Picardy Spaniel

The Epagneul Picard is a traditional dog breed from the French region of Picardy. This hunting dog with an excellent nose is characterized by its calm and balanced nature. It thrives when it has a clear task, be it hunting or as a therapy or school companion dog. It is less suitable as a sole family dog.

Content: Picardy Spaniel

• profile
• Special features
• Nutrition
• Health and care
• Origin & History
• The right accessories
• Conclusion

Picardy Spaniel - Profile

• Character: Reliable, devoted, friendly
• Size: Large
• Height: 50-62cm
• Weight: 20-25 kg
• Life expectancy: 13-14 years
• Coat type: Long hair
• Color: brown, gray
• Special features: stocky stature and strong legs
• FCI Group: 1: Pointing Dog

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Spanish Spaniel - Special characteristics

The Picard Epagneul is a French dog breed , recognized by the FCI under number 108 and belonging to Group 7 (pointing dogs). This breed is characterized by its stocky stature and strong legs, with the head carried proudly. Its smooth or slightly wavy coat is spotted with gray, with brown areas on some parts of the body and at the base of the tail. Tan markings are present on the paws and head. The Picard Epagneul's ears are slightly above eye level and are quite thick, covered with fine and wavy hair. The tail is not docked and a beautiful "flag" is appreciated. In terms of character, the breed is obedient, reliable and friendly. However, it is not suitable as a family dog ​​alone, as it needs additional challenges. It shows all the typical characteristics of a hunting dog and has an excellent nose. Therefore, it is often used in hunting after the shot and does excellent tracking work, successfully following the blood trails of hit animals. The dog shows impressive hunting performance both on land and in water. If a Picard Epagneul is not used regularly for hunting, it is important for the owner to find a suitable alternative to keep the dog busy.

Spanish Spaniel - What should be considered regarding nutrition?

The Epagneul Picard's diet requires a high meat content in the food, but it does not necessarily have to be game, despite its passion for hunting. When choosing dog food, meat should be at the top of the ingredients list, while foods containing grains should be avoided.It is important not to switch between different types of food frequently, as this can overwhelm the Epagneul Picard's stomach and lead to vomiting and diarrhea in the dog . If you want to change the food, it is advisable to mix the old and the new types of food and make the transition gradually.Like all dogs, the Epagneul Picard loves treats . When choosing snacks, however, quality is crucial: avoid products with sugar or grains. Instead, dried pieces of meat should be on the menu, supplemented if necessary with dental care snacks. Given the Epagneul Picard's need for exercise, it is very important that he always has access to fresh water . When you go on hunting trips with him, it is best to bring a portable drinking bowl and plenty of water.

Picardy Spaniel - Health and Care

Grooming your Epagneul Picard requires daily brushing and combing to prevent matting. Bathing your dog is also important and should be introduced from an early age. Regular inspection of the ears is very important, as inflammation can develop here unnoticed. It is advisable to clean the ears regularly with a special ear cleaner from a specialist retailer. Caring for the claws is also necessary and is best done with special claw clippers for dogs. Since the Epagneul Picard does not tolerate heat well, it is important to ensure that it is supplied with enough water in high temperatures. It also needs a lot of exercise and should ideally be used for hunting.

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Epagneul Picard - Origin & History

Long-haired French pointers have been documented since the Middle Ages. They are considered the ancestors of spaniels, setters and today's long-haired pointers from Germany and France. As early as the 16th century, the Epagneul Picard, along with its grey relative, the Epagneul Bleu Picard, found favor with the French royal family. These dogs are closely associated with Picardy, a diverse region in the north of France that includes forests, fields, waters and marshes. This diverse terrain requires a robust dog that can tirelessly roam the fields and track down waterfowl in the regional waters. Picardy also includes the estuary of the Somme into the North Sea, a popular area for duck hunting. To this day, the region remains the center for breeding the Epagneul Picard. Although the breed was in decline towards the end of the 18th century, targeted breeding efforts succeeded in reproducing the Epagneul Picard towards the end of the 19th century. From around the middle of the 20th century, the breed became increasingly popular outside of France. In Germany, the Epagneul Picard has now achieved great popularity and spread due to its excellent hunting skills, calm nature and reliability.

Epagneul Picard - The right accessories

The Picard Epagneul loves to fetch, so balls and fetch toys are great choices for toys for him. Treats can be used as motivation and as rewards during training. A grooming brush, comb and, if necessary, scissors for removing knots are useful for grooming his coat. Dog shampoo can also be used occasionally.

Conclusion

The Picard Epagneul is a versatile and active hunting dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental challenges. Grooming its coat is easy, but it should be checked regularly for ear infections and claw length. This breed is sensitive to heat and needs plenty of water in hot temperatures. It is well suited to hunting and is a loyal companion.

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