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Blue Picardy Spaniel Breed Description

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Breed Organization

United Kennel Club (UKC)

Native Country
France

Other Names
Bleu Picard

Life Expectancy
Approximately 11-13 Years

Litter Size
No litter information available.

Breed Group
CKC-Sporting

General Description

What differentiates the Blue Picardy Spaniel from other French Spaniels is the distinctive grey black speckled coat that gives a bluish effect. This breed also has blue skin pigmentation. The dog has an athletic build but the distinctive medium length hair gives it an elegant appearance. A Blue Picardy Spaniel has large dark eyes that have a calm expression. The long broad muzzle appears to be square shaped because of the wide pendulous lips. The broad nose has well opened nostrils. Ears that are set above the eye level are quite thick and attractively frame the head as it is covered with silky wavy hair. The ears are long reaching the tip of the muzzle.

Breed Standard

Head: Fairly large. Relatively broad, oval skull. Pronounced stop. Long, fairly broad nosebridge. Wide nose. Flews large, very pendulous.
Ears: Set on slightly above eye level. Fairly thick, framing the head. Covered with silky waves of hair.
Eyes: Large, dark.
Body: Strong. Neck with very slight dewlap allowed. Chest sufficiently deep. Well-arched ribs. Loin not too heavy. Back not too long. Slightly sloping croup
Tail: Not much longer than the hock. Never hooked.
Hair: Flat or slightly wavy. Feathering on the legs and tail.
Coat: Flecked grey or black, creating a bluish cast, with black spots.
Size: Approx. 20 kg (44 lb)..
Weight: Dog: 57 to 60 cm (22.5-23.5 in). Bitch: slightly less


History

At the turn of the 20th century the area around the mouth of the River Somme was considered a paradise for hunters interested in wildfowl. Because of quarantine restrictions in the United Kingdom, British shooters would board their dogs in the Picardy area, near the mouth of the Somme. This caused the infusion of English Setter blood into the local Spaniel population and developed the Blue Picardy Spaniel.

While the first black, blue-grey Spaniel was recorded in 1875, it was not until 1904 when the Picardy Spaniel was first shown. This Spaniel was officially classified as a French Spaniel, and was shown at the Paris Canine Exposition. When the Picard Spaniel and Blue Picardy Spaniel Club was formed in 1907 the two different breeds of Picardy Spaniel were categorised.

In France, the Blue Picardy was recognised as a separate breed in 1938, and there are about 1000 puppies born in France each year. The first person to import the Blue Picardy Spaniel into Canada was Ronald Meunier of Saint-Julien, Quebec, around 1987, and the breed was then recognised by the Canadian Kennel Club effective 1 June 1995. The breed is recognised by the American Rare Breed Association, which uses the same standard as the Federation Cynologique Internationale.


Behavior

It is a versatile hunting dog, used for its ability to locate and retrieve game in harsh and adverse terrain and conditions. It is not specialised to any one type of terrain, and tends to score well in field trials. The Blue Picardy is considered to be a quiet breed, but requires a great deal of exercise as it has a high level of stamina. It loves to play, and is a responsive and obedient breed which thrives on human companionship. It is especially good with children.

He needs space and exercise for his well-being. He does not like being left alone. He requires regular brushing and attention to the ears.

Function

Hunting Dog, Companion Dog.


Health

The breed has no known genetic health issues. Blue Picardy Spaniels can be prone to ear infections, which are common among dogs with pendulous ears.



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