At a glance the quick version
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.12
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.123
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.123
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.13
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to an active home with access to open countryside or a secure garden and daily outdoor time.23
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 1987.123
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
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Picardy Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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 Furry Diary 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.137 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.123 Furry Diary 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.713 Furry Diary 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.123
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 106 Épagneul Bleu de Picardie fci.beused for history, height, coat, colour, temperament, use
- Wikipedia: Blue Picardy Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for history dates, recognition, weight, temperament
- Wikipédia (FR): Épagneul bleu de Picardie fr.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, weight, origin story, character
- FCI nomenclature: Blue Picardy Spaniel fci.beused for FCI group and acceptance date
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.