Blue Picardy Spaniel

Also called Épagneul Bleu de Picardie

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From France (Picardy, around the mouth of the River Somme)1 2

At a glance the quick version

Height, male57 to 62 cm1

Height, female55 to 60 cm1

Lifespan13 years3

Sizelarge

gentle and even-tempered

good with children

keen woodcock and small-game pointer

1 2 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium, flat to slightly wavy with feathering

The coat lies flat or has a gentle wave, with fringes of longer hair on the ears, legs, belly and tail.1 2

Colourssilver grey to grey-black speckled (bluish roan)with or without black patches1

Personality what they are like

A calm, soft-natured spaniel that settles easily into family life. It is placid at home, eager to please its people and especially easygoing with children, while showing plenty of drive in the field.1 2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High stamina gundog that needs daily walks plus regular chances to run, search and play; it is happiest with hunting, tracking or other outdoor work.1 2 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the coat and feathering regularly to keep fringes free of tangles and burrs after outings; check and clean the drop ears routinely.1 3

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to an active home with access to open countryside or a secure garden and daily outdoor time.2 3

Company who they like around

Thrives on human companionship and does not like to be left out of family life.2

The story where it all began

Spaniels of the Somme area crossed with English setters, left behind by visiting British hunters, gave rise to a speckled blue-grey line. A breed club formed in 1907 to separate the blue dogs from the Picardy Spaniel, and France recognised the Blue Picardy as its own breed in 1938. It reached Canada in 1987.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its bluish look comes from black and white hairs speckled together rather than a true blue pigment.1
2
It was first shown at the Paris dog show in 1904, still grouped with the Picardy Spaniel.2
3
A Quebec breeder, Ronald Meunier, brought the breed to Canada in 1987, and Canada now has one of its largest populations outside France.2
4
Its speciality is hunting woodcock in marshes and woodland.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the Picardy region of France, where it originated, and 'blue' refers to its distinctive blue-grey roan coat with black patches. The French name 'Épagneul Bleu de Picardie' translates to 'Blue Spaniel of Picardy'.2

Name ideas for your new friend

BleuPicardSommePierreLunaChasseurBiscuitFleurRemyCielDouxCap

A day in the life told by a Blue Picardy Spaniel

I start my day with a gentle walk through the fields, sniffing the morning air. After breakfast, I join my owner for a tracking game in the woods, my nose working hard. Back home, I curl up on the sofa, watching the kids play. In the afternoon, we play fetch in the garden, I love running and searching. At dusk, I relax by the fire, content and calm. Life is good.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 106, Group 7 Pointing Dogs, Section 1.2 Continental Pointing Dogs, Spaniel type; definitive acceptance 12 June 1954; working trial required4
Société Centrale Canine: Recognised in France as a separate breed in 19381
Canadian Kennel Club: Recognised, effective 1 June 19952
United Kennel Club: Recognised2
AKC: Foundation Stock Service (not fully recognised)2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Picardy Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Blue Picardy Spaniel tip

Blue Picardy Spaniels are active dogs that thrive on high-protein treats like chicken or fish. Keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories to help maintain a healthy weight.

Source: akc.org

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Blue Picardy Spaniel, and at what times?

Adult Blue Picardy Spaniels do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and check the food label or ask your vet for the right portion sizes.5

What should a Blue Picardy Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these well away from your spaniel.6

How often should I bathe a Blue Picardy Spaniel?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every four weeks, but you can adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. The ASPCA recommends bathing at least once every three months, and more often if your spaniel spends a lot of time outdoors.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Blue Picardy Spaniel need brushing?

Brush your Blue Picardy Spaniel every couple of days to keep the coat and feathering free of tangles and burrs, especially after outdoor adventures. The ASPCA advises weekly brushing for short coats, but this breed's longer feathering benefits from more frequent care.1 3 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Blue Picardy Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Blue Picardy Spaniel need?

This high-stamina gundog needs daily walks plus regular chances to run, search, and play. It is happiest with hunting, tracking, or other outdoor work, so plan for at least an hour of active exercise each day.1 2 3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Blue Picardy Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush your spaniel's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check the floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry the ears after baths or swimming, and never push anything into the ear canal.7 1 3 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Blue Picardy Spaniel live?

The Blue Picardy Spaniel has a typical lifespan of around 13 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, your spaniel can enjoy a long and happy life.3

Is a Blue Picardy Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is known for being calm, soft-natured, and especially easygoing with children. It generally gets along well with other pets, though early socialization always helps.1 2 3

Can a Blue Picardy Spaniel be left alone?

This spaniel thrives on human companionship and does not like being left out of family life. It can be left alone for short periods, but prolonged isolation may cause distress, so it's best suited to homes where someone is around most of the day.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.