Epagneul Bleu de Picardie: A royal companion on four paws
History of the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie has its roots in the 14th century in the Picardy region of northern France. It was originally bred for hunting waterfowl and was particularly popular with the French aristocracy. The unique blue coloration of the coat was the result of crossbreeding with English setters, which were brought to France by British hunters. This breed has been officially recognized since 1907 and has established itself to this day as a loyal companion and excellent hunting dog.
Who is the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie suitable for?
This dog breed is ideal for active people who spend a lot of time outdoors. The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie loves long walks, hikes and is an excellent companion for hunting trips. It is particularly suitable for families with children and other pets, as it has a friendly and patient nature.
Character and behavior
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is known for its gentle and even-tempered character. It is intelligent, eager to learn and shows a strong bond with its owners. This breed is also social and gets along well with other dogs and pets. Its gentle nature also makes it an excellent family dog that interacts well with children.
Appearance and size
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie has a striking appearance with its dense, wavy coat that shimmers in a unique shade of blue. It typically has brown markings on the legs and face. These dogs are medium-sized and reach a shoulder height of 55 to 60 cm and a weight of 20 to 25 kg. Their elegant ears and expressive eyes give them a noble appearance.
Care of the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie
The coat of the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie requires regular grooming to avoid matting. It is recommended to brush it at least twice a week. As this breed likes to swim and be active outdoors, care should be taken to clean and dry it thoroughly after such activities to avoid skin problems. The ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
Health and life expectancy
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is a generally healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. However, as with many pedigree dogs, hereditary health problems can occur. Common diseases include hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular veterinary examinations and a balanced diet help to keep them healthy.
Exercise and training
This dog breed needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Daily long walks, games and training sessions are a must. The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is very adaptive and responds well to positive reinforcement. Early training and socialization are important to avoid unwanted behavior and to develop the full potential of this intelligent breed.
Interactions with children and other animals
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie is an exceptionally child-friendly dog. Its gentle nature and patience make it a perfect playmate for children. It also gets on well with other pets, making it an ideal family dog. However, it is important to teach children how to interact with dogs and ensure that interactions always take place under supervision.
Recognition by the FCI
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has officially recognized the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie and classified it in Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.2 (Spaniels). This recognition underlines the uniqueness and importance of this breed in the international dog breeding association.
