Picardy Spaniel

The Picard Spaniel is a French dog breed originating from the north of the country. It is strongly related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel and has several similarities to that breed, but it is the older breed of the two. It is one of the oldest breeds of spaniel in the country and it was favored by the French nobility, remaining very popular for hunting after the Revolution thanks to its weather-resistant coat which allowed it to hunt in various climatic conditions and on all terrains. However, it lost some of its popularity with the arrival of English breeds at the beginning of the 20th century. Slightly smaller than the English setter, but larger than other spaniels, he has no particular health problems, although he is prone to ear infections like other lop-eared breeds. Health No hereditary genetic disease is known in the Picardy Spaniel. It has a longevity of about 14 years on average. The Picardy spaniel is particularly susceptible to ear infections, like most other dogs with droopy ears such as other breeds of spaniels or bassets. The Picardy Spaniel tends to gain weight quickly if overfed. Recognition The club of breeders of the Picardy spaniel was created in 1921, and merged with that of the blue Picardy spaniel on July 28, 1937. A second merger took place on May 21, 1980 with the club of the Pont spaniel -Audemer, to form the Club des Epagneuls Picards, Bleus de Picardie and Pont Audemer The Picard spaniel is recognized by a wide variety of canine clubs and associations such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, including abroad such as the North American Kennel Club, American Rare Breed Association, United Kennel Club. All these associations use the FCI standard. He is also recognized by the Continental Kennel Club, but unlike the blue Picardy spaniel which is closely related to him is not recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club

The French Spaniel and the Picardy Spaniel are considered the two oldest breeds of spaniel on the continent. Both seem to descend from the Dog of Oysel described by Gaston Phoebus in his works. At that time, hunting was one of the most popular activities of the French nobility and the French-type spaniel was one of the most popular breeds. The breed is also represented on paintings dating from this period by artists such as Alexandre-François Desportes and Jean-Baptiste Oudry. It is also the first breed of dog to be admitted to shows. The breed becomes more popular after the French Revolution, hunting no longer being an activity reserved solely for the nobility. Although it is found spread throughout the country, a large contingent is present in the northwest of the country, where its water-resistant coat makes it an ideal breed for hunting in the woods and swamps. During the 19th century, English hunters crossed the English Channel and went to the northwest of France to hunt in these famous lands. They then bring their own hunting dogs, which the French adopt little by little, which endangers the Picardy spaniel1. Furthermore, the infusion of English setter blood into the breed created the blue Picardy spaniel.

The Picardy Spaniel is a docile breed of dog that loves to play with children, and easily creates bonds with its master. It is generally described as a docile dog, with a good character and easy to train. It is used for hunting, in the woods for the pheasant or in the marshes where it hunts in particular the snipeIt is also an effective way to hunt the duck, the hare or the rabbitIt is particularly effective in the marshes, where it does not not hesitate to jump into the water. If necessary, he can also bring back the game. This dog loves large spaces where he can exercise, but he can also be satisfied with smaller spaces and can live very well in the city.