dog enthusiasts who recognized the value of this unique hunting companion. Through careful breeding programs and the discovery of previously unknown bloodlines in rural areas, the Blue Picardy Spaniel slowly recovered its numbers during the 1950s and 1960s. However, the breed remained primarily concentrated in France, with very few examples found elsewhere in Europe.

International recognition began to expand in the latter part of the 20th century. The breed gained recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, which helped establish standardized breed criteria for international showing and breeding programs. The United Kennel Club recognized the Blue Picardy Spaniel on January 1, 1996, followed by the Canadian Kennel Club's recognition effective June 1, 1995.

The breed's introduction to North America occurred gradually, with the first documented import to Canada credited to Ronald Meunier of Saint-Julien, Quebec, around 1987. This importation marked the beginning of a small but dedicated breeding population in North America, though the breed remains extremely rare on this continent. Today, the Blue Picardy Spaniel continues to be primarily concentrated in France, with small populations scattered across other European countries and even smaller numbers in North America and other continents.

Modern breeding programs focus on maintaining the breed's working abilities while preserving its distinctive appearance and gentle temperament. Despite its rarity, the Blue Picardy Spaniel has maintained its reputation as an excellent hunting companion and family dog, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate its unique combination of elegance, intelligence, and sporting ability.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel was specifically developed as a versatile gun dog capable of excelling in the diverse hunting conditions found in northern France's marshlands and agricultural regions. This breed combines the pointing instincts inherited from its setter ancestry with the retrieving abilities and water work characteristics of traditional spaniels, creating a truly multifaceted hunting companion that can adapt to various game and terrain types.

In the field, the Blue Picardy Spaniel demonstrates exceptional versatility by serving as both a pointer and retriever, depending on the hunting situation and the hunter's needs. When working upland game such as pheasant, partridge, and woodcock, the breed exhibits a natural pointing stance that rivals that of specialized pointing breeds. Their approach is methodical and controlled, using their excellent scenting ability to locate game birds before freezing in a classic point position that alerts the hunter to the bird's location.

The breed's retrieving abilities are equally impressive, particularly in waterfowl hunting scenarios. Their dense, water-resistant coat and strong swimming ability make them ideal for retrieving downed waterfowl from marshes, ponds, and rivers. The Blue Picardy Spaniel's soft mouth ensures that retrieved game birds remain undamaged, an essential quality for hunters who wish to preserve their quarry for the table. Their natural water entry is confident and enthusiastic, showing no hesitation when asked to retrieve from icy or challenging aquatic conditions.

One of the breed's most valuable characteristics is its ability to work at moderate ranges, making it suitable for European-style hunting where game is typically taken at closer distances than in American hunting traditions. The Blue Picardy Spaniel naturally works within gun range, rarely ranging out beyond effective shooting distance. This trait makes them particularly valuable for walkup hunting and driven shoots, where controlled, close-working dogs are preferred over wide-ranging breeds.

Beyond their hunting capabilities, Blue Picardy Spaniels have found success in various dog sports and activities that showcase their intelligence and trainability. Their natural athleticism and eagerness to please make them excellent candidates for competitive obedience, agility trials, and field trials. Some individuals have excelled in tracking work, using their superior scenting abilities to follow ground scent trails with remarkable accuracy and determination.

The breed's gentle temperament and strong desire to please have also made them successful as therapy dogs in some regions. Their calm demeanor and intuitive understanding of human emotions allow them to provide comfort in hospitals, nursing homes, and other therapeutic settings. This work represents a significant departure from their original hunting function but demonstrates the breed's adaptability and intelligence.

In modern hunting applications, the Blue Picardy Spaniel continues to prove its worth as a specialist in waterfowl hunting, particularly in challenging marsh conditions where their stamina and water skills shine. They excel at marking multiple downed birds and retrieving them in sequence, a skill that proves invaluable during busy hunting days. Their ability to handle both land and water retrieves within the same hunting session makes them particularly valuable for hunters who pursue diverse game species.

Training for hunting work should begin early, as Blue Picardy Spaniels possess strong natural instincts that benefit from proper channeling and refinement. Their intelligence and eagerness to work make them responsive to positive training methods, though they may require patient, consistent guidance to reach their full potential. The breed's natural "soft" temperament means they respond poorly to harsh correction methods, thriving instead under encouraging, reward-based training approaches.

Contemporary breed enthusiasts also utilize Blue Picardy Spaniels for conservation work and wildlife surveys, where their scenting abilities and natural bird sense can aid in locating nests, tracking wildlife populations, and conducting field research. This work represents an evolution of their traditional hunting function, applying their natural abilities to wildlife conservation and management efforts.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel exhibits a remarkable combination of gentle intelligence and enthusiastic working drive that sets it apart from many other sporting breeds. This breed is renowned for its calm, even-tempered nature, which makes it equally suitable as a hunting companion and family pet. Unlike some high-energy sporting dogs that can be overwhelming in domestic settings, the Blue Picardy Spaniel demonstrates an admirable ability to adjust its energy level to match its environment and circumstances.

In the home setting, Blue Picardy Spaniels are notably quiet and well-mannered dogs that seem to possess an innate understanding of household routines and expectations. They are not prone to excessive barking, though they will alert their families to approaching strangers with a few measured barks before settling down once the situation is assessed. This natural discretion makes them excellent watchdogs without being nuisance barkers, a trait that is particularly appreciated by neighbors and urban dwellers.

The breed's intelligence manifests in their remarkable problem-solving abilities and their capacity to read human emotions and intentions with uncanny accuracy. Blue Picardy Spaniels are highly observant dogs that quickly learn household routines and will often anticipate their owner's next action. This intuitive nature extends to their hunting work, where they seem to understand their handler's intentions even before commands are given, making them exceptionally responsive working partners.

Social behavior with other dogs is generally excellent, as Blue Picardy Spaniels tend to be naturally well-socialized and peaceful in their interactions. They rarely initiate conflicts and prefer to avoid confrontation, though they will defend themselves if necessary. This peaceful nature makes them suitable for multi-dog households, particularly when introduced properly and given adequate socialization from an early age. Their sporting dog background means they often enjoy the company of other gun dogs and understand the dynamics of pack hunting situations.

With children, the Blue Picardy Spaniel demonstrates exceptional patience and gentleness, making them outstanding family companions. Their natural protective instincts are balanced by their soft temperament, resulting in dogs that will watch over children without being overly possessive or aggressive. They seem to understand the need for gentle play with young children and will often modify their behavior accordingly, showing remarkable restraint and consideration.

The breed's prey drive is well-developed but typically manageable through proper training and socialization. While they will naturally chase birds and may be tempted by small running animals, most Blue Picardy Spaniels can be taught to live peacefully with cats and other small pets when introduced properly. Their hunting instincts are strong but controlled, allowing them to differentiate between appropriate hunting scenarios and domestic situations.

Exercise requirements are substantial but manageable for active families. Blue Picardy Spaniels need daily physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their psychological well-being. A tired Blue Picardy Spaniel is typically a well-behaved Blue Picardy Spaniel, as insufficient exercise can lead to restlessness and potentially destructive behaviors. They particularly enjoy activities that engage both their physical and mental capabilities, such as retrieving games, swimming, and structured training sessions.

Training response is generally excellent due to the breed's natural desire to please and their intelligence. Blue Picardy Spaniels are typically food-motivated and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They can be somewhat sensitive to harsh correction, so training approaches should emphasize encouragement and reward rather than punishment. Consistency is key with this breed, as they thrive on routine and clear expectations.

Behavioral challenges are minimal with proper management, though some individuals may exhibit mild separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. This breed forms strong bonds with their families and prefers to be included in daily activities whenever possible. They are not generally suited to being outdoor-only dogs, as their gentle nature and strong human bonds make them happiest when they can be close to their families.

The breed's adaptability is good within reason, though they do best in environments that can accommodate their exercise needs and provide regular mental stimulation. Blue Picardy Spaniels can adapt to various living situations, from rural farms to suburban homes, as long as their physical and psychological needs are met. They tend to be less suited to apartment living unless their owners are extremely dedicated to providing adequate exercise and stimulation.

Stress behaviors in Blue Picardy Spaniels are typically subtle and may include increased shedding, mild destructive behavior, or withdrawal from social interaction. These dogs are generally resilient but can be affected by significant changes in routine or environment. They benefit from gradual transitions and consistent, supportive handling during stressful periods. Their sensitive nature means they respond well to gentle reassurance and positive attention during difficult times.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel thrives as an integral member of active families who can appreciate both its gentle nature and substantial exercise requirements. This breed forms exceptionally strong bonds with all family members, though they may show a slight preference for the person who spends the most time training and exercising them. Their devotion is quiet but profound, expressed through constant companionship and an almost telepathic awareness of their family's moods and activities.

With children of all ages, Blue Picardy Spaniels demonstrate remarkable patience and understanding. They seem to instinctively know how to interact appropriately with toddlers versus teenagers, adjusting their play style and energy level accordingly. Young children benefit from the breed's gentle, tolerant nature, while older children often form working partnerships with these dogs through training activities and outdoor adventures. The breed's natural protective instincts manifest as watchful supervision rather than aggressive guarding, making them excellent companions for children's outdoor play.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel's role within the family pack structure is typically that of a peaceful mediator and companion rather than a dominant leader. They are naturally inclined to follow rather than lead, making them easy to integrate into established family routines. This breed rarely challenges family hierarchy and instead works to find their place within the existing structure, adapting their behavior to complement rather than disrupt family dynamics.

In multi-pet households, Blue Picardy Spaniels generally excel as diplomatic companions who get along well with other dogs, especially those of similar size and temperament. Their sporting dog background makes them particularly compatible with other gun dogs, as they understand the cooperative nature required for pack hunting. With cats and smaller pets, success depends largely on early socialization and proper introduction, though their natural prey drive requires ongoing management and supervision.

Family activity participation is where the Blue Picardy Spaniel truly shines, as they are eager to be included in virtually any family adventure. Whether it's hiking, camping, swimming, or simply playing in the backyard, these dogs want to be where their family is. They adapt well to family schedules and can learn to be content with quiet activities when necessary, though they always prefer active engagement when possible.

The breed's communication style with family members is subtle and sophisticated. Blue Picardy Spaniels are not typically demanding or pushy dogs, instead preferring to communicate through gentle nudges, expressive eyes, and positioning themselves strategically near their humans. They quickly learn family communication patterns and will often respond to subtle voice inflections and body language cues that other breeds might miss.

Training within the family context should ideally involve all family members to some degree, as this helps establish the dog's place in the family hierarchy and ensures consistent expectations across all interactions. However, the primary trainer should be consistent to avoid confusion, as Blue Picardy Spaniels can be sensitive to conflicting commands or expectations from different family members.

Space requirements within the home are moderate, as Blue Picardy Spaniels are not particularly large dogs and are generally well-mannered indoors. They appreciate having a designated resting area where they can observe family activities without being underfoot. Access to outdoor space is important, though a securely fenced yard is essential due to their hunting instincts and potential to chase interesting scents or wildlife.

Family travel and lifestyle considerations should account for the breed's need for regular exercise and their strong attachment to family members. Blue Picardy Spaniels can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, making them less suitable for families with demanding travel schedules unless appropriate arrangements can be made for their care. They generally travel well when included in family trips and often enjoy new environments and experiences when accompanied by their humans.

The breed's influence on family activities is generally positive, encouraging more outdoor time and physical activity. Families often find themselves becoming more active and spending more time in nature as they accommodate their Blue Picardy Spaniel's exercise needs. This can lead to stronger family bonds formed through shared outdoor adventures and activities that all family members can enjoy together.

Seasonal considerations affect family dynamics, as Blue Picardy Spaniels may become more active and require additional exercise during hunting seasons when their natural instincts are most stimulated. Families should be prepared to adjust activity levels and provide additional mental stimulation during these periods to prevent restlessness and maintain harmony within the household.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is generally considered a healthy and robust breed with fewer genetic health issues than many other purebred dogs. This relative health can be attributed partly to the breed's diverse genetic background, which includes both spaniel and setter lines, and to the careful breeding practices maintained by dedicated breed enthusiasts. The typical lifespan ranges from 12 to 14 years, which is respectable for a medium-sized sporting dog, with many individuals maintaining good health and vitality well into their senior years.

Like all sporting breeds, Blue Picardy Spaniels benefit from regular health monitoring and preventive care throughout their lives. Their active lifestyle and working heritage mean they are generally resilient dogs, but they do require appropriate nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care to maintain optimal health. The breed's relatively small population means that health data is somewhat limited compared to more common breeds, making it essential for owners to work with veterinarians familiar with sporting dogs.

The breed's coat requires regular attention not only for aesthetic reasons but also for health maintenance. Their dense, feathered coat can trap moisture, debris, and parasites if not properly maintained, potentially leading to skin irritations or infections. Regular brushing helps prevent matting and allows for early detection of any skin issues, cuts, or foreign objects that might become embedded in the coat during outdoor activities.

Due to their love of water work and swimming, Blue Picardy Spaniels are susceptible to ear infections if their ears are not properly dried and maintained after water activities. Their pendant ears create a warm, moist environment that can promote bacterial or yeast growth if not adequately cared for. Regular ear cleaning and thorough drying after swimming or bathing are essential preventive measures.

The breed's athletic nature and high activity level mean that orthopedic health is particularly important. While Blue Picardy Spaniels are generally sound dogs, their active lifestyle can occasionally lead to injuries from overexertion or accidents during hunting or play. Owners should monitor their dogs for signs of lameness, stiffness, or reluctance to exercise, as early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.

Nutritional needs for Blue Picardy Spaniels should reflect their active lifestyle and working heritage. High-quality dog food appropriate for medium-sized, active dogs is typically recommended, with portion sizes adjusted based on the individual dog's activity level, age, and body condition. Working dogs may require increased caloric intake during hunting season or periods of intensive training, while less active individuals may need careful weight management to prevent obesity.

Regular veterinary checkups should include monitoring for common sporting dog health concerns, even though the Blue Picardy Spaniel appears to have fewer breed-specific issues than many other breeds. Early detection of any health problems allows for prompt treatment and better outcomes, making preventive care an essential aspect of responsible ownership.

Due to the Blue Picardy Spaniel's rarity, there are no breed-specific rescue organizations dedicated solely to this breed. However, several sporting dog rescue organizations work with this breed when individuals become available for rehoming. These organizations understand the unique needs of gun dogs and sporting breeds:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Blue Picardy Spaniels waiting for their forever homes.