Blue Picardies don’t just live with their families, they become part of them. They thrive on companionship and genuinely want to be with them at all times. They are game for any adventure the family goes on; whether that is taking long hikes in the woods, pointing birds out for their hunters, running full-out on the sprinter course, breaking dock diving records, winning titles in agility and obedience, enjoying popcorn and movies on the couch, or even just shopping at your local Canadian Tire. They are game and seem to know instinctively how to behave in every situation thrown at them. Don’t be surprised if wherever you are and you look down, your Blue shadow will be close by.

In any situation where it is warranted, the Blues know how to behave impeccably and turn on their calm and gentle nature. You will rarely find your Blue Picardy misbehaving in public. Where any other dog would get restless and pull at the leash or start causing issues, your Blue? Where will you find your Blue? Curled up on your feet showing all the other dogs exactly how they should also be behaving. They live most of their life with their “Off switch” firmly in place. The Blues are not like a lab, they do not run up to strangers or unknown dogs trying to make friends. They are polite and will wait until being invited or encouraged to say hi. And if they’re on a mission, they might just walk right past dogs and people.

While the Blue usually live in their “Off” mode, they sure do know how to turn that switch to ON. Take your Blue on any adventure where they are permitted to be off-leash and then watch them GOOO! Nothing makes a Blue happier than taking long hikes with their families. Well, maybe there is something….if that hike included swimming! You will find your hikes including mud, birds, watching a dog zoom from one side of the trail to the other, a dog checking in regularly with a tongue hanging out and a big smile on their face, and then bringing home many bits of the woods they just ran through. A Blue can go for a 10 minute walk or a 3 hour walk, they aren’t fussy and know how to take advantage of any and all opportunities to show off their love of the great outdoors.

What is your Blue like at home? They are a dog that can simply fit into any home environment. They love to spend time with their families, whether that is dressing up for a royal tea party or fetching the home run balls in the backyard. Cutting up vegetables in the kitchen for supper, you have a automatic hoover at your feet. Taking those zoom meetings with your coworkers, your shadow is laying in the doorway so they can watch what everyone is doing. Kids coming home from school, a Blue wants to be at that bus stop to wiggle their joy all over “their” kids. A well socialized Blue is gentle and adaptable to any household. They are happiest when they are included in the family life. They generally enjoy the company of other dogs and are known for their calm and affectionate nature. Because Blues form such close bonds with their families, they do best when puppies are gradually taught confidence and independence. Like many companion-oriented sporting breeds similar to spaniels, helping them learn that being alone for short periods is normal and is an important part of raising a well-adjusted Blue.

Blues are very intelligent and quick to learn. They are eager to work with their people and respond beautifully to positive and consistent training. While they are capable of incredible things, they mature at their own pace, so patience and encouragement go a long way. Blues can be stubborn, so consistency is a must if a Blue is to learn many tasks…unless it is something they really love to do of course. Blues are bred to work with their companions so their ultimate goal is to please. And please you they will.

People often ask me what Blue Picardy Spaniels are like. Imagine a dog that is just as happy hiking through the forest as they are curled up beside you for couch time at the end of the day. They don’t just share your home, they share your life. A Blue Picardy Spaniel is a joy to live with.