Blue Picardy SpanielCharacteristics, history, training and care

In the 19th century, in Picardy, in northern France, writers described black or black-and-white spaniels called “épagneuls du Nord”, meaning “spaniels of the North”. The area was a paradise for wildfowl hunters.

At the end of the 19th century British hunters came here too, with their dogs. According to the AKC, because of British quarantine rules, many left their setters at farms in Picardy, and the local spaniels were crossed with English and Gordon Setters. This is how the blue spaniel came about.

How the breed developed

• 19th century – The “spaniels of the North” are described in Picardy.
• Late 19th century – The local spaniels are crossed with English and Gordon Setters.
• Early 20th century – The blue spaniel competes in a separate class.
• 1938 – The breed standard is officially registered.
• 6 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• May 2024 – The AKC admits it to its Foundation Stock Service.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a fairly low-set dog for its size, well built for work, as the 1938 standard described it. It has strong, muscular legs and a long, broad muzzle.

General appearance

The thick ears, covered with silky, wavy hair, frame the head and reach the tip of the muzzle. The eyes are large and dark, with a calm expression. The tail has silky feathering and does not reach much below the hock.

The colour is silver grey to grey-black, with small flecks that give the coat a bluish tint, with or without larger black patches. White or brown patches are not accepted. Puppies are born white with black patches, and the blue-grey colour appears gradually.

The AKC gives it top marks for trainability: it learns easily and loves to work. It responds best to a gentle, consistent approach.

Besides hunting, it does well at obedience, rally and agility.

Tips for effective training

• Be gentle. Harshness makes it shut down; praise motivates it.
• Be consistent. The same rules, every day.
• Practise the recall. It is a hunting dog and may go off after a scent.
• Try dog sports. It enjoys obedience, rally and agility.

The AKC recommends 20 minutes twice a day of brisk walking, running or fetch. The standard says a daily walk keeps it fit and helps it relax.

Tips for a balanced life

• The garden must be fenced: it may go off after a scent.
• Outside the garden, keep it on the lead.
• It is calm indoors, but lets you know when a stranger arrives.

Coat and skin care

Brush the medium-length coat once a week with a pin brush and a comb, so that it stays soft and does not mat. Bath it once a month.

Common health problems

There are no known hereditary diseases specific to the breed. The long ears must be kept clean and dry, otherwise they easily become infected.

Other care

• Clean and dry the ears after every bath or walk through water.
• Trim the nails monthly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.

Choose a good-quality food suited to its age and activity. During the hunting season it needs more calories.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It is born black and white. The blue-grey colour appears gradually as it grows.
• A woodcock specialist. The standard says it is very good at hunting woodcock.
• It was a poet's companion. Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, author of the poem “In Flanders Fields”, had a blue spaniel called Bonneau.
• It has a sister breed. The main difference from the Picardy Spaniel is the coat colour.
• Many live in Canada. Most dogs are found in France and Canada.

Bonneau, the dog of the First World War

The Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, author of the famous poem “In Flanders Fields”, had a Blue Picardy Spaniel called Bonneau during the First World War, which went with him to the front.

Is it suitable for a family with children?

Yes. The AKC says it is gentle and affectionate with children and gets on with other dogs.

How big does it get?

Males measure 57–62 cm and females 55–60 cm; they weigh about 20–25 kg.

How much exercise does it need?

20 minutes of brisk activity twice a day.

Why is it called “blue”?

Its flecked grey and black coat has a bluish tint.

How long does it live?

Its life expectancy is 11–12 years.