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Picardy Spaniel

Rambouillet is a fine-wool sheep breed developed in France from selected Spanish Merino sheep maintained at the national sheepfold at Rambouillet in the late 1700s. The breed was later imported to the United States (notably beginning in the mid-1800s) and became an important range sheep for Western production systems. Rambouillets are widely valued as a dual-purpose type: they produce a relatively heavy fine-wool fleece while also delivering practical growth and carcass traits under good management. In U.S. production, the breed has also been used extensively in crossbreeding programs to build hardy, productive commercial ewe flocks.

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.

Appearance

Rambouillets are typically white-faced and white-legged with a dense fleece that may extend onto the face and head. They are often described as among the larger-bodied fine-wool sheep, and their fleeces are noted for being relatively heavy for the fine-wool category.

Because face wool can be abundant, some lines have historically shown “wool blindness” when wool covers the eyes; targeted selection can reduce the issue. Overall build, fleece coverage, and size can vary by bloodline and the specific goals of a breeding program.

Breed Care

Routine care focuses on forage-based nutrition, fleece management, and preventive health appropriate to the region. A seasonal feeding plan that supports both body condition and wool growth is important, especially for ewes in late gestation and early lactation.

Shearing schedules (commonly annual) should be paired with parasite control, flystrike prevention where relevant, and periodic checks for foot issues and skin problems. Clean water, appropriate minerals, and good handling facilities make day-to-day management substantially easier.

Training

Rambouillets aren’t trained like companion animals, but they can be habituated to handling and movement routines. Frequent, calm exposure to sorting and restraint equipment helps reduce stress and improves safety for both animals and handlers.

For show or seedstock operations, practical “training” may include halter work, standing for evaluation, and accepting close human contact. Short sessions, predictable routines, and gentle pressure-and-release techniques typically work best.

Health

Health considerations mirror those of other fine-wool sheep and depend on local climate and production style. Key focus areas often include internal parasites, external parasites, foot health, and maintaining condition through weather and forage swings.

Face wool and heavy fleece coverage can require extra monitoring for eye irritation or wool-blindness risk and for heat stress in hot conditions. A proactive program—local vaccination guidance, strategic deworming, and prompt treatment of lameness—generally delivers the best outcomes.

Lifestyle

Rambouillets are strongly associated with range and pasture systems and have a long track record in diverse climates. They are commonly kept in flock settings where animals graze for much of the year and are gathered for key events such as shearing, lambing, and marketing.

They do best with adequate space, shelter or shade from extremes, and well-designed handling facilities that support efficient flock work. Because they are highly social, stable group management helps reduce stress and supports normal behavior.

Ownership

Rambouillets are a good fit for owners interested in fine-wool production (or fine-wool-based crossbreeding) who can support the practical needs of wool sheep: regular shearing, wool handling/storage, and region-appropriate health programs.

Selecting breeding stock should align with the operation’s goals—range hardiness, fleece weight and quality, growth, maternal performance, or show traits. Having reliable access to a shearer, veterinary support, and a marketing plan for wool and/or lambs is a major part of successful ownership.

Interesting Facts

• Developed in France at Rambouillet from selected Spanish Merino sheep in the late 1700s.
• Imported to the United States in the 1800s and became a major range sheep in the West.
• Often described as one of the largest fine-wool sheep types.
• Dense face wool can be heavy; selection can reduce wool-blindness risk.
• Valued for relatively heavy fine-wool fleeces and useful growth under good feeding.

Colors

•  Brown & White
•  Chestnut
•  Chocolate