Picardy Spaniel

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Description

The Picardy Spaniel, also known as the Épagneul Picard, is a rare breed of gundog originating from the Picard region of France. This medium to large-sized dog is prized for its versatility and intelligence. During the 19th century the French spaniels started to subdivide into separate regional breeds. By 1908, breed standards were created for the Picardy Spaniel and they were official recognized as a distinct breed.

Its ancestor is believed to be the German Spaniel, also known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or Chien d Oysel. French Spaniels were the favorite hunting breed of French Royalty but hunting was a past time reserved for privileged. This breed became much more popular following the French Revolution, when hunting wasnt restricted to just french nobility. During the 19th century, British hunters started arriving to hunt parts of France, bringing with them English breed dogs, like the English and Gordon Setters, causing many French hunters to switch breeds. These English breed dogs were also breed to the Picardy Spaniel, creating the Blue Picardy Spaniel.

Some of the bloodiest fighting happened in the Picardy region during World War I, causing vast devastation to the region. Picardy also saw fighting during World War II in 1940 and again 1944. The breed had all but disappeared following these two conflicts.

The Picardy Spaniels are medium to large-sized dogs, with males typically standing between 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) tall at the shoulder, and females slightly smaller. They usually weigh between 44 to 55 pounds (20 to 25 kg). Sightly smaller than an English Setter. Their most distinguishing feature is their dense, water-resistant coat. The coat color is described as grey mottling with brown patches, most often marked with tan on the head and limbs. They have feathering on the legs and sometimes the tail. They have an oval shaped head, a moderately long muzzle and ears that hang low, with fringes of hair.

Overall, this breed is known for its exceptional hunting abilities, particularly in retrieving game from water and navigating various terrains due to its weather resistant coat that enabled it to hunt in a variety of conditions and terrain. With a gentle demeanor and keen sense of loyalty, the Picardy Spaniel has become a cherished companion for hunters and families alike, though its recognition outside of France remains limited.