Picardy Spaniel
A French pointing spaniel (Épagneul Picard) bred for versatile hunting in wet terrain. Gentle, calm and affectionate at home, but needs plenty of exercise and a job.
Picardy Spaniel scorecard
Overview
The Picardy Spaniel (Épagneul Picard) is a medium-sized French pointing spaniel developed in the marshy Picardy region of north-west France. Standing roughly 55–62 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 20–25 kg, it is a substantial, well-feathered gundog built for working long days in wet, demanding country. Its speckled grey-brown coat, often with chestnut patches, and its soft, kindly expression set it apart from the more familiar British spaniels.
Bred as a versatile hunting companion that could point, flush and retrieve, the Picardy Spaniel has always doubled as a calm and affectionate family dog. In the UK it remains very rare and is not separately recognised by the Kennel Club; most reliable information comes from the breed's French parent club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Prospective owners should treat it as a true working breed that needs a job, space and plenty of exercise rather than a low-maintenance pet.
Good to know — a Picardy Spaniel needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The breed traces to the old land spaniels of northern France and shares ancestry with the larger Blue Picardy Spaniel and the French Spaniel. It was prized by hunters in the wetlands and forests of Picardy and the Somme for its willingness to work water, marsh and dense cover. The FCI recognises the Picardy Spaniel as a distinct breed within its pointing-dog (spaniel) section, and it is maintained today largely by dedicated French breeders.
Like many regional French gundogs, numbers fell sharply in the twentieth century, and the breed remains uncommon even in its homeland. Because it has never been widely exported, breed-specific records and large-scale health data are limited, and much of what is known is anecdotal or drawn from the wider population of French spaniels.
Temperament & family fit
Picardy Spaniels are typically gentle, even-tempered and deeply attached to their people. They are known for being calm and affectionate indoors, settling well once their considerable exercise needs are met, and they generally get on well with children and other dogs. This biddable, people-focused nature is one of the breed's great strengths as a family gundog.
That said, this is a sensitive working dog with a strong hunting instinct. Without enough physical and mental work it can become bored, restless or unhappy, and its natural drive to follow scent and quarter ground means a securely fenced garden and reliable supervision near wildlife are sensible. Early, positive socialisation helps it grow into a confident, well-mannered adult.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
As a biddable and intelligent spaniel, the Picardy generally responds well to training, particularly when it is reward-based, consistent and varied. It thrives on having a purpose, whether that is gundog work, scent games, or structured obedience, and it can become a willing and responsive companion in the right hands.
Because the breed is sensitive, harsh or heavy-handed methods are counterproductive and can damage the dog's confidence. Early socialisation and a steady focus on recall and impulse control around game are especially valuable given the breed's hunting heritage. Novice owners can succeed but should be prepared to commit real time to the dog's working and social needs.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Picardy Spaniel typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The medium-length, slightly wavy coat carries feathering on the ears, legs and tail and needs regular brushing, typically a few times a week, to prevent matting and to remove debris picked up in the field. The ears should be checked and cleaned routinely, as drop-eared, water-working breeds are prone to ear infections. After working in mud or water the coat should be rinsed and dried, and feathering trimmed tidily as needed.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Picardy Spaniel
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's age, size and activity level, with working dogs needing more calories during the season than they do when resting. Portions should be measured and body condition monitored, as excess weight strains joints in an active medium-sized dog. As with any deep-bodied breed, splitting the daily ration into two meals and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately around feeding is sensible. Always provide fresh water, especially after hard work.
A medium breed
An adult Picardy Spaniel typically weighs 20–25 kg, so a healthy Picardy Spaniel eats a moderate amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A medium breed is usually done growing at ~12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Picardy Spaniels sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
How much should a Picardy Spaniel weigh?
Adult 20–25 kgfully grown at ~12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 3.1–3.8 kg | 15% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 5–6.3 kg | 25% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 10–12.5 kg | 50% |
| ~12 months | Fully grown | 20–25 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a medium breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Picardy Spaniel
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Picardy Spaniel's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Simpsons Dog Sensitive Lamb Potato
A grain-free lamb and potato dry food for dogs with sensitive skin or digestion
From£17.05
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
£14.99
Picardy Spaniel health & costs
Before bringing a Picardy Spaniel home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Picardy Spaniel is generally regarded as a hardy, functional breed, but it is rare enough that robust, breed-specific health statistics are scarce. Most guidance is extrapolated from related French spaniels and from the health concerns common to medium-sized, drop-eared working gundogs, so prospective owners should view any single figure with caution.
Responsible breeders prioritise sound hips, healthy eyes and good temperament. Buyers should ask to see relevant health screening of the parents where schemes exist, choose a breeder who works within the FCI/parent-club framework, and register the dog with a vet for routine preventive care, vaccination and parasite control.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Ear infections (otitis externa) — the long, pendulous, hairy ears trap moisture, so routine checking and cleaning is important, especially after water work.
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental joint condition seen across many medium and larger gundogs; screening of breeding stock helps reduce risk.
- Eye conditions — inherited eye disorders occur in many spaniels; reputable breeders eye-test where schemes are available.
- Skin irritation from working coats — burrs, grass seeds and damp can cause localised problems if the coat is not checked after exercise.
- Limited breed-specific data — because the breed is uncommon, prevalence figures are sparse; discuss family health history with the breeder.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Picardy Spaniel; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Picardy Spaniel puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Picardy Spaniel
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, calm and affectionate family gundog
- Versatile, biddable worker
Things to consider
- High exercise needs as a working spaniel
- Feathered coat needs regular grooming
Compare the Picardy Spaniel
See how the Picardy Spaniel measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Picardy Spaniel?
The Picardy Spaniel (Épagneul Picard) is a medium-sized French pointing spaniel developed in the marshy Picardy region of north-west France. Standing roughly 55–62 cm and weighing around 20–25 kg, it was bred as a versatile gundog that could point, flush and retrieve in wet, demanding country, while also serving as a calm family companion.
Is the Picardy Spaniel recognised by the Kennel Club?
The Picardy Spaniel is very rare in the UK and is not separately recognised by the Kennel Club. It is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and most reliable information comes from the breed's French parent club and the FCI. Prospective owners should treat it as a true working gundog.
What is the temperament of a Picardy Spaniel?
Picardy Spaniels are typically gentle, even-tempered and deeply attached to their people. They are calm and affectionate indoors once their exercise needs are met and generally get on well with children and other dogs. They are sensitive working dogs, though, and can become bored or restless without enough physical and mental activity.
How much exercise does a Picardy Spaniel need?
This is a high-energy working breed that needs substantial daily exercise, ideally well over an hour of varied activity, including off-lead running in safe areas, scent work and swimming. A garden alone is not enough. The breed was made to cover ground all day and is happiest in an active home with access to open countryside.
What grooming does a Picardy Spaniel need?
The medium-length, slightly wavy coat carries feathering on the ears, legs and tail and needs regular brushing, typically a few times a week, to prevent matting and remove field debris. The drop ears should be checked and cleaned routinely, as water-working breeds are prone to ear infections, and the coat should be rinsed and dried after muddy or wet work.
Are Picardy Spaniels easy to train?
As a biddable, intelligent spaniel, the Picardy generally responds well to consistent, varied, reward-based training and thrives on having a purpose. Because it is sensitive, harsh methods are counterproductive. Early socialisation and a focus on recall and impulse control around game are especially valuable given its hunting heritage.
What health issues affect Picardy Spaniels?
The Picardy is generally considered hardy, but it is rare enough that robust breed-specific health data is scarce, so any single figure should be viewed with caution. Responsible breeders prioritise sound hips, healthy eyes and good temperament. Buyers should ask to see relevant health screening of the parents and register the dog with a vet for routine care.
Is a Picardy Spaniel a good family pet?
In the right home, yes. The Picardy suits an active rural or semi-rural household with secure outdoor space and people who enjoy daily countryside exercise. It is affectionate and bonds closely with the whole family, but it is not well suited to apartment living or to being left alone all day, as it needs company and room to run.
Are Picardy Spaniels good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Picardy Spaniels tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Picardy Spaniel need?
As a healthy adult, a typical 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.
Do Picardy Spaniels shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Picardy Spaniels easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Picardy Spaniels are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Picardy Spaniels bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Picardy Spaniels good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Picardy Spaniels suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Picardy Spaniel really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — breed standard and nomenclature (Épagneul Picard) — https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/
- The Kennel Club — Breeds A to Z and gundog group guidance — https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds-a-to-z/
- PDSA — dog care, exercise and weight advice — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — choosing a dog and breed-care guidance — https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice
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Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
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Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
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Self-Moving Interactive Dog Ball
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Duck Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toy
A duck-shaped puzzle toy that dispenses treats when your pet presses the paddle.
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Spherical Slow Feeder Licking Bowl
A spherical non-slip slow feeder that paces fast eaters and turns mealtimes into a calming licking ritual. The ridged surface slows gulping, aiding digestion and easing boredom for dogs and cats alike.
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Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.