Picardy Spaniel

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Picardy Spaniel
Epagneul picard 685.jpg
A Picardy Spaniel
Other namesÉpagneul Picard
Origin France
Kennel club standards
Société Centrale Canine standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog ( domestic dog )

The Picardy Spaniel is a breed of dog developed in France for use as a gundog. It is related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel, and still has many similarities, but the Picardy Spaniel is the older of the two breeds. It is thought to be one of the two oldest continental spaniel breeds and was favoured by the French nobility, remaining popular for hunting after the French Revolution due to its weather resistant coat that enabled it to hunt in a variety of conditions and terrain. However its popularity waned following the influx of English hunting breeds in the early 20th century. Slightly smaller than an English Setter but larger than most of its spaniel cousins, it has no major health issues although as with many breeds with pendulous ears, it can be prone to ear infections.

Contents

History

A Picardy Spaniel at a dog show in Poland. Epagneul picard 633.jpg
A Picardy Spaniel at a dog show in Poland.
Gibbs des Chaumes de Thierache, young picardy spaniel 6 months old Epagneul picard 4.jpg
Gibbs des Chaumes de Thiérache, young picardy spaniel 6 months old
Gibbs des Chaumes de Thierache, young picardy spaniel 6 months old Epagneul Picard.jpg
Gibbs des Chaumes de Thiérache, young picardy spaniel 6 months old
Gibbs des Chaumes de Thierache, young picardy spaniel 6 months old Epagneul Picards bis.jpg
Gibbs des Chaumes de Thiérache, young picardy spaniel 6 months old
Gibbs des Chaumes de Thierache, young picardy spaniel 6 months old Epagneul Picard ter.jpg
Gibbs des Chaumes de Thiérache, young picardy spaniel 6 months old

The French Spaniel and the Picardy Spaniel are speculated[ who? ] to have stemmed from the Chien d' Oysel described in the writings of Gaston Phoebus. [1] Hunting during this period in France was one of the favourite sports of the nobility and the French type of Spaniel became the favourite hunting dog of the French Royalty. The breed can be seen in paintings dating from this period by artists Alexandre-François Desportes and Jean-Baptiste Oudry. They were also the first breed of dog to be admitted into salons. [2] [ unreliable source? ]

The breed became more popular still following the French Revolution and the aftermath in which hunting was no longer restricted to the nobility. Although spread throughout France, a large concentration was located in the north west where the weather resistant coat of the breed made it ideal for the wooded and swampy conditions. During the early 19th century, British hunters crossed the channel to hunt in the grounds of north west France. The British brought their own hunting dogs, and this resulted in a change of preference as French hunters switched to English breeds and caused a major blow to the existence of the Picardy Spaniel. [2] In addition the infusion of blood from the English Setter into the local spaniel population created the Blue Picardy Spaniel. [3]

Recognition

The Epagneul Picard Club was formed in 1921 and was merged with the Club of Blue Picardy Spaniel on 28 July 1937. A further merger took place on 21 May 1980 when these clubs merged with the Pont-Audemer Club to form the Club des Epagneuls Picards, Bleus de Picardie & Pont Audemer. [2] [4]

The Picardy Spaniel is recognised by a variety of Kennel Clubs and associations including the North American Kennel Club, [5] American Rare Breed Association, [6] United Kennel Club, [7] and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. All four associations use the standard as set by the FCI. [8] It is also recognised by the Continental Kennel Club, [9] but unlike the closely related Blue Picardy Spaniel, it is not recognised by the Canadian Kennel Club. [10]

Description

Appearance

A Picardy Spaniel female. Picardienspa1.jpg
A Picardy Spaniel female.

Typical examples of the breed measure between 22–24 inches (56–61 cm) at the withers, [11] with the average weight between 20–25 kilograms (44–55 lb). [2] The breed is similar in size to the English Setter, although is slightly smaller. [12] Of the Spaniel type breeds, only the Large Münsterländer and Drentse Patrijshond are recognised as possibly growing to larger sizes, with the Drentse measuring 21.5–25.5 in (55–65 cm), [13] and the Münsterländer slightly smaller with a narrower range at 23–25 in (58–64 cm). [14]

The breed has a squarely built muscular body [2] and an oval shaped head with a long muzzle and long ears that hang fairly low. [15] Its coat can vary in colours from chocolate, chestnut brown and white with sandy coloured markings on the head and white or grey spots on the legs. [2] Its hair is abundant with a slight wave, enabling it to work in dense cover and even in water. [16]

Temperament

The Picardy Spaniel is a docile breed of dog and is fond of playing with children and bonds well with their master. [15] It is described as having a gentle sociable nature, possessing a good character with a laid-back attitude, and being relatively easy to train. [15] In France, the breed is used for hunting in wooded areas for pheasants, and in swamps for snipes. [16] However it can also be used for hunting ducks, hares and rabbits. [17] The breed excels at hunting in marshes and will not hesitate to jump into water. [15] It can also adequately serve as a retriever should it be required. [16] The dog is content with a small amount of space and could suit life in the city, but also loves open spaces. [15]

Health

The Picardy Spaniel has no known hereditary health problems, [11] and has an average lifespan of 14 years. [17] However being a hunting spaniel, the breed is prone to ear infections. [2] These infections are common among dogs with pendulous ears, including Basset Hounds and other breeds of spaniel. [18] Overfeeding a Picardy Spaniel may lead to overweight. [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papillon dog</span> Dog breed

The Papillon, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed of dog, of the spaniel type. One of the oldest of the toy spaniels, it derives its name from its characteristic butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears. A Papillon with dropped ears is called a Phalene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Retriever</span> Dog type

A retriever is a type of gun dog that retrieves game for a hunter. Generally gun dogs are divided into three major classifications: retrievers, flushing spaniels, and pointing breeds. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without damage; retrievers are distinguished in that nonslip retrieval is their primary function. As a result, retriever breeds are bred for soft mouths and a great willingness to please, learn, and obey. A soft mouth refers to the willingness of the dog to carry game in its mouth without biting into it. "Hard mouth" is a serious fault in a hunting dog and is very difficult to correct. A hard-mouthed dog renders game unpresentable or at worst inedible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spaniel</span> Dog type

A spaniel is a type of gun dog. Spaniels were especially bred to flush game out of denser brush. By the late 17th century, spaniels had been specialized into water and land breeds. The extinct English Water Spaniel was used to retrieve water fowl shot down with arrows. Land spaniels were setting spaniels—those that crept forward and pointed their game, allowing hunters to ensnare them with nets, and springing spaniels—those that sprang pheasants and partridges for hunting with falcons, rabbits and smaller mammals such as rats and mice for hunting with greyhounds. During the 17th century, the role of the spaniel dramatically changed as Englishmen began hunting with flintlocks for wing shooting. Charles Goodall and Julia Gasow (1984) write that spaniels were "transformed from untrained, wild beaters, to smooth, polished gun dogs."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gun dog</span> Hunting dog type

Gun dogs or bird dogs are types of hunting dogs developed to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game, typically various fowls that are shot down on the flight. The term hunting dog is broad and includes all breeds and skills of hunting canines, but "gun dogs" refers to canines that are trained to work alongside a loud firearm while hunting or retrieving game. Gun dogs are divided into three main categories: pointers and retrievers, setters and spaniels, and water dogs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pointing dog</span> Hunting dog

Pointing dogs, sometimes called bird dogs, are a type of gundog typically used in finding game. Gundogs are traditionally divided into three classes: retrievers, flushing dogs, and pointing breeds. The name pointer comes from the dog's instinct to point, by stopping and aiming its muzzle towards game. This demonstrates to the hunter the location of their quarry and allows them to move into gun range. Pointers were selectively bred from dogs who had abundant pointing and backing instinct. They typically start to acquire their hunting instincts at about 2 months of age.

Toy dog traditionally refers to a very small dog or a grouping of small and very small breeds of dog. A toy dog may be of any of various dog types. Types of dogs referred to as toy dogs may include spaniels, pinschers and terriers that have been bred down in size. Not all toy dogs are lap dogs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brittany Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The Brittany Spaniel, French: Épagneul Breton, is a French breed of gun dog of spaniel type, bred primarily for bird hunting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drentse Patrijshond</span> Dog breed

The Drentsche Patrijshond is a versatile spaniel-type hunting dog from the Dutch province of Drenthe. Called the Dutch Partridge Dog in English, approximately 5,000 dogs are registered with the breed club in the Netherlands, and breed clubs operate in Belgium, Denmark, Scandinavia and North America. The Drentsche Patrijshond bears some resemblance to both spaniel and setter types of dog. An excellent pointer and retriever, this dog is often used to hunt fowl and adapts equally well to the field or marshes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Small Münsterländer</span> Dog breed

The Small Münsterländer is a versatile hunting-pointing-retrieving dog breed that reached its current form in the area around Münster, Germany. The Large Münsterländer is from the same area, but was developed from different breeding stock and is not related as the names would suggest. Small Münsterländers bear a resemblance to both spaniels and setters but are more versatile while hunting on land and water. The Small Münsterländer is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale under Group 7, Section 1.2, Continental Pointing Dogs of Spaniel type, by the American Kennel Club as a Foundation Stock Service breed, and by The Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club as a gun dog. It is related to the Epagneul Français and the Drentsche Patrijshond.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pont-Audemer Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel or Epagneul Pont-Audemer is a rare breed of French gundog. It originated in the nineteenth century from different breeds of water spaniels, and took more of a setter role in hunting than that of a traditional spaniel. Following the Second World War, the breed's numbers dropped so low that the breed club decided to allow cross breeding with other breeds because of fears of the existing stock becoming overly inbred. In 1980, the breed club was merged with that of the Picardy Spaniel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sussex Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The Sussex Spaniel is a breed of dog native to Sussex in southern England. It is a low, compact spaniel and is as old a breed as and similar in appearance to the Clumber Spaniel. They can be slow-paced, but can have a clownish and energetic temperament. They suffer from health conditions common to spaniels and some large dogs, as well as a specific range of heart conditions and spinal disc herniation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">French Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The French Spaniel is a breed of dog of the Spaniel-like setter. It was developed in France and Canada as a hunting dog, descended from dogs of the 14th century. Popular with royalty during the Middle Ages, it nearly became extinct by the turn of the 20th century but was saved by the efforts of Father Fournier, a French priest. One of the largest breeds of Spaniel, it typically has a white coat with brown markings. It is a friendly breed that has few health issues, but can be affected by a syndrome called acral mutilation and analgesia. The breed is recognised by Canadian and international kennel clubs but not by The Kennel Club (UK). The American Kennel Club has included the breed in its Foundation Stock Service, the first step to full recognition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basset Bleu de Gascogne</span> Dog breed

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne, also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, is a long-backed, short legged breed of dog of the hound type. A French native breed, it is rare outside its homeland. It is recognized internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, in the UK by The Kennel Club, and by the United Kennel Club in the United States. The "bleu" of its name is a reference to its coat which has a ticked appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Picardy Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a breed of Spaniel originating in France, from the area around the mouth of the River Somme, around the start of the 20th century. It is descended from Picardy Spaniels and English Setters, and is described as a quiet breed that requires much exercise due to its stamina. It is especially good with children. Similar to the Picardy Spaniel, it has a distinctive coloured coat. Recognised by only a handful of kennel associations, the breed is predominantly known in France and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wetterhoun</span> Dog breed

The Wetterhoun is a breed traditionally used as a hunting dog for small game and waterfowl and native to the province of Friesland in the Netherlands. The name of the breed comes from the West Frisian Wetterhûn, meaning "water dog." The plural of Wetterhoun is Wetterhounen in Frisian. The breed may also be called the Otterhoun or Dutch Spaniel, although it is not a Spaniel-type dog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie</span> Dog breed

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a medium-sized breed of dog used in hunting as a scenthound, usually in packs. It is one of the Anglo-French hound breeds which were created by crossing French scenthounds with English foxhounds. The name Petite Vénerie does not mean that dogs of the breed are petite or small, but rather that it is used to hunt small game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">German Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The German Spaniel, also known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund, is a breed of dog that was developed in Germany around 1890, and is used as a hunting dog. Descended from the old German breed, the Stöberer, which became popular with commoners following the Revolutions of 1848 in the German states, who required a versatile hunting dog. Stoeberer is now a type of hunting dog in Germany with the Wachtelhund being its sole member. The breed is not very well known outside of Germany, but was recognised by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russian Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The Russian Spaniel is a type of spaniel first standardised in 1951 in the Soviet Union after World War II by cross breeding English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels and other spaniel breeds. In 1951, the standard of the Russian spaniel was adopted, the selection of dogs for breeding began to be carried out in accordance with the requirements. Physically it is similar to a Cocker Spaniel, but has a shorter, tighter coat and a longer body. Developed and used as hunting dogs, this breed does not suffer from any major health complaints other than those normally associated with spaniels. It is the only gun dog breed originated in Russia. It is used for hunting game birds and hares. Popular in its native Russia, the breed was only introduced overseas in the 1990s, and is not yet recognised by any major kennel clubs, but is recognised by Russian Kynological Federation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint-Usuge Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is a breed of Spaniel originating in the Bresse region of France. The breed has origins dating back to at least the 16th century, but was nearly extinct by the end of World War II. Through the efforts of Father Robert Billard, the breed was resurrected during the second half of the 20th century; its national breed club was founded in 1990. The breed was recognised by the Société Centrale Canine in 2003.

References

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  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Picardy Spaniel Information". Sarah's Dogs. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  3. "Blue Picardy Spaniel Information". Sarah's Dogs. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  4. "History" (in French). Club des Epagneuls Picards, Bleus de Picardie & Pont Audemer. Archived from the original on 7 February 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  5. "Recognised Breeds". North American Kennel Club. Archived from the original on February 25, 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  6. "FCI-Standard N° 108 / 25. 09. 1998 / GB: Picardy Spaniel". American Rare Breed Association. Archived from the original on 21 June 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  7. "Epagneul Picard". United Kennel Club. 1 January 1996. Archived from the original on 15 October 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  8. "Group 7: Pointing Dogs". Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Archived from the original on 25 December 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  9. "Epagneul Picard". Continental Kennel Club. Archived from the original on 20 January 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  10. "CKC Breed Standards: Sporting Group". Canadian Kennel Club. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  11. 1 2 Whitehead, Sarah (September 1999). The Complete Guide to the Dog. Barron's Educational Series. p. 148. ISBN   978-0-7641-5204-7.
  12. Alderton, David (24 November 2006). Top to Tail: The 360 Degrees Guide to Picking Your Perfect Pet. David & Charles PLC. p. 108. ISBN   978-0-7153-2589-6.
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  14. Palika, Liz (2007). The Howell Book of Dogs: The Definitive Reference to 300 Breeds and Varieties . Howell Book House. p.  166. ISBN   978-0-470-00921-5.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "L'épagneul picard" (in French). Chasse Passion.net. Archived from the original on 28 March 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  16. 1 2 3 "History Epagneul Picard" (in French). Club des Espagneuls Picards, Bleus de Picardie & Pont Audemer. Retrieved 9 February 2010.
  17. 1 2 "Epagneul picard" (in French). Choisir son chien. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  18. "Pet Care: Ear infections". Healthy Pet.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2010.