Epagneul Bleu de Picardie Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders

Breed Type: Spaniel
Country of Origin: France
Size: Medium
Also known as: Blue Picardy Spaniel
Males: Height: 55 – 60 cm Weight: 19 – 24 kg
Females: Height: 55 – 60 cm Weight: 19 – 24 kg
Exercise Requirements:Â High
Care Requirements:Â Medium
Lifespan:Â 12 – 14 Years
Best Suited as: Gun Dog

Overview:
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardi, also known as the Blue Picardy Spaniel, is another breed of Spaniel originated from France. The breed’s ancestors are the English Settlers and the Picardy Spaniels. The breed is always quiet; however, an Epagneul Bleu de Picardi must always have an exercise or activity regularly. Breeders claimed that this breed is both child-friendly and remarkable playmate. Distinguishable to a Picardy Spaniel, the Blue Picardy Spaniel has a coat color that is distinct to this breed of Spaniels. Although many associations do not recognize the breed, the Epagneul Bleu de Picardi dogs remained famous in both France and Canada. Most people find this breed as an outstanding gun dog and family pet.

Appearance:
Breeders can distinguish an Epagneul Bleu de Picardi dog from other Picardy Spaniel breeds by the look of its coat. Compared to other Spaniel breeds, a Blue Picardy Spaniel has a blue coating distinct only to this breed. The fact is that no hair of it is blue; rather, the coating was a mixture of white, gray, and black hair that covers the dog’s coat. There are some dogs that might seem spotted with colors while the others remained their solid bluish color. The coating is smooth and quite lengthy. The hair on the dog’s tail, ears, and legs are denser than the other parts of the dog’s body. The body is quite tall and lean while the muzzle and the head seem strongly-built. The ears of this breed are long and lying flat against the head. The dog’s large eyes are either in amber or brown color.

Temperament:
Most breeders of Epagneul Bleu de Picardi found the breed’s temperament as gentle and extremely affectionate. Although they developed with athletic instinct, these dogs still like to stay beside their owners. Both children and adults will love this breed as their pet companion daily. However, the breed’s hunting nature may cause them to chase smaller animals. Proper and enough training, together with efficient socialization, will help them to mingle with smaller animals. Keep in mind that this breed has a high amount of energy; hence, owners must give an open space for them to jog or walk such as backyard or garden.

History:
It was late 1800s when the breed Epagneul Bleu de Picardi developed in France. Experts claimed that despite of the 1,000-year existence of Spaniel dogs, this certain breed is quite new in history. Most people think that this breed is a product of a Picardy Spaniel, a native dog in France, which mated to an English Settler brought by English hunters. Breeders have developed the Blue Picardy Spaniel dogs to withstand the outdoor activities on different weathers and terrains. It is no surprise why this breed is quite resilient despite of any changes in season. Ever since the breed developed, hunters use the dog’s skills and abilities to hunt game whether on land or in water.

Care and Grooming:
Owners should keep up grooming regularly. They must brush the dog’s coating to keep up the hair’s health. The shedding is minimal which means that brushing is not a daily task. Breeders do not even worry about changes in season because the Epagneul Bleu de Picardi is capable of withstanding any weather. The coating of a Blue Picardy Spaniel dog does not shed even during springs and fall. Bathing is not even a heavy task for this breed. People do not have to bathe the dogs under this breed often; however, because of their hunting instincts, they might become dirty when they go outdoors. Owners must bathe them when necessary to prevent their coating from becoming dull. Remember that hunting dogs have a high amount of energy; hence, the Blue Picardy Spaniel dogs must have a sustained activity to tame their energy. Daily jogging is enough to make them lively. Aside from all these, people must always check the dog’s ears for infection. An expert-approved treatment is efficient enough to treat and infection build up in the ear canals. Teeth’s brushing is also a task to consider preventing the accumulation of tartar and development of foul breath.

Health:
Because of the breed’s body-built and natural capabilities, owners do not find any health-specific problems that this breed tends to meet. However, relaxing about the dog’s health is still not advisable. Experts would suggest that proper exercise and regular activities will help owners to keep this breed healthy.

Suitability as a Pet:
The breed’s gentleness makes it more suitable as a pet compared to other Picardy Spaniel breeds. Dogs under the breed of Epagneul Bleu de Picardi are affectionate enough for owners to gain their loyalty. They love to stay always at their owner’s company. They also have the patience to withstand any playful activity of children. Most people consider them as wonderful playmates for children and a noble companion for adults. Their athleticism is always ready to keep up the pace of hunters during outdoor activities. However, smaller pets may cause this breed to become a hazard in the household. Their hunting instinct may overcome their intelligence once they see smaller animals. Efficient socialization in the breed’s early years will settle this tendency.

Training:
A good training for this breed is daily exercise. These dogs do not respond well if kept in limited space alone. Owners should give a good space for these dogs to run and release their energy. Otherwise, they might become destructive and disobedient. The unique intelligence of this breed will allow owners not worry when leaving the dog by itself. Keep in mind that harsh discipline will never win the favor of an Epagneul Bleu de Picardi.