ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISBlue picardy spaniel
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog blue picardy spaniel!
Here, you will find all the useful information about blue picardy spaniel. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Blue Picardy Spaniel originates from the region of the same name in the north of France, Picardy is home to the entire remaining stock. The foundation of this breed benefited from the contribution of English Setter in the 19th century, it was particularly present in the valleys of the Somme, Authie and Canche.
It differs from its close cousin the Picardy Spaniel by the creation of two distinct clubs in 1907, however the Blue will be registered as a full breed by the LOF in 1938. Nowadays, it is very rare to come across one, even in its native region, the Picardy Spaniel is practically on the brink of extinction. The International Cynological Federation officially recognised the Blue Picardy Spaniel on December 6, 1954. The last update of the official standard in force was published on 26 June 1987.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, with a homogeneous morphology and balanced overall. It is particularly appreciated for its qualities as a tracker of small game, its agility and muscularity are precious assets for tracking, it is a reliable breed, gathering most of the characteristics of a good hunting dog. His body is longer than it is tall, so he fits into a rectangle, his topline is clean and broad, the loins strong and the croup stocky, his chest is ample and deep, with a slightly raised belly.
The head is well proportioned to the body, lean and nicely shaped, the skull is rather broad and the stop gradually marked. The coat of the Blue Picardy Spaniel is short, flat and very thick, with a slight wavy coat in places, with fringes on the lower legs and tail. The colour of the coat is predominantly grey-black spotted, with bluish shades.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a versatile dog, in addition to being an efficient hunting partner, it is a pleasant companion that is at ease indoors. They are sociable with their fellow dogs, have exceptional stamina and are very sociable, and will evolve within a pack without any problem.
Docile and attentive to his master, his education is easy to set up so you will take a lot of pleasure in sharing playful activities in his company. Reliable and trustworthy, the Blue Picardy Spaniel will bring you loyalty and fidelity in work and in your daily life.
Adult: The Blue Picardy Spaniel will weigh approximately 33 to 40 lbs, with a height at the withers of approximately 22.4" to 23.6" for males and 21.6" to 22.8" for females.
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Origins
The Blue Picardy Spaniel originates from France, specifically in the wet regions of the Somme valley and the Somme bay. This breed is the result of crosses between various local water dogs and Spaniels imported from England in the 19th century. These dogs were primarily used for waterfowl hunting. Their ability to work in marshes and muddy terrain made them ideal companions for hunters in the region, contributing to their development and local popularity.
History
The history of the Blue Picardy Spaniel is closely related to hunting in France. Appearing in the 19th century, this breed was created to meet the needs of local hunters. Blue Picardy Spaniels quickly gained popularity thanks to their endurance and adaptability to marshy conditions. Although their numbers decreased during the two World Wars, enthusiasts worked hard to preserve the breed. Today, they remain skilled hunters and loyal companions.
Standard
The standard of the Blue Picardy Spaniel highlights its physical and behavioral qualities. This medium-sized dog has an elegant and muscular appearance. Its coat is thick, slightly wavy, with shades of bluish gray sprinkled with black spots. Its dark and expressive eyes reveal great intelligence and natural gentleness. The ears are long and drooping. The body is well proportioned, with a deep chest and sturdy limbs, providing power and endurance, essential for its hunting functions.
Physical characteristics
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a medium sized dog, measuring approximately 55 to 60 cm at the withers for males, and slightly less for females. Its coat is one of its most distinctive features: thick, slightly wavy, with a unique blue-grey coloration due to a mix of black and white hairs. Its ears are long, droopy, and covered in wavy hair. Its eyes are dark, with a soft and intelligent expression. Its body is robust, muscular, and well-proportioned.
Character
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is known for its gentle, affectionate, and loyal nature. It is a dog very attached to its family, showing great patience and tolerance, especially with children. Intelligent and obedient, it is relatively easy to train, especially when motivated by outdoor activities. Although naturally sociable, it can sometimes be reserved with strangers. Its hunting instinct remains very present, but it also knows how to be an excellent companion in life, calm and devoted.
Life expectancy
The Blue Picardy Spaniel generally enjoys good health, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. Like all breeds, this longevity can vary depending on various factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care. To maximize their life expectancy, it is crucial to provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and frequent veterinary visits to prevent and treat any potential illness or health condition.
Exercise and activity needs
As a hunting dog breed, the Blue Picardy Spaniel has important needs in terms of exercise and physical activity. It is essential to provide him with daily extended outings so that he can expend his energy. Activities such as walks in the forest, retrieval games, and swimming sessions are particularly beneficial for him. A lack of exercise can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors. Therefore, it is preferable for this dog to be adopted by active families.
Recommended diet
The Blue Picardy Spaniel's diet should be balanced and adapted to its level of activity. High-quality food, rich in proteins and essential nutrients, is recommended. Good quality kibble, supplemented with fresh foods such as meat, vegetables, and fruits, make up an ideal diet. It is important to monitor portions to avoid overweight. The dog's nutritional needs may vary depending on age, weight, and activity, so regular consultation with a veterinarian is advised.
Training and obedience
The training of the Blue Picardy Spaniel should start from a young age. Thanks to its intelligence and desire to please, it generally responds well to consistent and positive training. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, are particularly effective. It is important to socialize the puppy early so that it gets used to different people, animals, and environments. Patience and consistency are essential for successful training, ensuring a well-balanced and obedient dog.
Behavior with children
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is generally very good with children. Its gentle and patient nature makes it an excellent companion for families. It tolerates well children's games and can be protective towards them. However, as with all dogs, it is important to supervise the interactions between children and the dog to ensure that they take place safely. Teaching children to respect the dog and its needs will contribute to a harmonious and incident-free relationship.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is generally sociable and gets along well with other pets, especially if properly socialized from a young age. It can peacefully coexist with other dogs and even with cats, provided appropriate introductions are made. Its hunting instinct may sometimes manifest itself, but with proper training and supervision, it can learn to live harmoniously with a variety of animals. Its friendly nature facilitates positive interactions with its peers.
Grooming needs
The Blue Picardy Spaniel's grooming requires regular attention due to its thick and wavy coat. Weekly brushing is recommended to prevent knots and tangles, as well as to remove debris and dead hairs. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary. It is also important to check and clean its droopy ears to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and occasional baths will help maintain a clean and healthy coat.
Health
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is generally a robust breed with few major health issues. However, like all breeds, some health problems may occur. Common conditions include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and certain eye diseases. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and frequent veterinary visits help to maintain its health. Prevention through regular care and attention to signs of illness is essential to ensure a long and healthy life.
Average price
The price of a Blue Picardy Spaniel puppy can vary considerably depending on several factors, including the breeder's reputation, the lineage of the parents, and the geographical region. Generally, you can expect to pay between 800 and 1,500 euros (or between 900 and 1,700 dollars) for a puppy of this breed. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who adheres to the breed standards and performs necessary health tests to ensure the puppies' good health.
Expenses
Annual expenses for a Blue Picardy Spaniel include food, veterinary care, grooming and various accessories. For food, you should budget around 500 to 700 euros (550 to 770 dollars) per year. Routine veterinary care, including vaccines and annual check-ups, can cost around 300 to 500 euros (330 to 550 dollars). Grooming, depending on frequency and location, can represent an annual cost of 200 to 400 euros (220 to 440 dollars). Accessories and toys can add around 100 to 200 euros (110 to 220 dollars).
Name ideas
Choosing a name for a Blue Picardy Spaniel can be a fun task. For a male, "Bleu" could refer to his beautiful blue-gray coat. "Picard" honors his regional origins. "Chase" is a nod to his hunting skills. For a female, "Luna" evokes the silvery color of the moon. "Belle" highlights her natural beauty. "Rivière" recalls her natural habitat near water. Other names like "Ombre" for his coloring, "Eclair" for his speed, "Brume" for her elegance, and "Soleil" for his playful temperament are also appropriate.
Legislation and regulation
As for legislation and regulations, the Blue Picardy Spaniel is not subject to any particular restrictions. Like all dogs, it is important to comply with local laws regarding registration, vaccination, and pet control. Owners must also ensure that their dog is well-trained and socialized to avoid any problematic behavior. Rules may vary depending on countries and regions, so it is advisable to inquire with local authorities.
Official recognition
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard number 106. The breed is also recognized by other global cynological registries such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom. In France, the official organization responsible for this breed is the Blue Picardy Spaniel Club. This organization works on the promotion, preservation, and improvement of the breed through breeding programs and exhibitions.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees of the Blue Picardy Spaniel are available from various breed clubs and canine registries. These documents provide detailed information about the dog's lineage, including medical history and exhibition successes of its ancestors. In France, the Blue Picardy Spaniel Club as well as the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) are main sources for obtaining these pedigrees. These documents are essential for breeders and owners looking to understand and preserve the genetic qualities of the breed.
Destination and usage
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is mainly intended to be a versatile hunting dog, excellent for waterfowl and marshy terrains. Thanks to its exceptional sense of smell and endurance, it is a valuable asset for hunters. However, apart from its hunting skills, it also makes an excellent companion dog. Its gentle and affectionate nature, combined with its intelligence, makes it well suited for family life. It also excels in disciplines such as agility and obedience, showcasing its versatility.
Prohibitions
To this day, the Blue Picardy Spaniel is not subject to specific bans in countries or regions around the world. However, owners should always inquire about local dog laws, as regulations can vary significantly from one place to another. Some areas may have specific restrictions on owning certain dog breeds or impose strict rules on pet keeping and control.
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