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Discover everything about Picardy Spaniel
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Picardy Spaniel?
At a glance
Picardy Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Epagneul Picard exhibits an average health profile typical for hunting breeds, earning it a B grade. Important joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are known risks, but they can be effectively managed through responsible selective breeding and radiographic screening. Additionally, breeding dogs should be examined for non-specific eye conditions to preserve the robustness of these rare French pointing dogs.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
55–62 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Medium length, wavy, dense undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Basic color gray with brown plates
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Picardy Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Picardy Spaniel right for you?
The Epagneul Picard is a robust, enduring Vorstehhund (pointing dog) — bred for close cooperation in dense reeds and water, where he tracks, points, and retrieves game. A true outdoorsman who values cooperation above all else.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate daily nose work, retrieval training, or tracking — a dog with this hunting background will wither away on simple fair-weather walks.
- You love being out in nature regardless of the weather and don't mind having a wet, muddy dog in your car.
- You are looking for a gentle, people-oriented companion who is completely relaxed at home, as long as his mind is challenged outside.
- You appreciate cooperative dogs and lead with patience and clear structure rather than unnecessary harshness.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to be perfectly recallable on his own when he spots waterfowl — he was bred to work purposefully in exactly those environments.
- You only want to take a quick lap around the block after work and have no interest in time-intensive activities.
- You live in a purely urban environment without quick access to expansive fields, forests, or bodies of water.
The real vibes check
An Epagneul Picard knows two states of being: outside, he plows through the deepest mud as a tireless worker; inside, he melts into the sofa as a gentle shadow. You aren't getting a trendy city dog, but a true French country gentleman — extremely cooperative and only truly happy when he gets to get dirty with you.
Breed Profile
The Epagneul Picard, also known as the Picard Spaniel, is a medium-sized, muscular and robust dog that impresses with its gentle and attentive expression. He is a pointing dog that belongs to FCI Group 7. Its medium-length, wavy coat, striking eyebrow, whisker and beard hair as well as its long, feathered ears, which are set high and have beautiful folds, are characteristic of this breed. Its tail is medium long and straight when at rest, but when excited it is carried horizontally and can be slightly curved upwards. There is no distinction between performance and show lines.
- Height
- 55 - 58 cm (Female), 55 - 62 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Gentle, affectionate, lively
- Coat
- Medium length, wavy, dense undercoat
- Coat Color
- Basic color gray with brown plates
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The Epagneul Picard's origins can be found in the Picardy region of northern France, where it was used as a hunting dog for game birds and hares. It is one of the oldest French pointer breeds and can look back on a long history. The first depictions that refer to this breed date back to the 13th century. The Epagneul Picard was bred together with the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie for a long time until the two breeds were separated at the end of the 19th century. The Epagneul Picard was recognized as an independent breed in 1907 by the Soci"t" Centrale Canine, the French dog association.
Original Use
The Epagneul Picard was bred to hunt waterfowl, particularly in marshy terrain.
Origin
France
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
The Epagneul Picard is a versatile hunting dog that is used as both a pointing dog and a retrieving dog due to its excellent nose performance. His innate hunting instinct and passion for work make him a valuable hunting companion. At the same time, he is also a wonderful family dog who impresses with his gentleness, affection and friendliness. His balanced temperament and his love of learning make him a pleasant companion in everyday life. Despite his passion for hunting, the Epagneul Picard is not a hyperactive dog. He also enjoys quieter periods and usually shows his calm side in the house. His people-oriented nature and his need for close ties to his family make him a pleasant companion who fits well into everyday family life and also gets along well with children. His love of playing keeps him young and makes him a great playmate for young and old. An Epagneul Picard can easily learn to stay alone, but this should be practiced gradually and with a lot of patience, as he is very focused on his caregivers. His innate hunting instinct can certainly shine through, especially when he picks up tracks of game. It is important to raise him well right from the start and train him to recall. Despite his passion for hunting, the Epagneul Picard is not an aggressive dog, but is rather reserved and gentle towards strangers. His alertness is moderate, but he does report if something seems unusual to him. Overall, the Epagneul Picard is a versatile, adaptable dog that impresses both as a hunting companion and as a family dog. His gentleness, friendliness and balanced temperament make him a wonderful companion who conquers the heart of every dog lover with his affection and people-oriented nature.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Although the Epagneul Picard is one of the oldest French dog breeds, it is relatively unknown and rarely seen outside of its home country.
What Awaits You
The Picardy Spaniel is a lively and friendly hunting dog with a strong willingness to work. It is characterized by its versatility and is especially valued for small game hunting. These dogs are intelligent, eager to learn, and require meaningful activity. With their open and balanced nature, they are also suitable as family dogs, provided they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Housing & Care
The Epagneul Picard is an active and lively dog that feels most comfortable when it has enough space to run around and play. Therefore it is less suitable as a city dog. He gets along well with children and is generally very social and friendly. He usually gets along well with other pets, including cats, as long as he is used to them from an early age.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Well-suited to city life
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
When raising an Epagneul Picard, it is important to rely on consistent but loving leadership. The Epagneul Picard is intelligent and willing to learn, which makes training easier. He is a hunting dog by nature, which means he has a strong hunting instinct. It is therefore important that he learns to use commands like "Here" as a puppy. or "Off" to follow. With its natural retrieving instinct, the Epagneul Picard is suitable for many dog sports, including agility, obedience or dummy training. It is important to exercise him mentally and physically without overwhelming him. Ball games should be used in doses to avoid excessive ball fixation. A special feature in the upbringing of the Epagneul Picard is the promotion of his frustration tolerance and impulse control. Since he is a lively and active dog, he tends to get excited easily. However, with appropriate training, he can learn to better control his impulses and become more patient.
Nutrition & Care
The Epagneul Picard is an active dog and therefore requires a balanced, high-quality diet. It should be rich in protein and contain enough carbohydrates and fats to meet his energy needs. It's important to watch your dog's weight to avoid obesity, which can lead to health problems. When it comes to grooming, the Epagneul Picard is relatively easy to care for. Its medium-length, wavy coat has a dense undercoat and should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and remove dead hair. The Epagneul Picard sheds moderately and can therefore also be suitable for allergy sufferers. With his thick fur, he also copes well with the German climate.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Epagneul Picard exhibits an average health profile typical for hunting breeds, earning it a B grade. Important joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are known risks, but they can be effectively managed through responsible selective breeding and radiographic screening. Additionally, breeding dogs should be examined for non-specific eye conditions to preserve the robustness of these rare French pointing dogs.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should keep his floppy ears dry, check his skin and coat after walks, and ensure he is raised in a way that protects his joints during his first year.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, and eyes tested and ensure that their lines do not show a tendency toward ear infections or allergies.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Picardy Spaniel
Karin S., Halterin aus Wien (Hündin, seit 2009)
Unsere Hündin Akira hat uns über viele Jahre gezeigt, was für ein großartiger Charakter in dieser seltenen Rasse steckt. Mittlerweile ist sie stolze 13 Jahre alt. Auch wenn im Alter die Augen, das Gehör und die Knochen nicht mehr so fit sind wie früher – ihre Nase funktioniert immer noch wie eine Eins. Wir haben mit ihr das Mantrailing für uns entdeckt, wo sie mit vollem Eifer dabei ist.
Für uns ist sie ein wunderbarer, ausgeglichener Familienhund, der im Haus sehr ruhig ist. Man merkt aber täglich, wie tief der Instinkt verankert ist, die Nase einzusetzen. Wer sich für einen Epagneul Picard entscheidet, sollte unbedingt bereit sein, diese herausragende Riechleistung im Alltag durch Suchspiele, Fährtenarbeit oder eben Mantrailing gezielt auszulasten.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Picardy Spaniel
Is a Picardy Spaniel the right dog for me?
The Picardy Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Picardy Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a Picardy Spaniel is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Picardy Spaniel need?
Picardy Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Picardy Spaniel good for families with children?
The Picardy Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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