Picardy Spaniel
🧠 Temperament & character
The Picardy Spaniel is calm, gentle and exceptionally friendly. He bonds closely with his family, is compatible with children and other dogs and shows hardly any sharpness. At work he is enduring and fond of movement, while at home he is pleasantly balanced. This combination makes him an uncomplicated companion who seeks closeness and shared activity.
📜 Origin & history
The Picardy Spaniel has its roots in the wetlands of Picardy and the Somme Bay, where it has been used for centuries to hunt waterfowl and feathered game. He is regarded as a direct descendant of old French spaniels and remained largely untouched by the fashion for English breeds. In the 19th century he was separated from the related setter lines and recognised as a breed in his own right. To this day he is valued, above all in his home region, as a down-to-earth hunting dog.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The medium-length, slightly wavy coat of the Picardy Spaniel is weatherproof and needs regular brushing, especially on the feathered areas. As a work-loving pointing dog he needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally with contact with water and nose work. He is intelligent and willing to learn, but responds best to calm, friendly guidance rather than harshness. Varied occupation keeps him content both physically and mentally.
🩺 Health
The Picardy Spaniel is regarded as a robust, healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years. Serious hereditary diseases are rare; occasionally hip problems or - due to the drop ears - ear infections can occur. Responsible breeders X-ray the hips and pay attention to healthy lines. Regular ear checks are part of basic care in this breed.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Picardy Spaniel suits active families and people who are looking for a gentle, uncomplicated companion with a hunting background. Thanks to his friendly nature he is well suited to households with children and also to sporty first-time owners. He is happiest with plenty of outdoor exercise in nature - in water-rich Switzerland he finds ideal conditions for swimming and foraging. For pure apartment living without occupation he is not suitable.