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Picardy Spaniel
Sporting breed from Picardy, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Picardy Spaniel
The Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized, strongly-built French pointing dog with a distinctive grey-mottled brown feathered coat, drop ears, and a gentle, docile expression. This elegant gundog combines calm adaptability with natural hunting ability. Its temperament is described as gentle, calm, intelligent, docile, devoted, and adaptable. Energy level is moderate (3 out of 5), and trainability is rated 4 out of 5. Grooming and shedding are both moderate (3 out of 5). The breed is considered suitable for children (4 out of 5) and generally compatible with other dogs (4 out of 5), but apartment suitability is moderate (3 out of 5). Note that individual dogs may vary in behavior.
Quick facts
Picardy Spaniel at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginPicardy, France
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight20–25 kilogram
Female weight20–25 kilogram
Male height56–61 centimetre
Female height56–61 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Picardy Spaniel is one of the oldest continental spaniel-type pointing breeds, originating in the Picardy region of France. It was valued by hunters for its versatility and weather-resistant coat. Its numbers declined with the importation of English breeds, but dedicated breeders saved it from extinction after World War II. The breed's recognition status varies by registry, and its exact history includes uncertainties due to limited documentation.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
20–25 kilogramAdult weight56–61 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesFeatheredCoat colorsGrey-mottled brownRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentlecalmintelligentdociledevotedadaptable
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Picardy Spaniel-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Picardy Spaniel puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight20–25 kilogramAdult female weight20–25 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Picardy Spaniel?
The Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height ranges from 56 to 61 cm for both males and females. Estimated adult weight ranges from 20 to 25 kg for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Picardy Spaniel?
The breed is described as gentle, calm, intelligent, docile, devoted, and adaptable. However, individual dogs may differ in behavior. They are rated 4 out of 5 for child suitability and dog compatibility, suggesting they generally get along well with children and other dogs, but supervision and socialization are still important.
How much exercise does a Picardy Spaniel need?
The breed has a moderate energy level (3 out of 5). While specific exercise requirements are not detailed, as a sporting breed, they likely need regular physical activity. Owners should provide daily walks and playtime, but individual needs may vary.
What are the grooming requirements for a Picardy Spaniel?
Grooming is rated moderate (3 out of 5). The coat is feathered and grey-mottled brown. Shedding is also moderate (3 out of 5). Regular brushing is recommended to maintain coat health and manage shedding.
Is a Picardy Spaniel suitable for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is rated moderate (3 out of 5). While they can adapt to apartment life with sufficient exercise, their size and energy level may make a home with a yard more ideal. Individual temperament and exercise routine will influence suitability.
Where does the Picardy Spaniel originate from?
The Picardy Spaniel originates from the Picardy region of France. It is one of the oldest continental spaniel-type pointing breeds, historically used by hunters for its versatility and weather-resistant coat.
Is the Picardy Spaniel recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. Some registries may recognize the breed, while others may not. It is best to check with specific kennel clubs for their current recognition status.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.