Discover Everything About Epagneul Bleu de Picardie
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Epagneul Bleu de Picardie overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Epagneul bleu de Picardie is a largely robust hunting breed with an average genetic predisposition to health issues. As is typical for the breed, the primary focus is on joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), which are well-managed through mandatory health tests within breeding programs. By ensuring that the parents have official health clearances when purchasing a puppy, you can significantly minimize the risk of these mobility issues.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
55–60 cm
Weight
20–30 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Smooth, medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Black
- white with blue shades
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Epagneul Bleu de Picardie, 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 →Is the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie right for you?
The Epagneul bleu de Picardie is a calm, enduring pointing dog and flushing dog (Stöberhund) — bred in Northern France for all-day searching in wet, open terrain, cooperative with the hunter and gentle in nature.
Perfect for you if:
- You can incorporate genuine search, retrieving (Apportierhund), or field work into your daily routine — no dog of this selection is satisfied with just walking around the block.
- You can handle a cooperative, soft character and avoid using pressure.
- You have regular access to water, forests, or wide meadows.
- You are looking for a very people-oriented family dog that loves to be part of everything.
- vibesLessIdealFor
- You have little time for daily exercise and real mental stimulation.
- You expect a vigilant protector — this hardware is programmed for cooperation, not for keeping distance.
- You live in a small city apartment and cannot provide extensive nature experiences.
- You are bothered by damp, muddy walking routes and the corresponding apartment cleaning.
Less ideal if:
- You have little time for daily exercise and real mental stimulation.
- You expect a vigilant protector — this hardware is programmed for cooperation, not for keeping distance.
- You live in a small city apartment and cannot provide extensive nature experiences.
- You are bothered by damp, muddy walking routes and the corresponding apartment cleaning.
The real vibes check
An Epagneul bleu de Picardie is not a dog you can just have 'tag along' while you work — he is a quiet but tireless partner looking for a job to do. If you provide that, you get one of the calmest yet most capable family dogs in France; if you don't, you end up with a quietly frustrated dog.
Breed Profile
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is an impressive medium-sized hunting dog with a robust yet elegant appearance. His body is well proportioned and muscular, giving him the necessary agility and endurance for his work. This dog is a real eye-catcher with his shiny, wavy coat, which is a mix of black and white with shades of blue. The ears are of medium length and fall in loose folds down the sides of the head, while the eyes are lively and expressive. Its nose is always black, and its tail is usually carried at back level. The breed belongs to FCI Group 7, the pointers. Although there are no specific performance and show lines within the breed, all Epagneul Bleu de Picardie dogs are high-performance working dogs that can also be successful in beauty competitions.
| Height | 55 - 58 cm (Female), 57 - 60 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 20 - 25 kg (Female), 25 - 30 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Adaptable, gentle, intelligent |
| Coat | Smooth, medium length, with undercoat |
| Coat Color | Black and white with blue shades |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie has its origins in the north of France, more precisely in the Picardy region from which it takes its name. This breed was created by crossing local French Spaniels and English Setters and is closely related to the Picard Spaniel and the Pont-Audemer Spaniel. The breed was first documented in the late 1800s, but is believed to have existed for much longer. These dogs were specifically bred to hunt in the swampy, wooded areas of Picardy, where they were equally efficient on both land and water. They were originally used for bird hunting and are excellent retrievers. The breed was not officially recognized until 1938 and today remains a relatively unknown breed outside of its native region in France.
The Epagneul bleu de Picardie was bred to hunt waterfowl in marshy areas.
France
1800
Character & Temperament
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is a highly intelligent and versatile dog that can adapt to a variety of tasks, although its primary role remains that of a hunting dog. His sharp instincts and natural curiosity make him an efficient worker, able to make decisions independently and master complex tasks. But despite his work orientation, the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie also shows a very gentle and loving side. He is very people-oriented and loves spending time with his family. His playful and friendly nature makes him a great companion for children and other pets. Although the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is an active breed, it does not tend to be hyperactive. He enjoys his active moments, but also needs his rest times. He can learn to stay alone provided he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation when the family is home. An Epagneul Bleu de Picardie has a natural hunting instinct and often displays strong prey-catching behavior. Although this is useful in a hunting environment, it can be challenging when living in a household environment where smaller pets are present. That's why it's important to train an Epagneul Bleu de Picardie early and consistently to control this instinct. The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is a natural guardian and tends to be vigilant. He is not an aggressive guardian, but more of a careful observer who will alert his family if he notices anything unusual. This makes him an effective but not overly vocal guard dog. However, it is important to note that each dog is individual and that the temperament and behavior of each Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is influenced by a number of factors including genetics, socialization, training and environment.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that, despite its breed name, the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie does not originally come from Picardy, but from the northern region of France?
What Awaits You
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a lively and hardworking pointing dog. It is characterized by its endurance and strong hunting instinct. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn but require consistent training and sufficient activity. Due to their friendly nature, they are well suited as family dogs but are especially suitable for active people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Housing & Care
Although the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is an active hunting dog, he can also adapt well to city life provided he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is not only a good hunting dog, but also a loving family dog that gets along well with children. However, since it has a strong hunting instinct, it may prey on smaller pets such as cats. It is therefore important to get him used to other animals early on and to teach him to respect them.
| 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 Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is an intelligent and studious dog that is well suited to various types of training. Due to his hunting origins, he is well suited to dog sports such as agility, rally obedience or tracking work. However, you should be careful not to overwhelm the dog, as he also needs rest periods. It is also important to teach the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie to tolerate frustration and control impulses, especially due to his strong hunting instincts. Early and consistent training can help prevent potential problems.
Nutrition & Care
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie requires a balanced and nutritious diet to support its active lifestyle. Since he can be prone to hip dysplasia, it is important to maintain a healthy body weight and avoid being overweight. In consultation with a veterinarian or nutritionist, a feeding plan can be created that is tailored to your dog's individual needs. In terms of care, the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is quite easy to care for. He has a double coat coat with a dense undercoat and a longer top coat that should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and keep the coat clean and healthy. Since it is one of the dog breeds that shed, the coat can become thicker, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. Despite his undercoat, he 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 Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Epagneul bleu de Picardie is a largely robust hunting breed with an average genetic predisposition to health issues. As is typical for the breed, the primary focus is on joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), which are well-managed through mandatory health tests within breeding programs. By ensuring that the parents have official health clearances when purchasing a puppy, you can significantly minimize the risk of these mobility issues.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should keep the ears clean and dry regularly — especially after water and field work — and ensure joint-friendly rearing during the growth phase.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips X-rayed, pay attention to healthy eyes without eyelid defects, and provide clear instructions on consistent ear care for active hunting and water dogs.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie
Nils H., Jäger aus Niedersachsen (Hündin, seit 2021)
Als wir uns vor einigen Jahren für einen Epagneul bleu de Picardie entschieden haben, suchten wir einen vielseitigen Jagdbegleiter, der sich im Alltag aber auch als angenehmer Familienhund zeigt. Und genau das haben wir bekommen. Unsere Hündin ist im Haus unheimlich sanftmütig, extrem verschmust und zeigt absolut keine Aggressivität – gerade im Umgang mit unseren Kindern ist sie ein Traum und weicht ihnen kaum von der Seite.
Auf der Jagd zeigt sie jedoch ihre wahre Passion. Sie ist unermüdlich, besonders bei der Arbeit am Wasser und im dichten Unterholz. Man merkt ihr die enge Bindung zu mir extrem an: Ihre Suche ist im Vergleich zu anderen Vorstehhunden eher kurz und konzentriert (meistens so um die 50 Meter), da sie ständig den Blickkontakt zu mir sucht. Das macht die Zusammenarbeit im Revier sehr angenehm und gibt mir viel Sicherheit.
Eine kleine Herausforderung war für uns allerdings das Vorstehen. Es hat mich einiges an Geduld und Training gekostet, bis das richtig saß, da ihre Vorsteh-Leistung anfangs nicht ganz so fest war wie bei anderen Rassen. Wer sich für diesen tollen Hund entscheidet, sollte wissen, dass er eine sehr feinfühlige, weiche Hand bei der Ausbildung braucht – mit Härte erreicht man bei dieser sensiblen Rasse überhaupt nichts.
Dieter W., Jäger aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2022)
Ich führe meinen Rüden jetzt seit über vier Jahren aktiv im Revier und bin nach wie vor begeistert von seiner Vielseitigkeit. Er ist ein absoluter Spezialist für die Arbeit im feuchten Gelände und am Wasser – egal wie kalt es ist, er zögert keine Sekunde, ins Wasser zu gehen, um Enten zu apportieren. Seine Nase ist hervorragend und er arbeitet im Wald und im Feld extrem gründlich und ausdauernd.
Man darf jedoch nicht unterschätzen, dass diese Hunde für die Arbeit gezüchtet wurden. Ein reines Leben als reiner Couch- und Familienhund ohne echte Aufgabe würde ihm absolut nicht gerecht werden. Wenn er nicht jagen darf, braucht er unbedingt eine alternative Beschäftigung wie Fährtenarbeit oder Mantrailing, um geistig ausgelastet zu sein.
Im Haus ist er dafür die Ruhe selbst. Er bellt kaum, ist extrem anhänglich und sehr sensibel für meine Stimmungen. Er ist ein wunderbarer, ausgeglichener Begleiter, der aber eine konsequente, liebevolle Führung braucht, da sein Jagdtrieb sonst im Alltag schnell die Oberhand gewinnt.
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2020)
Wir haben uns damals bewusst für den 'Blauen Picard' entschieden, da wir einen sportlichen, aber im Haus ruhigen Hund gesucht haben. Und genau das erfüllt er perfekt: Drinnen merkt man ihn kaum, er ist unheimlich verschmust, sehr kinderlieb und absolut kein Kläffer. Er schlägt zwar kurz an, wenn jemand das Grundstück betritt, ist aber kein aggressiver Wachhund.
Die große Herausforderung ist und bleibt jedoch sein ausgeprägter Jagdtrieb. Spaziergänge ohne Leine im Wald sind bei uns nur nach sehr intensivem Antijagdtraining und mit ständiger Aufmerksamkeit möglich. Man muss seine Körpersprache genau lesen lernen, um ihn rechtzeitig abzurufen, bevor er eine Fährte aufnimmt.
Da wir nicht jagen, lasten wir ihn mit Dummy-Arbeit und Mantrailing aus. Das braucht er auch, denn ohne diese geistige Beschäftigung merkt man schnell, dass er unausgeglichen wird. Für Menschen, die einen unkomplizierten 'Nebenbei-Hund' suchen, ist die Rasse wegen des Jagdtriebs und des Beschäftigungsbedürfnisses eher nicht geeignet.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
Sell Epagneul Bleu de Picardie Puppies
Breeding Epagneul Bleu de Picardie? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
Frequently asked questions about the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie
Is a Epagneul Bleu de Picardie the right dog for me?
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie 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 Epagneul Bleu de Picardie live?
The average life expectancy of a Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Epagneul Bleu de Picardie need?
Epagneul Bleu de Picardie grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Epagneul Bleu de Picardie good for families with children?
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Epagneul Bleu de Picardie Breeders Near You
Find verified Epagneul Bleu de Picardie breeders in your region
Popular puppy searches
Other breeds with available puppies from verified breeders
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.