
Blue Picardy Spaniel
This docile, well-mannered gun dog excels in the field, but can also make a wonderful companion for an active family. The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a rare breed, with Picardy Spaniel, English Setter, and Gordon Setter in its founding stock.
Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club
About this Breed
With their distinctive blue and gray roan coats and long, fluffy ears, many find the Blue Picardy Spaniel irresistible. These dogs are versatile and even-tempered gun dogs, bred for retrieving game, even in harsh conditions. As you might expect, this is an active dog who will be happiest with a job or activity to do. The Blue Picardy isn’t just a hunting dog, though—at the end of the day, these dogs want to be by your side and crave companionship. They’re solid, sweet, adaptable dogs who are likely to get along with every member of the family (including other dogs or animals).
This rare breed has an interesting history behind it. The foundation stock of the Blue Picardy includes the Picardy Spaniel, the English Setter, and the Gordon Setter. This interbreeding came about in the early 19th century when British hunters (and their dogs) came to Picardie, France in search of good waterfowl hunting. Due to British quarantines, there were many English and Gordon Setters boarded on Picardie farms, where Picardy Spaniels were utilized as gun dogs.
Blue Picardy Spaniels on Embark
Explore some Embark dogs that share Blue Picardy Spaniel ancestry.