Picardy Spaniel
- Height at the withers
- 55 to 62 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 25 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 hardy, medium-proportioned pointing spaniel with a speckled gray coat patched with liver and marked with tan, the Picardy Spaniel is a versatile small-game hunter with a firm point and a very keen nose, at home in marshland as well as woodland. Gentle, supple and easygoing, it adapts well to family life and is a true friend to children.
History and origins
An age-old dog of Picardy, shaped by the region’s varied landscapes, from the plains to the marshes of the Somme, it long remained confined to its home province, which explains why it is not widespread. Set apart as a breed in the early 20th century, it shares its breed club with the Blue Picardy Spaniel and the Pont-Audemer Spaniel. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 108, revised in 2023), it is enjoying renewed interest among hunters, with 168 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, low coat care. Coat colors: speckled gray with dark liver patches, tan markings on the head and legs (a “dead leaves” shade).
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
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 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
Picardy Spaniel FAQ
How big does the Picardy Spaniel get?
The Picardy Spaniel stands 55 to 62 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Picardy Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the 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 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 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 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.
