Picardy Spaniel Breeders: Complete Guide to Buying and Owning

If you're considering bringing a Picardy Spaniel into your family, you'll want to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

The Picardy Spaniel is a rare breed, so it's essential to research and find a breeder who has experience with this specific breed.

To ensure you're working with a trustworthy breeder, look for one who is registered with a national kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC).

A good breeder will also be transparent about the health clearances of the parents of the puppy you're interested in.

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The Picardy Spaniel is a breed with a unique appearance. Their distinctive oval skulls and long, broad muzzles make them stand out.

Their ears sit just above eye level and can reach the tip of their muzzles when stretched, giving them a calm expression. This is especially true for Blue Picardies, which have large, dark eyes that cast a calm expression.

The breed's height is relatively consistent, with males ranging from 55-62 cm and females from 55-60 cm. This makes them a medium-sized dog, perfect for families or hunters.

Their coats are dense and wavy, with the hair on their head being finer than on their body. The breed color is grey mottling all over their body with brown markings found on various parts of their body and the root of their tail.

Here's a breakdown of the breed's physical characteristics:

The Picardy Spaniel is an elegant breed with a muscular and powerful appearance. Their height at the withers is between 55-62 cm for males and 55-60 cm for females.

Their heads are well-rounded and wide, with a prominent occiput. The stop slopes gently to the muzzle, which is long and wide but tapers to a nicely rounded nose.

Their noses are medium in size and brown in color. Eyes are a dark amber, giving dogs a friendly and open expression.

Their ears are set quite low and frame the head with silky wavy hair. The necks are muscular and merge smoothly into well-developed shoulders.

Their chests are wide and deep, with front legs that are well-feathered and muscular. The back legs are well-muscled, straight, broad, and long, with nicely feathered feet.

The breed's coat is dense, with finer hair on the head and slightly wavy hair on the body. The coat color is grey mottling all over the body with brown markings, often tan, on the limbs and head.

Here's a summary of the breed's size and coat color:

A Picardy Spaniel's gait is a joy to behold, covering a lot of ground with purpose.

Their movement is characterized by a nice level topline, which is a testament to their athleticism and agility.

Males should have both testicles fully descended into their scrotums, a key aspect of their overall health and well-being.

A dog can be a little lighter or heavier, as well as slightly taller or shorter, than the breed standard, which is only given as a guideline.

The Picardy Spaniel is a breed that excels at forming close bonds with their owners. They thrive on human companionship and are generally friendly dogs.

These dogs are known to be gentle and affectionate with children, making them a great choice for families. They also get along well with other pets and are often described as calm and playful.

The Picardy Spaniel is highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. However, they do require a handler who understands their sensitive nature and uses positive reinforcement techniques.

Here are some essential commands to teach your Picardy Spaniel puppy from an early age:

Overall, the Picardy Spaniel's temperament and intelligence make them a wonderful breed for active families who can provide the necessary attention and exercise.

The Picardy Spaniel is a breed that's known for its calm and gentle nature. They're quite docile, making them a great choice for families with children.

These dogs are bred for hunting, but they're not high-strung like some other breeds. They're eager to please and relatively easy to train, which is a testament to their intelligence. They thrive on human companionship and are often described as playful, calm, and friendly.

The Picardy Spaniel is a sensitive breed that doesn't respond well to harsh correction or heavy-handed training methods. Instead, they require a firm yet gentle hand and positive reinforcement techniques.

Here are the essential commands to teach your Picardy Spaniel puppy:

By teaching these basic commands, you'll establish a pecking order and help your puppy understand what's expected of them. This will make training and handling a breeze in the long run.

Picardy Spaniels have a high prey drive, which means they're quick and eager to chase anything they spot in the distance or which tries to run away from them.

This natural instinct is a result of their working and hunting dog lineage, making them well-suited for tasks that require speed and agility.

A well-trained Picardy Spaniel can respond to commands and remain by an owner's side when asked, making them a great companion for active families.

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Caring for the Picardy Spaniel is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy and healthy pup.

First and foremost, regular grooming is essential to keep their coat and skin in top condition. This means daily brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.

Puppies, in particular, need to be wormed at specific intervals to ensure they stay healthy. Here's a schedule to follow:

It's also crucial to provide a safe and stimulating environment for your puppy to grow and develop. This means puppy-proofing your home and garden, removing toxic plants, and setting up a quiet area for them to sleep.

In terms of playtime, it's best to keep it calm and gentle indoors, and more active outdoors in the garden. This will help your puppy learn to be less boisterous when they're inside.

Lastly, make sure you have all the necessary items for your puppy's care, including good quality food and water bowls, a grooming glove, and a well-made dog bed.

The Picardy Spaniel is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have an average life expectancy of 10-13 years, but some lines can live up to 14 years.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in the breed, with many breeders taking steps to prevent it by hip scoring their stud dogs. However, it's not a serious issue in all lines.

Ear infections are also a common problem, as the breed's ears can trap dirt and debris, leading to infections. To prevent this, regular ear cleaning is a must.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

The average life expectancy of a Picardy Spaniel is between 10 and 13 years when properly cared for and fed an appropriate good quality diet to suit their ages.

They are a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in many breeds, including the Picardy Spaniel.

Entropion, a condition where the eyelids fold inwards, can also affect this breed. Ear infections are another common issue, likely due to the dog's ear structure which traps dirt and debris.

To minimize the risk of these health problems, it's essential to keep your Picardy Spaniel up to date with their vaccinations. This will help protect them from infections and diseases.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for in the Picardy Spaniel breed:

Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can go a long way in maintaining your Picardy Spaniel's overall health and wellbeing.

Spaying and neutering is a crucial aspect of dog care, and it's essential to get it right.

Many vets recommend waiting until dogs are slightly older before spaying and neutering them, which means they are more mature before undergoing the procedures.

This age range is typically between 6 to 9 months old, and sometimes even up to 12 months old.

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Some vets suggest spaying and neutering dogs as early as 6 months old, but only if there's a medical reason to do so.

It's always best to discuss the specifics with a vet and follow their advice on when a dog should be spayed or neutered, as different breeds have unique needs.

Blue Picardies have oval skulls and long, broad muzzles. Their ears sit just above eye level and reach the tip of their muzzles when stretched. This breed has large, dark eyes that cast a calm expression.

These distinctive physical traits can help you recognize a Blue Picardy and even influence how you interact with them.

Grooming is a crucial part of owning a Picardy Spaniel. They have a dense, moderately long coat that's fine on their heads and a little wavy over their bodies.

A weekly brush is all it takes to keep their coats tangle and matt free. You can use a brush that can remove debris and dirt and loosen tight fur.

Their skin can dry out if they're bathed too much, which can lead to sores and similar problems. So, it's best to limit bathing to only when necessary.

You'll also need to clip their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth. Their floppy ears make them prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleanings are a must.

Brushing their teeth at least two to three times a week is essential to prevent dental disease. Regular professional cleanings are also a good idea to keep their teeth in top condition.

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The Picardy Spaniel is an intelligent breed that thrives on having something to do, making them easy to train. They respond well to positive, reward-based methods, which is why they're a great fit for owners who are willing to put in the time and effort.

In particular, they excel with people-oriented training, which means they're motivated by pleasing their owners. However, they're sensitive dogs and don't respond well to harsh correction or heavy-handed training methods.

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To establish a strong bond with your Picardy Spaniel, it's essential to start training early and set clear boundaries. Some basic commands to teach your puppy include "come", "sit", "stay", "heel", "quiet", "leave it", "down", and "bed."

Here are the essential commands to teach your puppy:

With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your Picardy Spaniel become a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Training your Picardy Spaniel requires a gentle and patient approach. They are highly sensitive dogs that thrive on positive reinforcement and respond poorly to harsh correction.

To start with, it's essential to understand that Picardy Spaniels are people-oriented and aim to make their owners happy. This means they are eager to please and quick to learn, but they can't handle as much pressure as some other dogs.

A good training method for your Picardy Spaniel is positive, reward-based training. This approach encourages good behavior and reinforces desired actions. They also respond well to early socialization, which helps them get comfortable with different people, places, and situations.

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If you're planning to send your dog to a trainer, look for someone who uses gentle and patient methods. Avoid high-pressure trainers who may intimidate your dog.

Here are some essential commands to teach your Picardy Spaniel:

Remember to establish a pecking order and set clear boundaries for your dog to understand what is expected of them. By doing so, you'll help them develop good behavior and a strong bond with you.

Excessive barking is a common issue in some Picardy Spaniels, as they tend to enjoy the sound of their own voices. This means that it's essential to gently address this behavior when the dog is still young to avoid scaring them.

Some Picardy Spaniels will only bark when there are strangers around or when they sense something negative in their environment. This is a natural response, but it's still important to teach them to behave calmly in these situations.

Barking can be a sensitive issue in this breed, as they are naturally sensitive dogs. This means that it's crucial to approach training with care and patience to avoid overwhelming them.