Picardy Spaniel
The Picardy Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniel breeds in Europe — mentioned in French cynological texts of the 14th century and developed in the Somme Valley of Picardy for pointing and flushing game in the wet marshland and forests of northern France.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
France
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
20–25 kg (44–55 lbs)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active gun dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Picardy Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniel breeds in Europe — mentioned in French cynological texts of the 14th century and developed in the Somme Valley of Picardy for pointing and flushing game in the wet marshland and forests of northern France. It is closely related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel but has a warmer brown-grey colouring where the Blue Picardy has a bluish cast. A gentle, easy-going companion dog that is as happy in the family home as in the hunting field.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A medium-large, well-proportioned spaniel with a wavy, slightly rough coat in a distinctive grey-brown mottled pattern with warm chestnut patches. Long pendant ears with wavy hair. The overall impression is of a reliable, workmanlike gun dog with a pleasant, gentle expression.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, calm, and easy-going — one of the most laid-back of the pointing spaniel breeds. Excellent family dog. Adaptable to various living situations. Calm indoors with adequate exercise.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
clinginess, soft sensitivity, whining
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours exercise daily. Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Ear cleaning weekly. Good for families wanting a versatile gun dog and home companion.
Nutrition Notes
Healthy breed. Ear infections. Joint supplements for field dogs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hip dysplasia. Ear infections. Ectropion. Generally very healthy. Oldest French spaniel breed. Gentle, easy-going temperament. 12-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1200 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
900 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally healthy working breed. Hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy. Acral mutilation syndrome documented in French spaniels — DNA test available.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Oldest French spaniel. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,200 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Picardy Spaniel is depicted in 14th-century French manuscripts alongside hunting scenes — making it one of the best-documented ancient gun dog breeds in European art history.
The Somme Valley of Picardy where the breed developed is also the site of some of WWI's most brutal battles — the Picardy Spaniel and the Blue Picardy Spaniel nearly went extinct during WWI when the region was devastated by years of trench warfare.
