The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is an ancient French breed created to hunt feathered game such as woodcock and waterfowl in all sorts of different terrain. Originating in the 16th century, he almost (but not quite) went extinct by the end of World War 2. Thankfully he was single-handedly brought back from the brink by a young priest – Father Robert Billardin, in the mid-1900’s. While still very rare and recognized only by the Societe Centrale Canine, there are fanciers of the breed in various parts of the world working on the breed’s continued revival and a parent club was created for the breed in 1990. Those “in the know” state that this is a very loving and affectionate breed with a wonderful balanced temperament.

The Usuge is easy to train and quite intelligent, often taking very well to obedience. Unlike many breeds created to hunt, they aren’t nearly as distractable when confronted with prey animals and are easier to be train to a strong recall. Most have a strong desire to please although can be on the sensitive side so it’s up to the owner to make sure not to push them harder than they can handle. With only a little bit of work, this spaniel learns manners very easily!

The standard of the Saint-Usuge states that he should have a balanced, elegant appearance. The breed can be recognized by his slightly domed skull, round eyes, hanging ears covered in flowing hair and his always-brown and white coloration. He has a long feathered tail, a medium-sized muscular body and his coat is medium-length, silky and slightly wavy with shorter hair on the head and front of legs. All puppies are said to be born with a white star on their foreheads which may or may not disappear in adulthood.

Usuge Spaniels do best in homes with at least a moderate sized yard so that they can run around and stretch their legs, but can live in a smaller home or even an apartment as long as they are given regular exercise. They are always game for hiking or jogging excursions with their owners, but will also do well with just a good daily walk. They love being taken on hunting trips and make excellent dual-purpose (hunting and companion) dogs!  Natural companions, they are gentle and fit in well in households with children and other pets alike – with the exception of pet birds for obvious reasons! This people-loving and docile breed often wants nothing more than to follow “their people” around from room to room, and as such this velcro dog isn’t prone to wandering off.

The Saint-Usuge Spaniel is always up for playing games and being silly and, being a water-lover, especially loves any games involving H2O! He won’t mind making a fool of himself whether romping in the yard with kids or relaxing on the couch in his favorite position. He’s a happy-go-lucky spaniel that enjoys getting all out of life that he can! When it comes time to hunt he’ll put on his courageous face and will rush head-first into that as well. While he can be hard to find in the United States, this is a top-notch breed for a novice owner or experienced hunter alike.

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The Pachon Navarro is a Spanish pointing breed, and is believed to be one of the oldest pointers of the Iberian peninsula. It’s possible this breed has been around since the Middle Ages! Since then, they are reported to have been shown in early Spanish dog shows – recorded to have participated in the 1890’s. They have been recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina (Spain’s major kennel club) since the inception of the club itself, although by the 1970’s were assumed to be extinct due to lack of numbers. An effort to revive the breed was quickly launched and the breed was barely brought back from the verge of extinction by using the few remaining dogs that could be found. Because they are still very rare, the FCI still does not recognize the breed and they are unknown outside of Spain.

The most unique physical feature of the Pachon is it’s double nose. The split that goes down the middle of every dog’s nose is heavily pronounced in this breed, giving it the appearance of having two separate noses! This is, of course, not actually the case although it does look very unusual and initially startling. While not every Pachon has this feature, it is certainly allowed in the standard and seen regularly. Other characteristics include a medium size with a robust and sturdy build, hanging ears that are flat and wide and a square muzzle. The coat is smooth yet thick, and a variety of colors can be seen. The thick tail is traditionally docked to about two-thirds of it’s original length.

The Navarro is a friendly and loyal beast although takes his hunting job very seriously. This is a dog that needs to have a job to do and will not be content as “just a pet”. This is not to say that he cannot fulfill the function of being a companion, however he must be given work to do – ideally hunting. As the breed would perform their original function in a pack setting, they do best when living with another canine buddy or two, especially if it’s another hunting breed! For obvious reasons, they don’t do as well with pet birds or pocket pets unless the smaller pets are kept safely and securely away.

The Pachon Navarro is intelligent and obedient when his owner takes the time to train him. Like many gun dogs, he needs to be kept on a leash when outside the property unless/until he has been trained. His high prey drive makes it likely for him to run after prey if he sees or smells a loose animal or bird. Not surprisingly, he takes naturally to any sort of gun dog work, and will instinctively retrieve. With obedience, he tends to learn fast although may benefit from extra lessons of attention training in the beginning. Stay consistent in your training and you’ll likely find him an eager and talented student!

The Pachon gets along well with kids, playing gently with them. He particularly enjoys doing so in a home with a large yard if at all possible! No apartments, please. This social pointer thrives on human companionship and should never be relegated to living outside or in a kennel. He will get upset if he is kept away from his humans for too long, meaning he also doesn’t do well in households in which his owner works all day. If put in that situation, he can become destructive and a problem chewer.

The Navarro will bark to alert the household of incoming guests at the door although is otherwise quiet. This is assuming that his needs are met, of course, including him receiving adequate exercise every day. A fairly active hunting dog, he requires daily walks and regular playtime – ideally with his owner. This loyal dog bonds very closely and, while friendly with other people, wants to spend his time with his immediate family most of all. Overall this is a steady-tempered, trustworthy breed without aggression (providing he was raised correctly). He is not known as a guard dog however if he is threatened will rise to the occasion. This would have to take a serious threat in order to elicit such a reaction.

Unfortunately, because modern Pachon Navarros are descended from a small group of dogs, the gene pool is relatively small. As such, they tend to have more health problems than other breeds. Cleft palate can occasionally be seen (as the condition is closely related to double nose feature in the breed), as well as hypothyroidism and epilepsy. It’s important to talk to the breeder in order to determine how risky a certain litter may be in terms of health. Aside from these health concerns, the Pachon is relatively easy to care for in terms of grooming. A weekly brushing is all that the coat needs to stay shiny and glowing, with only the very occasional bath.

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The Maltese Hunting Dog is a flushing/retrieving hunter extraordinaire despite the fact that most people have never heard of the breed. Known in his home country of Malta as Kelb tal-kaċċa ta’ Malta, he has been known since at least the late 1700’s and was mentioned by name in a legal notice by Grandmaster Ximenes allowing him to be used to hunt game. In the years since, he had been crossed with the Bracco Italiano and other European pointers and hound although has always kept a very uniform appearance. Despite his long history, he was officially recognized as a purebred dog by the Maltese National Canine Federation in 2016 after genetic testing showed that the breed is “genetically distinct and genetically coherent”. He still has a ways to go before he is internationally recognized – he is considered an extremely rare breed – but dedicated breeders are working to ensure the survival of this gun dog.

Hunting Dogs love to please their owners and are enthusiastic working dogs, primarily relying on their fantastic sense of smell as they are “heads-down hunters”. They are also intelligent and even easy to housebreak. This is generally a non-aggressive breed that thrives on working with and spending time with their people – almost to a fault as many do suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long. They can also become problem barkers/howlers if not given enough stimulation or attention, which means training and giving them jobs to do are very important!

Maltese Hunting Dogs are very athletic and have plenty of energy. This is despite their stocky and somewhat stubby appearance. In fact, they are even built to withstand hot temperatures and can easily maintain plenty of stamina while working/running in hot summers. Their working style is that of calmness and determination, and like many gun dogs they have a “soft mouth” for retrieving. For these reasons they make fantastic choices for hunters, although can also live well with active, outdoors-y people who can fit a dog into their lives! This playful and energetic breed needs to be given lots of exercise. Without it they can be hyperactive and frustrating to live with.

Hunting Dogs are fairly clean animals, have a friendly demeanor, and are intensely loyal to their owners – which all mean they can be excellent companions in the right home. They even do well with children, whom they will take it upon themselves to protect if they feel the child is in danger. They are very gentle which means even young children are ok, as long as parents make sure to keep the kid from hurting the dog!

Appearance-wise, the Maltese Hunting Dog is a medium sized dog with a smooth coat. The color is white with red patches along the body, and dogs often have what is called a “Maltese cross” marking on the forehead. The nose and lips are always pink in color, and the ears are somewhat large and hang at the sides of their head. They have webbed feet and are talented swimmers, and are also said to be able to float on the water when needed!

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The Braque Saint Germain is a pointing breed, created by combining the (English) Pointer and continental pointing breeds. This is an old French breed developed in the early 1800’s, and are fairly versatile as they are able to point, flush and retrieve small game – both feathered and furred. While originally quite popular in France, nowadays they are a fairly rare breed. So much so, that the stud book has been opened to allow Pointers to be bred into them again – a necessary step in ensuring the gene pool doesn’t become too small! Medium in size, the breed is always white with orange markings.

Saint Germains are active dogs and require plenty of exercise – usually an hour a day minimum. They are able to run for long distances without tiring which makes them suitable only for owners who are able to give them the exercise they need. They do get along well with other dogs, which means that multiple Saint Germains running in a yard can help with their exercise needs, although this alone will not be enough. Those that aren’t given enough physical stimulation can develop obnoxious problem behaviors and become difficult to live with.

The Braque Saint Germain enjoys being given tasks to do and can be easy to train. They do need a job to do in order to stay happy and engaged, and obedience training is an excellent “job”! Tending to be fairly intelligent, they learn commands quickly – especially ones which are directly related to their inborn talents such as retrieving. Unlike similar pointing breeds, they aren’t as sensitive and can take a correction easier than related breeds. This said, always remember to keep corrections fair and make sure to incorporate plenty of positive rewards into training as well!

Saint Germains make great family pets and are very affectionate to all members of the family, including children. They can even live peacefully in a home with smaller animals as long as they have been raised with them, although animals racing around outside will probably trigger their chase instinct. These friendly dogs don’t make adequate guard dogs as they are far too sweet and social to be a good guard. They may be enthusiastic greeters to strangers and friends alike, however! Take care around small children and frail people as they can bowl someone over in their exuberance. Overall this is a loyal and loving dog that enjoys nothing more than spending time being close to his owners, and engaging in lots of face kissing while doing so! A note – as with other highly social dogs, they can be susceptible to separation anxiety.

Braque Saint Germains shed only moderately and are simple to groom although they are not hypoallergenic. Fairly healthy, they don’t tend to have particular health issues that are seen frequently. This low-maintenance dog only requires a brushing once a week to rid his coat of dust and debris and the occasional bath when dirty. The hanging ears do need to be checked and cleaned on a weekly basis as this type of ear set is more prone to infection. Otherwise, take care of nails and teeth like every other dog, and this is an easy breed to care for!

While not good guard dog material, the sociable nature and tendency to bark when excited means that the Saint Germain can make a decent watchdog. This dog’s real talents lie in the field, however, as he is most engaged and in-tune when out hunting. Possessing excellent tracking abilities, he may be more interested in sniffing out a rabbit than relaxing on the porch however his obedient nature also means he will be more likely to be called off his scent and redirected onto another activity as long as the owner continuously practices obedience with him. This is one hunting breed that doesn’t necessarily have to live in a hunting home – as he has been molded into a delightful family companion, he can fulfill that role just as well. This is assuming that the owner is able to fulfill his mental and physical needs of course.

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The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is, and always has been, a rare breed. Being so low in numbers, the national breed club in France merged with the club for Picardy Spaniels (as well as the Blue Picardy), in hopes of keeping the breed afloat. Related to the aforementioned Picardy as well as the Barbet, Poodle, and Irish Water Spaniel, this water-loving breed is a gun dog that can point and flush game. It is more of a pointing/setting breed than a spaniel, with a medium-sized, yet hardy frame.

Pont-Audemers have good work ethics and can be fantastic in the field as hunting dogs, as well as smart and capable in the home. Mild tempered, loyal and loving, they get along well with people (including kids) and even have senses of humor! They love to play and to make their humans laugh, so much so that the have been dubbed “the little clown(s) of the marshes” in their native France. This said, the vast majority of them are kept as hunting dogs rather than as pets – or at very least are hunters first and companions second.

The “Ponty”, as he is affectionately known, tends to be easy to train when it comes to the “basics”. Make sure to keep training sessions short and fun as longer sessions can become tedious and boring after awhile. While he enjoys pleasing his master, he does have an independent streak and will occasionally defer to his own judgement if he finds something else he’d rather be doing! It is for this reason that more advanced obedience, while definitely do-able, will take time. A skilled trainer will utilize short bursts of training throughout the day in order to keep the dog engaged, in between rest or off-time.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is easy to groom although does require a lot of exercise, meaning that you’ll spend less time brushing but more time outside jogging! While they do best in homes with large backyards, this is no substitute for daily walks/jogs or similar excursions. They have high exercise needs and may need hours of structured exercise with their people – ideally hunting but a similar activity can suffice as long as it engages the body and mind. Dogs who haven’t been given enough physical stimulation may become loud and hyperactive.

Pont-Audemers don’t make good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are too laid-back and friendly toward people. They love people so much, in fact, that a lack of regular attention from their owners can cause chronic anxiety! This means that not only does this breed benefit from stay-at-home owners, but also owners who understand dog psychology enough not to encourage the anxiety through excessive affection. There is a thin line between “being there” for the dog and inadvertently feeding into an anxious state by being a “helicopter parent/owner”. An anxious Ponty should have his mind and body redirected into obedience or healthy work.

The Ponty does have some health issues to be aware of, possibly due to the smaller gene pool of the breed as a whole. Alopecia has been found more frequently than in other breeds, along with issues such as hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and Von Willebrand’s Disease (a blood clotting condition). Prospective owners should definitely do their research when looking for a puppy and only buy from a responsible breeder who health test their dogs. This is good advice for getting a dog of any breed, but even more important when dealing with a breed with so many known issues.

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel gets along well with dogs in his own pack – dogs with whom he was raised with and live with every day. He may have a bit more trouble getting along with strange dogs whom he doesn’t know. He also might have issues with the pet cat or other small animals in his home – being as he is a hunting dog. If you are considering this breed, take note of these incompatible circumstances and ask yourself if you are willing to deal with this for the next 12-14 years! A dog is for life and the Ponty is certainly no exception! Overall, although he has a few quirks which may make him harder to live with, when matched with the right owner he can become a loyal and trusted partner.

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The Blue Picardy Spaniel is descended from French Spaniels crossed with blue belton English Setters and Gordon Setters. In his home country of France, a club was formed in 1921 which also included his cousin the Picardy Spaniel. While heavily related, they are regarded as separate breeds. While the word “spaniel” is in his name, many of the large French “spaniel” breeds are actually pointing dogs – often versatile breeds also used for retrieving and tracking both on land and water. The Blue Picardy is no exception. Blues make fantastic companions to people of all ages, as long as they are given plenty of exercise.

Blues are generally quiet in the home and have an unassuming medium-sized frame that can be easy to keep in a house. That said, this is a versatile hunting dog who needs a good deal of both mental and physical exercise – at least an hour a day! Without being worn out each day with physically/mentally stimulating activities, they can develop bad behaviors and be much harder to keep as a housepet. Ideally, one would be owned by a hunter and/or someone who regularly trains for field trials.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is easy to train and is usually quick to respond to commands, once taught. Many of this has to do with his highly social nature – he enjoys being in the presence of people, especially when they interact with him! This can either be through a game of fetch, a run on the beach, a cooperative hunting expedition, or by working on obedience commands. This breed has a great work ethic, stable temperament and possesses an agile physical prowess – the perfect combination of traits to compete in high level dog sports if one were so inclined! One might think about competing in flyball, tracking, agility or nose work to work both the body as well as the mind.

Blues do best when living in homes with large yards, as they do have boundless energy and stamina. While gentle-tempered, one cannot be expected to live in cramped quarters without eventually “bouncing off the walls”! They can also live with other dogs (or even cats) if desired, as they generally aren’t dog-aggressive, but it isn’t necessary. Primarily they require plenty of social time with their people, exercise and regular activities/work.

With their striking coats and beautiful appearance, one might think the Blue Picardy would be a popular breed but they are relatively unknown in most of the world. Their numbers are obviously higher in France, with some populations in Canada and even small numbers in the United States. As such they are considered a “well kept secret”, as they are exceptionally loyal and devoted companions and hunting dogs.

The Blue Picardy can make a good watchdog, for while he is usually quiet he will bark when people come to the door. Some also have a bit of a protective streak as well, but it will probably only come out in an actual dangerous situation. Overall this is a loving and friendly dog who often adores people regardless of size or age (assuming he’s had sufficient early socialization). The only thing an owner might want to be wary about is introducing him to the pet bird (or other small pocket pet) – as his hunting instincts might take over!

Blue Picardy Spaniels enjoy attention and hanging out with their people, and many want to get up close even if it means crawling up beside their owner on the couch! Many will carry around a ball just in case one is willing to play an impromptu game of fetch. Younger dogs have more energy and will often require more supervision until they reach the age of two or three, as they can be very curious and will look for adventure wherever they can get it – this may include counter surfing escapades. Make sure to set down house rules and be firm yet fair while enforcing them, being aware that this is a “soft” breed that can get intimidated by extra harsh reprimands. Once mature and over the puppy stage, this is a faithful companion who will undoubtedly bring joy and love (and lots of active adventures!) throughout his life.

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The Burgos Pointer, while relatively unknown himself, is in the background of countless other pointing breeds – including several popular ones. Also known as the Spanish Pointer (not to be confused with the Old Spanish Pointer), today he is primarily used to hunt small game although in his heyday he was well known for hunting deer. This is an ancient breed that has been around since the 1500’s, although today is quite rare in all places except for Spain, and on the verge of extinction. Fanciers of the breed are working hard to keep the breed alive and to preserve the health, temperament and function of these ancient pointers.

The large height and somewhat heavy frame of the Burgos set it apart from many other pointing breeds, most of whom are much more lithe and athletic than this powerhouse. A draping of loose skin across his body makes him look even larger still. He sports a docked tail (a long dock, about two/thirds of the tail remain), pendulous lips and very long, pendulous ears. The color of the smooth coat is always liver and white – either patched or roan, and it is easy to groom. Rubbing the coat down with a chamois after a good vigorous brushing will help the coat stay shiny and tight.

Burgos Pointers need plenty of exercise and do best in homes with large amounts of land, or at very least a decent-sized backyard. They have a lot of energy and need to be allowed to run for long time periods, which means that a backyard by itself might not be enough. Many hunting dogs need to be taken out on walks or jogs every day in addition to having a yard to roam. As might be imagined, most would be fairly miserable in an apartment setting.

The Burgos is a quiet breed with an easygoing temperament and tends to be an easy-keeper to boot. He can make a good swimming companion, friend to children, and/or happy pack member when housed with other dogs. Living on average of 12-14 years also means that this is a fairly long-lived dog for his size. Finally, he excels as a hunting dog – able to point, retrieve and track with ease.

Burgos Pointers are intelligent dogs although hunting will always be a more preferred pastime than obedience training. Make sure to train a strong recall as he may be tempted to follow his nose when training outside (despite his appearance, he is not a scenthound however these pointers were used for tracking). When not distracted by strong scents, this is an obedient dog who takes well to training that is firm (yet fair) and consistent.

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The Cesky Fousek, hailing from the Czeck Republic, is a superb gun dog and equally exceptional companion. Becoming an owner of this rare breed will, however, require patience and commitment as puppies aren’t abundant. Most Ceskys are bought by serious hunters and gun dog enthusiasts, and litters are almost always bred with hunting ability being of upmost importance. In the North American club, all dogs are expected to complete a hunting test before 16 months of age so that breeders can continuously evaluate their breeding programs.

Fouseks are one of several types of “griffon” breeds, which refers to their tousled, triple-layered wire haired coat. Despite the similarity in looks, this is not the same dog as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon although the two breeds share a close genetic relationship. They are also closely related to the Stichelhaar (German Roughhaired Pointer), another similarly-coated breed. This wiry coat is easy to care for and allows them to live comfortably in most climates. Baths only need to be given when needed and the coat only needs a quick brushing once a week or so. After hunting or in rainy weather, a quick wipe-down with a towel will suffice in keeping the dog fairly clean. This dog does shed, but only moderately so. Do take note to keep the ears clean as hanging ears are more prone to collecting dirt and grime.

Cesky Fouseks love kids and other dogs alike, and tend to make great family dogs. They are not aggressive and instead are happy-go-lucky, friendly fellows who enjoy playing vigorously. Even when out and about, the Cesky is just as friendly to strangers as known friends. Possessing a lower prey drive than similar breeds, many are also able to live, and coexist, with smaller animals as long as they’ve been socialized to them. While most people who own Ceskys are hunters, they recognize that hunting seasons are short compared to the whole year and having a dog who is pleasant to live with is a necessity! This means that the dog should have a calm and collected demeanor while in the home.

While easy to live with, this does not mean that a Cesky Fousek is sluggish or lazy. Quite the opposite is true – they need regular daily excersize in order to thrive, and lots of it – no matter the weather! Furthermore they need room to stretch their legs and cannot be kept in an apartment or similarly small home. A home with a 6 foot fenced yard is recommended because of their Houdini-esque powers of escape. Prospective owners must be active and willing to include the dog in their everyday exercise routines! Fouseks are known to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone – a downside to many super-social, affectionate dog breeds. Although not normally a loud breed, they can become barkers when in the throes of separation anxiety.

Fouseks are eager to please and take well to training. Despite their easygoing temperaments, obedience is a necessity simply because of their large size and athletic, enthusiastic natures. They need mental and physical exercise to challenge them – without both, they will quickly become frustrating dogs to live with. This is an intelligent dog although is slow to mature, often retaining puppy characteristics well into the third year of life and beyond. Give them a job to do (ideally both hunting as well as obedience training) and you will be rewarded with a hard-working companion and partner.

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The Braque Francais Gascogne is the second type of Braque Francais (the first already discussed in a previous blog) – differentiated mostly by size and overall bulk from his cousin. This is the larger of the two breeds. An old pointing breed, he originated in southern France and is still popular there today, although less known in other parts of the world. This is an affectionate dog who can make a fantastic family companion, social and friendly partner, and also has a strong desire/drive to hunt. This is a versatile hunting dog who specializes in pointing but can also flush, retrieve and trail game.

The Francais Gascogne can be laid-back and relaxed in the home provided he is given enough exercise. Between the two types of Braque Francais, the Gascogne is slower and more methodical when hunting and sometimes has less energy in general. This does not mean that one can skate by with little exercise (this is still a gun dog, after all), however one long walk a day can usually suffice. Just make it a long walk and not a short one (45 mins minimum)! He is also capable of enjoying more exercise if desired and has the stamina for long-distance jogging or other physical endeavors. His ideal home is one which has a large yard for him to stretch his legs in addition to regular outings which will exercise both body and mind.

The Braque Francais Gascogne loves to please his owner and can be a delight to train, requiring little work for large results. Highly intelligent and with a tendency toward being more submissive, he can be easy to work with even for beginners. He usually has a soft temperament and does best with training that doesn’t incorporate overly harsh methods. Stay consistent and give plenty of motivation and this dog will learn very quickly!

Francais Gascogne enjoy being with people – almost to a fault. They love it so much that they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Unlike some related breeds, they don’t necessarily need to hunt in order to be happy, but if they aren’t taken hunting they definitely need a fulfilling family companion role to fill. They are able to fit into many types of families, doing great with kids and also other dogs. Some may be iffy with small pets because of their prey drive so it might not be the best idea to let your pet rabbit hop all over this breed! This said, many are ok with cats under supervision. As might be expected by this pointer’s social nature, he probably won’t make an ideal guard dog.

The Braque Francais Gascogne has a short coat which, while somewhat thick, is still easy to care for. He does shed moderately, but keeping the coat brushed will help to limit it, as will regular rundowns with a chamois. As with all dogs, trim nails regularly. Overall, this is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to coat care. The time saved on grooming can instead be directed toward mental engagement – as he definitely needs things to do so as to not become bored, destructive and loud! When it comes to health care, the breed is similarly easy. Often living between 12-14 years, the Gascogne is normally a very healthy breed with very few genetic issues attached to it. Particularly in France, breeding is very regulated and good health is prized. Make sure to provide regular veterinary care but rest assured that most members of the breed are easy-keepers when it comes to health.

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The Picardy Spaniel was created by combining French Spaniels with setters, particularly English and Gordon. The first club for the breed (alongside with the breed’s cousin, the Blue Picardy) was formed in 1921. Still rare in most of the world (only about 3,000 exist), this French breed was said to have been created “by hunters, for hunters”. Working closely with his owner, this adaptive gun dog lives to hunt, and does so equally well both on land and in the water. It is a very versatile breed, able to point retrieve and track with the best of them – utilizing a no-nonsense attitude while he does so. Despite the name, Picardy Spaniels are not actually spaniels at all, but rather HPR gun dogs (standing for Hunt, Point and Retrieve).

The coat of the Picardy is dense, medium in length and with a slightly harsh texture to it. The coat can be either completely straight or with a bit of a wave to it, with some individual dogs having coats that are almost curly. The color pattern is one of the distinctive physical features of the breed, always gray mottled with brown patches and tan markings on the head and legs. This coat helps to keep them protected from brush and also serves to keep them somewhat warm although this doesn’t mean that they can be kept outside in freezing temperatures for long periods of time. Make sure to provide him with a soft warm bed when he comes back inside and he’ll be happy.

In order to do his job, the Picardy Spaniel needed to possess an attitude that would “get the work done” no matter the circumstances in his way. This means that he can occasionally be stubborn and hard-headed. While easy to train for field work, when it comes to obedience training be prepared to be just as stubborn as the dog! As long as an owner/trainer doesn’t give in easily and utilizes plenty of rewards and social engagement/praise, this breed should be relatively easy to train. With some instruction, even a novice owner should be able to train a Picardy without too much trouble. Take note that this breed doesn’t do well with very high-pressure compulsive training techniques.

Picardies are calm when given enough exercise – both structured as well as unstructured (such as free running time in a large yard). The structured exercise can include long walks or even swimming which is a favorite activity of many Picardies! Don’t let his beautiful looks fool you, this is a strong and hardy breed that enjoys intense exercise. Usually quite healthy, some individuals can have eye issues such as entropian or ectropian, and the ears are more prone to infection than other breeds – but overall this is a fit and healthy dog. Average lifespan is 13-14 years.

While some are kept as kennel dogs, Picardy Spaniels are loving and easy to manage in the home, being naturally docile and content to lounge around after a nice walk. They enjoy time with their people and are fairly undemanding. Most are gentle with children although supervision is always recommended between kids and dogs. They also get along well with other dogs. Finally, their medium size further makes them a good fit for many, as long as the person or family is active. While this is a much more laid-back dog compared to other pointing breeds, he still needs to have regular vigorous exercise and doesn’t do well in lazy households. Even apartment homes can be considered as a possible match, as long as the owners are active and ready to give the dog plenty of outdoor workouts.

The Picardy is by no means a guard dog as he is far too friendly. Neither will he guard your perimeter from predators. His major talent is hunting and this he prefers to do above all else! He does need a job to do and it’s no surprise that regular hunting excursions are at the top of this breed’s list. This said, other activities or dog sports can replace hunting as a job -for the only thing that an Picardy may like more than hunting is spending time with his owners! Tending to bond closely, without regular contact with his people he can tend to develop separation anxiety.

Photo By Pleple2000