The Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament makes this breed a flexible hunting dog as well as an affectionate family pet.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a rare and beautiful hunting dog from the Northern region of France.
This breed is also known by a few other names including the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie and the Bleu Picard.
These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable. They generally get along well with other animals and people, especially when they are well-socialized from a young age.
Blue Picardy Spaniels are working dogs, so they do require a significant amount of daily exercise and they may not be the best choice for apartment living.
If you feel like the Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament is a good match for your lifestyle, do as much research as you can to prepare yourself for typical Blue Picardy Spaniel behaviors.
This article will provide you with an introduction to the Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament and common Blue Picardy Spaniel traits.
For a more complete picture of the breed, talk with Blue Picardy Spaniel breeders and owners about what to expect when you bring one home.
Blue Picardy Spaniel Temperament Traits
In this section, we will explore some of the most common components of the Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament.
However, please keep in mind that individual dogs may vary from the typical example of the breed.
Even though your Blue Picardy Spaniel might not display all of the qualities below, this list will still give you an idea about what to expect if you decide to add a Blue Picardy Spaniel to your home.
Accomplished Hunting Partners
Hunters all over the world love the Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament.
These versatile dogs can be used for tracking, pointing and retrieving. They can work in harsh weather conditions and on rough terrain.
Hunters report that Blue Picardy Spaniels are easy to train. They make good gun dogs for beginners.
Energetic Pets
The high-energy Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament makes this breed an active pet.
If you do not plan to use your Blue Picardy Spaniel for hunting, you will need to provide other outlets for its energy.
Blue Picardy Spaniel exercise can include activities such as walking, jogging, biking or swimming. Be prepared to spend at least 60 minutes per day exercising your dog.
Without enough exercise and mental enrichment, your Blue Picardy Spaniel will quickly become bored. Your dog might develop behaviors such as barking, digging or chewing. Remember the old saying that a tired dog is a good dog!
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is generally not the best choice for an apartment. These dogs do better when they have more space to run and play.
Affectionate with Family (and Strangers)
The loving Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament makes this breed an incredibly affectionate pet, but not necessarily the best watch dog.
Blue Picardy Spaniels love everyone!
They might bark a little bit at the mailman, but that is about all you can expect from them as a guard dog.
If you are looking for a protective watch dog, this is not the breed for you.
Easy to Train
The intelligent Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament makes this breed easy to train for a variety of tasks.
These dogs are highly motivated to work in close partnership with their owners.
They are focused, smart, and eager to please.
With patience and motivation, you can train these dogs to do just about anything.
In addition to hunting, they excel at other canine sports including nosework, dock jumping, agility and more!
They Need Companionship
The Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament is very social and highly sensitive.
These dogs love to be with their families and they do not like being alone.
Your Blue Picardy Spaniel will be happiest when he or she is included in the family dynamic.
These dogs do not do well if they are left outside in a yard for most of the day.
Without enough companionship they can develop separation anxiety. If you think your dog may be developing separation anxiety, consult with a trainer right away. If you work long hours, your dog might benefit from going to doggie daycare during the workday.
Do not get one of these sensitive dogs unless you are committed to giving it the attention that it needs.
Blue Picardy Spaniel History
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is closely related to the Picardy Spaniel. The Blue Picardy Spaniel was recognized as a distinct breed in 1938.
Whereas the Picardy Spaniel can come in many colors and patterns, the Blue Picardy Spaniel always comes in shades of blue mottled with white and black.
Like the Picardy Spaniel, the Blue Picardy Spaniel originated in the Picard Region of France.
The breed was decimated during the two world wars, but it was revived from the brink of extinction by a handful of dedicated breeders and owners.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) but it is recognized by other major kennel clubs including the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
Blue Picardy Spaniel Size and Appearance
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.
The average Blue Picardy Spaniel weight is between 55 and 70 lbs.
The typical Blue Picardy Spaniel height is between 21 and 23 inches at the withers.
The only acceptable Blue Picardy Spaniel colors are blue and white. Black patches are permitted. All other colors are disqualified.
Blue Picardy Spaniels have wavy coats and feathered ears and tails.
Blue Picardy Spaniel Training
The clever Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament makes this breed a great candidate for training.
Like all dogs, the Blue Picardy Spaniel responds best to gentle, positive training.
These dogs are very sensitive and they do not respond well to heavy-handed training. Avoid training methods that use force or “dominance.” Steer clear of painful training devices such as shock collars or choke chains.
If possible, sign up for an obedience class with a positive reinforcement trainer in your area.
If you acquire your spaniel as a puppy, a puppy socialization class is a great way for your dog to acquire important canine social skills.
In addition to basic training, you and your Blue Picardy Spaniel can get involved in other activities including hunting, tracking, nosework, search and rescue, therapy work, agility, and much more!
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
For help with training your Blue Picardy Spaniel dog, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.
A Guide to Blue Picardy Spaniel Grooming
The Blue Picardy Spaniel requires a moderate amount of grooming.
Brush your Blue Picardy Spaniel at least once a week to avoid tangles. Blue Picardy Spaniel shedding is heaviest during the spring and fall. Additional brushing sessions may be needed during those months.
You can bathe your Blue Picardy Spaniel as needed.
Brush your dog’s teeth and trim the nails on a regular basis.
Check your dog’s ears frequently for signs of debris or infection.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is not a hypoallergenic breed. If you are looking for a list of hypoallergenic dogs, check out this article for more information.
Staying Healthy: Blue Picardy Spaniel Health Issues
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed. However, all dogs will require medical care throughout their lives. Be sure you are ready to handle medical expenses before you bring any dog into your life.
Talk with your veterinarian about what to expect in terms of Blue Picardy Spaniel health concerns.
Be on the watch for the following conditions:
- Ear Infections
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Obesity
- Hip Dysplasia
Helpful Dog Health Resource:
Note: Don't let the issues above scare you. The best way to approach health problems is to prevent them in the first place. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is a great place to start. Get a copy to keep at home. It will help you prevent the painful health issues that can plague your lovely dog from expressing his winning personality and maximizing his life expectancy.
If you acquire your dog from a breeder, ask to view medical records of the parent dogs. Ask the breeder if they have performed any health screening (such as hip or eye exams).
Take your new dog for a checkup with a veterinarian right away. Your Blue Picardy Spaniel will need to visit a vet at least once a year for annual vaccinations and yearly exams.
Talk with your vet about flea, tick and heartworm prevention. It is imperative for your dog to be up to date on these at all times. There are many brands to choose from. Your vet can help you select the best products.
Spaying and neutering is highly encouraged for all household pets. Talk with your vet about the best time to schedule this procedure.
Feed your Blue Picardy Spaniel a high-quality dog food. Avoid filler ingredients such as corn or animal by-products.
With excellent care and nutrition, the Blue Picardy Spaniel lifespan is generally between 12 and 14 years.
Blue Picardy Spaniel Rescue and Adoption
If you think the Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament will fit well with your lifestyle, you will need to begin the process of finding one.
Since this is such a rare breed, this may prove difficult. However, with patience and persistence, you can find the dog of your dreams.
Blue Picardy Spaniel Adoption
A great way to add a pet to your family is through adoption.
It is very rewarding to provide a loving home for an animal in need.
There are some additional perks to adoption as well.
Many animals that are up for adoption have some prior training, such as housetraining or crate training.
They are generally calmer and most of them have already outgrown the destructive puppy chewing stage.
Another benefit is cost. Adoption fees are much lower than fees from a breeder.
Typical adoption fees range between $100 and $300 depending on the organization. This fee usually includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, and other vetting.
Finding a Blue Picardy Spaniel for Adoption
A good place to start your adoption search is at your local humane society or animal shelter.
Even though Blue Picardy Spaniel’s are very rare in animal shelters, the staff can keep your information and call you when similar breeds or mixes become available.
They can also direct you towards rescue groups that specialize in more obscure breeds.
Another great adoption resource is the internet. There is a vibrant rescue community on Facebook.
There are also adoption websites such as Petfinder.com and Adoptapet.com that will allow you to search for the desired breed. These websites will even allow you to set up notifications so you can receive emails when that breed becomes available.
Finding a Blue Picardy Spaniel for Sale from a Reputable Breeder
If you choose to purchase a Blue Picardy puppy from breeder, you will need to spend some extra time and effort to make sure that your puppy comes from a reputable source.
Sadly, there are many unscrupulous breeders in the world who will take advantage of unknowing puppy buyers. Puppies that come from these sorts of establishments frequently develop health or behavioral problems.
To avoid illegitimate sources such as puppy mills or backyard breeders, never purchase Blue Picardy Spaniel puppies from pet stores or over the internet.
Instead, reach out to a breed club or the American Kennel Club for a list of recommended Blue Picardy Spaniel breeders.
Always ask to visit the breeder in person. A responsible breeder will encourage your visit. They will want to meet you and ask you questions as well. They want to make sure you are prepared to provide a good home to one of their puppies.
When you visit the breeder, ask to meet the breeding dogs and see their medical records. Talk about health or behavioral concerns in the parents.
Since Blue Picardy Spaniels are so rare, it will take some time and effort to find a good breeder. Even after you find a quality breeder, you will probably be placed on a lengthy waiting list for a puppy to become available.
In addition to investing a lot of time, be prepared for a large monetary investment as well. The Blue Picardy Spaniel price can easily exceed $1000, not including travel or accommodations.
Conclusion: Why the Blue Picardy Spaniel?
The Blue Picardy Spaniel temperament is undeniably charming. It is very hard to resist falling in love with this sweet, gorgeous breed.
However, Blue Picardy Spaniels require a lot of energy, attention, and time.
Make sure you have the right lifestyle for this active working breed before you fall head over heels for one of them!
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.