Picardy Spaniel

The Picardy Spaniel is one of the oldest established gundog breeds in France, a versatile and ancient hunting spaniel originating in the Picardy region of northern France. Historical evidence suggests the breed's ancestors were established in France from at least the fourteenth century, making it among the most ancient of all French sporting dogs. The breed was used by French nobility for hunting and has been depicted in paintings and hunting literature from the medieval period. Outside France it is rare - in the United Kingdom it is registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group but its numbers are very small and sourcing a puppy typically requires importing from France.

The Picardy Spaniel is a medium to large, strongly built spaniel with a slightly wavy, brown roan or brown and white coat. The head is broad and the expression calm and gentle. The feathering on the ears, legs and chest is characteristic. The overall impression is of a robust, no-nonsense working gundog of considerable substance. Adults typically stand 55 to 60 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 20 to 25 kilograms.

The character is calm, gentle, affectionate and willing - qualities that make it both an effective working gundog and a pleasant family companion. The breed is good with children, sociable with other dogs and devoted to its household without being demanding. The typical spaniel eagerness to please is present, expressed in the calm, even-tempered way of a breed that has been selected for equable character as much as for hunting ability over many generations.

In the field the Picardy Spaniel is a versatile performer across a wide range of terrain - woodland, open ground and water - with the stamina and drive expected of a working gundog and the soft mouth required for retrieving game undamaged. It is classified as a pointing spaniel, quartering the ground and pointing game for the hunter before flushing and retrieving on command.

Training is rewarding given the willing character and the gundog intelligence. The breed responds readily to positive reinforcement, is capable of considerable achievement in both formal field work and companion obedience, and the even temperament makes consistent training straightforward. Early socialisation is important and generally easy given the naturally sociable disposition.

The Picardy Spaniel is regarded as a healthy breed. Hip Dysplasia testing of parents is recommended. The long ears require regular checking to prevent infection.

Purchase prices from registered breeders range from £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £75 to £130. French breed clubs are the primary resource for breed information and responsible breeders; general gundog rescue is the most useful UK contact for rehoming enquiries.

Calm, gentle, affectionate and willing. Good with children and sociable with other dogs. Devoted to its household without being demanding or clingy. The typical spaniel eagerness to please is present without the high-octane energy of some working spaniel breeds. An engaged and pleasant companion.

Intelligent, willing and responsive - a classic gundog temperament that engages readily with positive training methods. Responds well to reward-based training and is capable of considerable achievement in field work and companion obedience. The calm, even temperament makes training a pleasure. Early socialisation is important.

Needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. Thrives with access to varied terrain and water. The hunting background produces a dog with genuine stamina and the capacity for sustained work. Off-lead exercise in secure areas is important given the hunting instinct. Retrieve games and nose work engage the working intelligence effectively.

The Picardy Spaniel is considered a generally healthy breed with a relatively limited gene pool given its rarity outside France. Hip Dysplasia testing of parents is recommended. Ear infections are a practical management concern given the long, pendulous ears and the breed's water work. No comprehensive breed health programme exists in the UK given the small population.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a medium active breed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight. The working breed background means food should be appropriate to actual activity level - a dog worked in the field regularly will need more than a companion living a domestic life.

The medium-length, slightly wavy coat requires brushing two to three times weekly to prevent matting, particularly in the longer feathering on the ears, legs and chest. The ears require regular checking given their length and the breed's inclination toward wet and muddy environments. Bathing as required.

Purchase price from a registered breeder: £800 to £1,500. The breed is rare in the UK. Monthly running costs: £75 to £130.

Suits active owners and families with access to the outdoors. Good with children and generally sociable. Benefits from a working or sporting outlet given the gundog background, but adapts to a companion role with adequate exercise. Calm temperament makes it manageable for owners new to the spaniel group. Rare outside France.