Did you know?
Dogs are believed to understand roughly the same number of
words and gestures as a
2-year-old toddler — 250!
Blue Picardy Spaniel
A young dog’s faith is absolute… Dogs are notorious for hope. Dogs believe that this morning, this very morning, may begin a day of fascination, easily grander than any day in the past. – Donald McCaig
N’Jazmine du Clos Maldav
“Jazzy”
The spaniels of France had their beginnings in the Middle East and first appeared after the Crusades in the 11th century.
French knights brought their dogs to the Holy Land which led to interbreeding with native Arabian dogs. The resulting dogs were described in the 14th century book Livre de Chasse by Gaston III of Foix-Béarn. Over the years, these French spaniels separated into regional types.
Photos displayed courtesy of Steve Schmidt, Darkwater Blues, Ontario
By the end of the 19th century, British hunters and their dogs had discovered the ideal waterfowl hunting conditions in Picardie, France. When the British quarantine was established, many English hunters boarded their setters on Picardie farms. These regional Picard spaniels were crossed with English and Gordon Setters and the Blue Picardy Spaniel was born.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a deep chested, long legged dog standing up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall at the shoulder. He weighs in at around 45 pounds (20.5 kg).
As you might expect of a descendant of setters, the silky fur is flat or slightly wavy, and there is good feathering on the legs and tail. The distinctive coat is mottled grey-black in colour which gives it a bluish tinge with back patches of various size. Puppies are born mostly white-grey and the colour develops as they mature. Weekly grooming will keep the fur and feathering mat free.
The Blue Picardy is a versatile hunting dog, prized for his ability to locate and retrieve game in harsh conditions over adverse terrain and in the water. A natural born hunter and soft-mouthed retriever, this dog succeeds on any upland game or waterfowl. Untiring and with the stamina to travel great distances at a steady pace, the Blue Picardy is an easily trained dog that thrives on having a job to do. Like most sporting dogs, he requires a great deal of exercise to keep him happy and well-balanced.
N’Jazmine du Clos Maldav
“Jazzy”
Merine du Clos Maldav
“Merine”
The Blue Picardy is considered to be a quiet breed and has a generally calm demeanour. Patient, well-mannered and very adaptable, he gets on well with other dogs and animals. He loves to play, and is a responsive and obedient breed which thrives on human companionship, especially that of children.
Noted for being both gentle and playful with children, the Blue Picardy is a very people-orientated pet. He is bred to hunt with his master and so he needs human company. He will form close bonds with all members of the family. An intelligent and affectionate animal, the Blue Picardy enjoys being physically close to his people. This can lead to over dependence on his people and separation anxiety if the dog is left alone for long periods. Careful training should condition the dog to periods of people absence.
Although the Blue Picardy is a docile dog, he will always announce the presence of strangers and makes a good watch dog. A perfect candidate for obedience training, agility, flyball and more, the Blue Picardy Spaniel is a true athlete who lives to please its master.
