Blue Picardy SpanielClose relative
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Picardy Spaniel
Health grade A- Shoulder height55–62 cm
- Weight18–25 kg
- Life expectancy12–14 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Epagneul Picard is a robust, enduring pointing dog — bred for close cooperation in dense reeds and water, where he tracks, points, and retrieves game. A true outdoorsman who values cooperation above all else.
- Health grade A: In the Epagneul Picard, the primary health concerns are hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), and eye conditions.
- You want to incorporate daily nose work, retrieval training, or tracking — a dog with this hunting background will wither away on simple fair-weather walks.
- You love being out in nature regardless of the weather and don't mind having a wet, muddy dog in your car.
- You expect him to be perfectly recallable on his own when he spots waterfowl — he was bred to work purposefully in exactly those environments.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V.
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Similar Breeds
French SpanielClose relative
Brittany SpanielSame FCI section
Pont-Audemer SpanielSame FCI section
Small MunsterlanderSame FCI section
Drentsche PatrijshondSame FCI section
Is the Picardy Spaniel right for you?
At a glance
Picardy Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
55–62 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Medium length, wavy, dense undercoat
- Origin: France
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Picardy Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Picardy Spaniel come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Picardy Spaniel — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Amber
Coat type
Illustrative imageMedium
Double coat
Illustrative imageSilky
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a gentle, people-oriented companion who is completely relaxed at home, as long as his mind is challenged outside.
- You appreciate cooperative dogs and lead with patience and clear structure rather than unnecessary harshness.
Less ideal if:
- You only want to take a quick lap around the block after work and have no interest in time-intensive activities.
- You live in a purely urban environment without quick access to expansive fields, forests, or bodies of water.
The real vibes check
An Epagneul Picard knows two states of being: outside, he plows through the deepest mud as a tireless worker; inside, he melts into the sofa as a gentle shadow. You aren't getting a trendy city dog, but a true French country gentleman — extremely cooperative and only truly happy when he gets to get dirty with you.
Breed Profile
The Epagneul Picard, also known as the Picard Spaniel, is a medium-sized, muscular and robust dog that impresses with its gentle and attentive expression. He is a pointing dog that belongs to FCI Group 7. Its medium-length, wavy coat, striking eyebrow, whisker and beard hair as well as its long, feathered ears, which are set high and have beautiful folds, are characteristic of this breed. Its tail is medium long and straight when at rest, but when excited it is carried horizontally and can be slightly curved upwards. There is no distinction between performance and show lines.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 55 - 58 cm (Female), 55 - 62 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 yrs
- Character
- Gentle, affectionate, lively
- Coat
- Medium length, wavy, dense undercoat
- Coat Color
- Basic color gray with brown plates
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Epagneul Picard is a versatile hunting dog that is used as both a pointing dog and a retrieving dog due to its excellent nose performance. His innate hunting instinct and passion for work make him a valuable hunting companion. At the same time, he is also a wonderful family dog who impresses with his gentleness, affection and friendliness. His balanced temperament and his love of learning make him a pleasant companion in everyday life. Despite his passion for hunting, the Epagneul Picard is not a hyperactive dog. He also enjoys quieter periods and usually shows his calm side in the house. His people-oriented nature and his need for close ties to his family make him a pleasant companion who fits well into everyday family life and also gets along well with children. His love of playing keeps him young and makes him a great playmate for young and old. An Epagneul Picard can easily learn to stay alone, but this should be practiced gradually and with a lot of patience, as he is very focused on his caregivers. His innate hunting instinct can certainly shine through, especially when he picks up tracks of game. It is important to raise him well right from the start and train him to recall. Despite his passion for hunting, the Epagneul Picard is not an aggressive dog, but is rather reserved and gentle towards strangers. His alertness is moderate, but he does report if something seems unusual to him. Overall, the Epagneul Picard is a versatile, adaptable dog that impresses both as a hunting companion and as a family dog. His gentleness, friendliness and balanced temperament make him a wonderful companion who conquers the heart of every dog lover with his affection and people-oriented nature.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Although the Epagneul Picard is one of the oldest French dog breeds, it is relatively unknown and rarely seen outside of its home country.
What Awaits You
The Picardy Spaniel is a lively and friendly hunting dog with a strong willingness to work. It is characterized by its versatility and is especially valued for small game hunting. These dogs are intelligent, eager to learn, and require meaningful activity. With their open and balanced nature, they are also suitable as family dogs, provided they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Housing & Care
The Epagneul Picard is an active and lively dog that feels most comfortable when it has enough space to run around and play. Therefore it is less suitable as a city dog. He gets along well with children and is generally very social and friendly. He usually gets along well with other pets, including cats, as long as he is used to them from an early age.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Well-suited to city life
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
When raising an Epagneul Picard, it is important to rely on consistent but loving leadership. The Epagneul Picard is intelligent and willing to learn, which makes training easier. He is a hunting dog by nature, which means he has a strong hunting instinct. It is therefore important that he learns to use commands like "Here" as a puppy, or "Off". With its natural retrieving instinct, the Epagneul Picard is suitable for many dog sports, including agility, obedience or dummy training. It is important to exercise him mentally and physically without overwhelming him. Ball games should be used in doses to avoid excessive ball fixation. A special feature in the upbringing of the Epagneul Picard is the promotion of his frustration tolerance and impulse control. Since he is a lively and active dog, he tends to get excited easily. However, with appropriate training, he can learn to better control his impulses and become more patient.
Nutrition & Care
The Epagneul Picard is an active dog and therefore requires a balanced, high-quality diet. It should be rich in protein and contain enough carbohydrates and fats to meet his energy needs. It's important to watch your dog's weight to avoid obesity, which can lead to health problems. When it comes to grooming, the Epagneul Picard is relatively easy to care for. Its medium-length, wavy coat has a dense undercoat and should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and remove dead hair. The Epagneul Picard sheds moderately and can therefore also be suitable for allergy sufferers. With his thick fur, he also copes well with the German climate.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
In the Epagneul Picard, the primary health concerns are hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), and eye conditions. The Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V. therefore makes mandatory both an HD X-ray with a cut-off value of HD A–C (C only under specific breeding restrictions) and an unremarkable ophthalmological eye exam (ECVO). A responsible breeder additionally has the elbows examined (ED 0–1, with ED 1 only allowed to be mated with ED 0) and documents a dental and bite assessment as well as a DNA proof of identity. Before buying, ask to see the official radiographic findings for HD and ED, as well as the current ophthalmological examination certificate for both parents.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should keep his floppy ears dry, check his skin and coat after walks, and ensure he is raised in a way that protects his joints during his first year.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders test for hip dysplasia (HD) and examine the eyes via an ophthalmological eye examination, and additionally screen for elbow dysplasia (ED) to prevent joint and eye diseases.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
3
Risks tracked
3
Core standard
3
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V. requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V. for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Picardy Spaniel cost?
A Picardy Spaniel costs around ~€180 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,950 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€30,330.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€4,950
Across the dog's life
~€30,330
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative imageIllustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The Epagneul Picard's origins can be found in the Picardy region of northern France, where it was used as a hunting dog for game birds and hares. It is one of the oldest French pointer breeds and can look back on a long history. The first depictions that refer to this breed date back to the 13th century. The Epagneul Picard was bred together with the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie for a long time until the two breeds were separated at the end of the 19th century. The Epagneul Picard was recognized as an independent breed in 1907 by the Société Centrale Canine, the French dog association.
Original Use
The Epagneul Picard was bred to hunt waterfowl, particularly in marshy terrain.
Origin
France
Date
1800
Owner experiences
Many owners and hunting handlers describe the Picardy Spaniel as remarkably even-tempered, affectionate, and good with children in a fami…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners and hunting handlers describe the Picardy Spaniel as remarkably even-tempered, affectionate, and good with children in a family setting. Indoors, the breed is usually calm and unobtrusive, as long as it has had enough exercise outside. Its focus on people does mean that it seeks out its owner's company and practically "sticks to you like glue." This sensitive dog copes poorly with being left alone for too long, and time alone has to be built up gently.
Because of its size and love of movement, owners appreciate having a yard and living in the countryside. With enough exercise, a few owners do report making apartment life work, but the Picardy Spaniel is considered a passionate outdoor dog that braves wind, wet, and mud and insists on daily rambles through open country.
Sources:zooroyal.detackenberg.dehuttevirtuelle.comedogs.dezoomalia.de
In accounts of training, owners regularly highlight the Picardy Spaniel's strong willingness to cooperate and its intelligence.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In accounts of training, owners regularly highlight the Picardy Spaniel's strong willingness to cooperate and its intelligence. The dog is considered very biddable and eager to please its person. At the same time, experienced owners stress that the breed is sensitive to pressure, loud voices, or harshness: an overly strict training style quickly leads to insecurity or stubborn refusal. Gentle consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are widely seen as the only route to success.
Naturally, the biggest training task is managing the hunting drive. Compared with some other pointing breeds, these dogs often hunt relatively close to their owner and keep eye contact on their own, but their fine nose reacts strongly to the scent of game and birds. Without a recall built early and consistently, plus outlets such as retrieving or tracking, reliable off-leash time away from paved paths is hard to guarantee.
Owners and knowledgeable breeders describe the Picardy Spaniel as a largely healthy, robust, and weatherproof working breed with hardly a…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owners and knowledgeable breeders describe the Picardy Spaniel as a largely healthy, robust, and weatherproof working breed with hardly any known signs of extreme overbreeding. These dogs have a lot of stamina and often keep remarkable vitality and love of running well into old age.
In day-to-day care, owners mainly report two weak spots. The long, hanging floppy ears need regular checks for infection and moisture, and the slightly wavy coat seems to attract dirt, burrs, and water like a magnet on walks through undergrowth, so it needs a thorough brushing afterward. With large, heavy dogs, owners also advise checking in advance that the parents have healthy hips.
Sources:zooroyal.dehuttevirtuelle.comforum.chassepassion.netvdh.dezooplus.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Picardy Spaniel the right dog for me?
The Picardy Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Picardy Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a Picardy Spaniel is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Picardy Spaniel need?
Picardy Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Picardy Spaniel good for families with children?
The Picardy Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Picardy Spaniel come in?
The Picardy Spaniel comes in these colors: Grey, Brown, Tan, White, Roan, Tricolor.
Are you a Picardy Spaniel breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Picardy Spaniel.