| Picardy Spaniel | |||||||||||||
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 A Picardy Spaniel | |||||||||||||
| Other names | Épagneul Picard | ||||||||||||
| Origin | France | ||||||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||
ThePicardy Spaniel is abreed ofdog developed inFrance for use as agundog. It is related to theBlue Picardy Spaniel, and still has many similarities, but the Picardy Spaniel is the older of the two breeds. It is thought to be one of the two oldest continentalspaniel breeds and was favoured by the French nobility, remaining popular for hunting after theFrench Revolution due to its weather resistant coat that enabled it to hunt in a variety of conditions and terrain. However its popularity waned following the influx of English hunting breeds in the early 20th century. Slightly smaller than anEnglish Setter but larger than most of its spaniel cousins, it has no major health issues although as with many breeds with pendulous ears, it can be prone toear infections.
TheFrench Spaniel and the Picardy Spaniel are speculated[who?] to have stemmed from the Chien d' Oysel described in the writings ofGaston Phoebus.[1] Hunting during this period in France was one of the favourite sports of the nobility and the French type of Spaniel became the favourite hunting dog of the French Royalty. The breed can be seen in paintings dating from this period by artistsAlexandre-François Desportes andJean-Baptiste Oudry. They were also the first breed of dog to be admitted intosalons.[2][unreliable source?]
The breed became more popular still following theFrench Revolution and the aftermath in which hunting was no longer restricted to the nobility. Although spread throughout France, a large concentration was located in the north west where the weather resistant coat of the breed made it ideal for the wooded and swampy conditions. During the early 19th century, British hunters crossed thechannel to hunt in the grounds of north west France. The British brought their own hunting dogs, and this resulted in a change of preference as French hunters switched to English breeds and caused a major blow to the existence of the Picardy Spaniel.[2] In addition the infusion of blood from theEnglish Setter into the local spaniel population created theBlue Picardy Spaniel.[3]
The Epagneul Picard Club was formed in 1921 and was merged with the Club of Blue Picardy Spaniel on 28 July 1937. A further merger took place on 21 May 1980 when these clubs merged with thePont-Audemer Club to form the Club des Epagneuls Picards, Bleus de Picardie & Pont Audemer.[2][4]
The Picardy Spaniel is recognised by a variety of Kennel Clubs and associations including theNorth American Kennel Club,[5]American Rare Breed Association,[6]United Kennel Club,[7] and theFédération Cynologique Internationale. All four associations use the standard as set by the FCI.[8] It is also recognised by theContinental Kennel Club,[9] but unlike the closely related Blue Picardy Spaniel, it is not recognised by theCanadian Kennel Club.[10]
Typical examples of the breed measure between 22–24 inches (56–61 cm) at thewithers,[11] with the average weight between 20–25 kilograms (44–55 lb).[2] The breed is similar in size to the English Setter, although is slightly smaller.[12] Of the Spaniel type breeds, only theLarge Münsterländer andDrentse Patrijshond are recognised as possibly growing to larger sizes, with the Drentse measuring 21.5–25.5 in (55–65 cm),[13] and the Münsterländer slightly smaller with a narrower range at 23–25 in (58–64 cm).[14]
The breed has a squarely built muscular body[2] and an oval shaped head with a long muzzle and long ears that hang fairly low.[15] Its coat can vary in colours from chocolate, chestnut brown and white with sandy coloured markings on the head and white or grey spots on the legs.[2] Its hair is abundant with a slight wave, enabling it to work in dense cover and even in water.[16]
The Picardy Spaniel is a docile breed of dog and is fond of playing with children and bonds well with their master.[15] It is described as having a gentle sociable nature, possessing a good character with a laid-back attitude, and being relatively easy to train.[15] In France, the breed is used for hunting in wooded areas forpheasants, and in swamps forsnipes.[16] However it can also be used for huntingducks,hares andrabbits.[17] The breed excels at hunting in marshes and will not hesitate to jump into water.[15] It can also adequately serve as a retriever should it be required.[16] The dog is content with a small amount of space and could suit life in the city, but also loves open spaces.[15]
The Picardy Spaniel has no known hereditary health problems,[11] and has an average lifespan of 14 years.[17] However being a hunting spaniel, the breed is prone toear infections.[2] These infections are common among dogs with pendulous ears, includingBasset Hounds and other breeds ofspaniel.[18] Overfeeding a Picardy Spaniel may lead tooverweight.[15]
