Blue Picardy Spaniel

It is a medium-sized French pointing and retrieving gundog, instantly recognisable by its mottled blue-grey and black speckled coat. Standing around 55 to 61 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 20 to 30 kg, it is built for a full day's work in the field, with feathered legs and tail and the soft, expressive eyes typical of working spaniels.

The typical lifespan is around 12 to 14 years. The breed is generally considered hardy and healthy, but because it is numerically rare there is limited large-scale, breed-specific health data and few formal UK health surveys, so general spaniel-type health guidance is the best available reference.

Yes. They are known for being gentle, affectionate and even-tempered, forming strong bonds with their families, tending to be patient with children, and generally getting on well with other dogs. Indoors they are usually calm and quiet and are not natural barkers. They are sensitive and people-oriented, so they dislike being left alone for long periods.

As a biddable spaniel bred to work closely with a handler, the Blue Picardy is generally straightforward to train and responds best to patient, reward-based methods. Their natural retrieving and pointing instincts can be channelled into gundog work or scent games. Because they are sensitive, calm consistency works far better than corrections, and recall should be practised early.

This is an active gundog that needs substantial daily exercise, ideally well over an hour split across the day, with chances to run, explore and use its nose. Long off-lead walks in safe areas, retrieving games and access to woodland or open country suit it well. Without enough outlet a bored Blue Picardy can become restless.

The medium-length, slightly wavy coat with feathering on the ears, legs, chest and tail needs brushing around two or three times a week to prevent tangles and remove field debris. The long, pendulous ear flaps trap moisture and are prone to infection, so they should be checked and cleaned routinely, and feathering may need occasional tidying.

It is generally considered a hardy breed, but as it is rare there is limited breed-specific data, so general spaniel-type guidance applies and breeders should health-test their stock. The most common everyday concern is ear care: the heavy, hairy ear flaps reduce airflow and can lead to recurrent infections if not kept clean and dry. Ask breeders about hip and eye testing.

No, despite its calm indoor manner it is not a natural apartment or low-activity dog. It is best suited to active homes with access to outdoor space and time for proper exercise. It thrives in family settings, gets on with children and other dogs, and dislikes being left alone for long stretches, so it fits households where someone is around much of the day.

Good with children. As a general guide, Blue Picardy Spaniels tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Blue Picardy Spaniel needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.

Good for first-time owners. Blue Picardy Spaniels are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Blue Picardy Spaniel really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.