A long-legged spaniel with setter characteristics, the Blue Picardy is a versatile sporting dog with a reputation for locating and retrieving game under the most adverse conditions. The first French spaniels had their beginnings in the Middle East when French knights travelled to the Holy Land accompanied by their pointers and hounds, which interbred with Arabian Greyhounds. Over time, the spaniels of France separated into regional types. Picardie, France, was a paradise for hunters of waterfowl and, at the end of the 19th century, British hunters and dogs came to hunt in the area’s marshes and moors. When the British quarantine was put into effect, many English hunters boarded their setters on Picardie farms. Consequently, Picard spaniels were crossed with blue belton English and Gordon Setters and the Blue Picardy Spaniel was the result.
The Blue Picardy is a docile dog with a calm demeanour. Patient, well-mannered and very adaptable, it gets on well with other dogs and animals. Though noted for being both gentle and playful with children, the Blue Picardy will always announce the presence of strangers and is ready to defend his family if the need arises.
These dogs take to hunting almost instinctively and can be used successfully on any upland game or waterfowl. Untiring and able to travel great distances at a steady pace, the Blue Picardy is an easily trained sporting dog that relishes having a job to do. It requires regular moderate exercise to maintain its workmanlike build.
Blue Picardy males measure 22-24 in (56-61 cm) at the withers and weigh about 45 lb (20.5 kg). Females are slightly smaller.
The coat is of medium length, thick and flat or slightly wavy. There is feathering on the ears, legs, underside and tail.
The distinctive coat is a blue-grey roan with black patches of various sizes. Puppies are born mostly white-grey and the colour fills in as they mature.
A weekly session with a brush and comb should keep the Blue Picardy presentable.