Flat-Coated Retriever vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a direct descendent of the French spaniel. It was in the 14th century that recorded descriptions of the French ‘setting dogs’ emerged but it is believed that the spaniel originated before that.

The spaniels separated into different regional types where size and colour varied according to the region they were in. It was developed in the northern part of France and bred with Gordon- and English Setters, resulting in a Belton blue color, which is a type of blue ticking coloration. The dog was recognized as a separate breed in France in 1938.

The Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.

The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.

The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.

Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts

His Looks

The medium-sized, well muscled Blue Picardy Spaniel has such an amicable expression on his face with such gentle brown eyes that it is difficult to think of him as a gun dog. He is often described as a quiet dog, but lots of fun. He has long legs and stands about 56–61 cm high at the withers, weighing about 19–20 kg. His speckled grey-blue coat with black patches is medium length and wavy and you’ll find typical Setter feathering on the legs, the tail and underside. The medium-length, drooping ears are also covered in silky, feathery hair, a blue/grey coat with black patches and has long feathering on the belly, legs, ears and tail. When the puppies are born they’re white with black patches, but this changes as they mature.

Temperament

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a loyal and devoted companion, who just loves to spend time with his human family. He loves to work hard and play hard and he makes a splendid family pet. He’ll also get along well with other pets. Treat him with love and care and you’ll find that the Blue Picardy Spaniel is an even-tempered pet who wants to please. Being alert, he will bark to warn you of strangers.

The Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a gentle, intelligent breed and he responds well to training. He is such an easy going dog who wants to please his owners. They also do well with children and other pets, making him a wonderful family pet.

This excellent sporting dog bred in the Picardy region of France is sociable and amicable, a sought after companion animal in France. He is highly trainable breed and his wonderful nature makes him a wonderful choice for first-time dog owners. He is a gentle all-rounder who loves to be with family, making him an exceptional friend.

Children friendliness

The Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.

Special talents

They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.

Adaptability

They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.

Learning ability

Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.

No Genetic Health Problems

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is considered a healthy breed and there are no known genetic health issues. He is a rare dog breed and not excessively bred, meaning they aren’t prone to genetic health problems. When he is loved and well looked after, he can reach 14 years of age and beyond.

You won’t find more health issues with this breed than with other gun dogs. Always be looking out for hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint. The socket of the hip is too shallow, resulting in damage to the joints of the dog, more so as it ages. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include stiffness and trouble with getting up after lying down.

Flat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:

1. Hip Dysplasia – not very common
2. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can result in blindness
3. Glaucoma - an eye disease that can result in blindness
4. Epilepsy – very rare but still seen
5. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and volvulus) – fatal if not treated immediately

Cancers

Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.

Food for an Active Breed

The Blue Picardy is an energetic gun dog and he will certainly require a good deal of exercise. If he isn’t running around on a farm you will need to take him for walks regularly or let him off the leash in the park. He is always ready for ball games and just loves to play. It’s why he gets on well with children too- he loves the fun and games he gets.

He’ll need a high quality dog food that has been specially formulated for high energy dogs. Always follow the directions on the packaging. Home made food with meat, rice and vegetables is always a welcome change and remember to ensure he gets some raw meat into his diet too. Never deprive him of fresh, cool water. This should be readily available to him 24/7.

Grooming

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a moderate shedder with a couple of heavier shedding periods during the year. His grooming requirements are pretty moderate too and he will require a good brush twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs.

Other basic care for your beautiful pet includes clipping his nails, brushing his teeth 2 or 3 times a week, making use of a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste. His ears should certainly be checked for infection.

Feeding the puppy

He will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.

Feeding the adult

Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.

Points for Good Health

Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.

Games and Exercises

They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.