🐕 Medium · France

Picardy Spaniel: Size, Weight & Temperament

The Picardy Spaniel is a French pointing dog with a dense, weatherproof coat, originally bred for hunting in marshland and wetlands.

~ Some experience
Picardy Spaniel dog breed portrait
Photo: Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Weight male20–25 kg
Weight female18–23 kg
Shoulder height53–60 cm
Size classMedium (12–25 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 18 months
Life expectancy12–14 years
Activity levelHigh
OriginFrance
ClassificationFCI Group 7, Section 1.2 (Continental Pointing Dogs, Spaniel Type)
Temperament & character

The Picardy Spaniel is gentle, affectionate, and calmer in temperament than many other hunting dogs, yet remains tireless and focused at work. It shows a pronounced fondness for flushing and retrieving from water. Toward its family, it is very loyal and adaptable.

Exercise & stimulation

As a flushing and water dog, the breed needs regular access to water and extensive exercise, ideally with retrieving or dummy training. Long daily walks alone are usually not enough to satisfy it. Without hunting-related or sporting activity, the breed can seem understimulated.

Grooming

The medium-length, slightly wavy coat needs weekly brushing to prevent matting, especially on the ears and legs. After swimming, the coat should be dried thoroughly. The drop ears should be checked regularly for moisture and infection.

Suitable for beginners?

Thanks to its balanced temperament, the Picardy Spaniel is more approachable than many pointing breeds, but its high exercise and occupational needs call for active owners with a connection to hunting or water sports. In Germany the breed is very rare.

Health & common problems

The breed is considered robust and healthy; ear infections caused by the drop ears and hip dysplasia occur occasionally. Regular ear checks after bathing help prevent problems.

Good with: Active hunters and water-sport families with access to bodies of water

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.