Picardy Spaniel

Also called Épagneul Picard

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From France (Picardy)1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 25 kg3

Height, male56 to 62 cm2 3 4

Height, female55 to 60 cm2 3 4

Lifespan14 years3

Sizelarge

FCI and UKC standards give no weight.

gentle and even-tempered

eager to please

versatile in marsh and woodland

2 4 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium, slightly wavy

A sturdy, well-boned continental spaniel with a gentle look. The coat is dense rather than silky, fine on the head and softly wavy over the body, often with an undercoat that helps in water and thick cover.2 3

Coloursgrey mottled (roan) with dark brown patchestan on head and legs ('autumn leaves')2 4

Personality what they are like

Calm, kind and adaptable, the Picardy Spaniel fits well into family life and is known for enjoying children. It learns readily and forms a close bond with its owner, while keeping a keen hunting instinct.2 4 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs daily exercise to burn off energy; it thrives with hunting, retrieving, swimming or long country walks.2 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the wavy coat weekly and look after the long drop ears, especially after swimming.2 3

Home where they are happiest

Happiest with access to countryside, though it can adapt to town life with enough exercise.3

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and good with children; enjoys being part of family routines.3 2

The story where it all began

Among the oldest continental spaniels, it was developed by hunters in Picardy who needed a tough, all-round dog for varied terrain and was a favourite of the French nobility. English hunting breeds reduced its numbers in the early 1900s, and a breed club was founded in 1921 to protect it.3 2 4

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its brown-and-grey coat with tan touches is traditionally described as "autumn leaves".2
2
The Épagneul Picard breed club dates from 1921.3
3
It works equally well in marshes and water as on dry land.3
4
Its roots include old French spaniels crossed with English and Gordon Setters.4

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 108, Group 7 (Pointing dogs), Section 1.2 Continental spaniel type; definitive acceptance 8 Dec 1954; working trial required1
UKC: Recognised 1 Jan 19964

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Picardy Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Start a free diary

Blue Picardy Spaniel

French Spaniel

Pont-Audemer Spaniel

Brittany

our little thank-you jar

Like what we are building? Buy us a coffee.

The breed atlas is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show ads. If it helped you, a small tip keeps the research going. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.

Leave a tip

Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI nomenclature: Picardy Spaniel (108) fci.beused for recognition, origin
FCI standard No. 108 fci.beused for size, coat, colour, temperament, history
Wikipedia: Picardy Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, history, facts
UKC breed standard: Epagneul Picard ukcdogs.comused for history, temperament, colour, recognition

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.