Blue Picardy Spaniel
Also known as Bleu de Picardie
- Height at the withers
- 55 to 62 cm
- Weight
- 19 to 24 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A pointing spaniel built fairly close to the ground, with a flat or slightly wavy coat and a speckled gray-black color with bluish tints, the Blue Picardy Spaniel is a close-working dog that quarters within gun range. A woodcock specialist that is at ease with all small game, it is supple, gentle and easygoing, very close to children and calm at home as long as it gets its daily outing.
History and origins
In the 19th century, several writers described black or black and white spaniels in Picardy, known as northern spaniels (épagneuls du Nord). In the early 20th century, the blue dogs were still shown alongside Picardy Spaniels before their identity was recognized; according to tradition, English Setter blood contributed to their coat color. The standard was registered in 1938, and the breed, recognized by the FCI (standard no. 106), shares its club with the Picardy Spaniel and the Pont-Audemer Spaniel. It remains rare in France, with 84 LOF registrations in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections (drop ears)
- Entropion / ectropion
- Grass awns and hunting injuries
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wavy coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care. Coat colors: silver gray to speckled gray-black with a bluish tint, with or without black patches.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Blue Picardy Spaniel FAQ
How big does the Blue Picardy Spaniel get?
The Blue Picardy Spaniel stands 55 to 62 cm at the withers and weighs 19 to 24 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Blue Picardy Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the Blue Picardy Spaniel live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Blue Picardy Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Blue Picardy Spaniel good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Blue Picardy Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and ear infections.
