Epagneul Picard 

Appearance: Sturdy French Pointing Dog 

The Epagneul Picard, with a shoulder height of up to 62 centimetres, is a strong, harmoniously built pointing dog with medium-length fur. According to the breed standard, its coat should be grey speckled with brown patches and tan markings. Excessive white is undesirable, while dogs with a grey-roan coat are allowed. 

The elegant floppy ears are set low and covered with silky hair, as is the long tail. Experts refer to the longer coat on the tail as a “flag”. This dog’s head is rather round with a moderate stop. 

The Epagneul Picard, like the closely related but slightly smaller and “bluer” Epagneul Bleu de Picardie, shares some visual similarities with the German Longhaired Pointer and the Large Munsterlander. The standard does not specify weight, but it is usually around 20 to 25 kilograms. 

Character of the Epagneul Picard: A Dog with a Hunter’s Heart 

As eager as the Epagneul Picard is in the field and forest, it is calm and composed at home. Here, it enjoys cuddling and proves to be a reliable and playful friend to all family members. 

Provided with the necessary stimulation and allowed to indulge in its hunting passion, it is thoroughly a pleasant family dog that enriches any pet-friendly household. 

The Epagneul Picard is affectionate and extremely devoted to its handler. But its hunter’s heart also plays a significant role: As a gundog, it naturally likes to be active and very energetic. This canine should receive professional hunting dog training to channel its eagerness into structured activities. 

Training: Eager and Obedient Learner 

With expert guidance and consistent leadership, the Picard is an open-minded dog that is willing to learn. Training should always be conducted with patience and empathy because this pointing dog wants to be obedient. 

“Training errors” often stem from the owner not making their intentions clear enough. Of course, consistency is a prerequisite for a well-behaved dog. 

Care and Maintenance: Simple and Easy to Care for 

A true gundog usually comes with low-maintenance fur, which is also true for the long-haired Epagneul Picard. However, it makes sense to brush it daily to swiftly remove any bits brought home from outdoor adventures. 

Also, take a look inside your companion’s ears during grooming. Due to the warm environment provided by the floppy ears, infections can quickly develop. Keep ear cleaner for dogs handy in case the ears are dirty. 

Claws should be checked regularly, too, and trimmed if necessary. Particularly dogs that spend a lot of time on soft ground, or older animals, are prone to overgrown claws. This could lead to painful paw injuries due to snagging. 

A claw clipper for dogs is therefore a sensible grooming accessory. The same goes for a tick remover, which should always be on hand! 

Additionally, a mild dog shampoo is wise. Usually, it’s enough to brush dirty fur when dry, but sometimes mud residue can be stubborn. Then, a gentle dog shower or bath is necessary. 

Acclimatise your puppy to this ritual early on. Most Picards love water anyway and have no issues with getting wet. 

Is the Epagneul Picard Right for Me? 

This hard-working dog fits well into a family with a hunter who will work with it. It is strongly advised against keeping French pointing dogs purely as family dogs, as it would not provide them with sufficient outlets for their energy, potentially leading to behavioural issues. 

City Dog or Country Companion?

Allow your furry family member not just hunter-oriented guidance and appropriate activities but also a fenced garden to romp in. 

It’s also vital to include them in your two-legged pack. The people-friendly Epagneul Picard is not suitable for kennel living. Clearly, this means that the quadruped hunter is not a city dog. However, it could suit beginners who seek professional help with training – particularly with regards to hunting education. 

Compatibility with Humans and Other Animals

They generally get along well with other dogs. They can also get on with other pets if accustomed to them from a young age, allowing for friendships with cats. However, potential prey animals like rabbits and guinea pigs should not dwell in the same household. 

Consider in advance who can look after your dog during a trip. Or research potential dog-friendly destinations! As many hotels nowadays welcome well-behaved four-legged guests, an Epagneul Picard can also be a perfect companion for a lovely walking holiday! 

Furthermore, check for any family allergies and get an overview of the costs that will regularly arise on top of the purchase price and the basic equipment. 

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Occupation and Activities: Employment for the Passionate Hunter 

Using them as a hunting dog is every Epagneul Picard’s favourite job! Therefore, you should definitely lead them in this role. They are particularly suited to tracking, namely searching for wounded game. 

They also have a natural affinity for water work. The Epagneul Picard typically enjoys being in and around water with great delight. Outside of hunting, they also enjoy trips to the countryside. However, ensure you maintain control of your Epagneul Picard, as reliable recall is the key to leash-free hikes. 

Athletic Companion 

A fully-grown Picard is also a good jogging partner. They’re equally jubilant companions on bike rides. Besides, offering them any form of scent work, like Mantrailing, is delightful. Retrieving – particularly from water – is another activity that brings considerable enjoyment to most members of the breed. 

Health: Breed-Specific Illnesses 

Like its counterparts, this French pointing dog enjoys robust health. Yet, its beautiful ears are a little weak point. Like all dogs with hanging ears, they are prone to infections that can propagate more quickly in the moist and warm climate of the ear flaps. 

Pay special care to a healthy diet that matches their actual energy expenditure to keep the breed healthy. An Epagneul Picard is usually efficient at digesting its food and prone to weight gain. A slim waistline is also the best prophylaxis against hip dysplasia, which can be exacerbated by overweight. 

A well-cared-for and properly managed Epagneul Picard can live up to 14 years.

Diet: Feeding the Epagneul Picard 

As mentioned, it’s essential to maintain a svelte waistline. It’s a good idea to weigh your adult Picard regularly (at the vet’s) to promptly counteract any weight gain or loss, as numbers don’t lie. 

If your Picard starts to put on fat around the waist, it’s best to reduce portions – a special diet food is not usually necessary. Two meals a day should be offered to adult dogs – puppies need to be fed more frequently. 

Reading tip: The Right Food for Overweight Dogs 

It’s important for your Epagneul Picard to have the opportunity for a siesta after main meals to rest. Movement after eating can lead to a life-threatening gastric torsion. 

If you want to give your four-legged friend a special treat, provide some chewing fun in the form of special dog bones or a dried cow ear. Fresh drinking water should always be available. Special dog water bottles are practical for on the go. 

Purchase: Where Can I Find My Epagneul Picard? 

You’ll, of course, find the largest selection of active breeders in France, especially if you speak French. However, there are also Picard breeders in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and even Canada. 

Since the breed is rare, be prepared to plan a trip or show some patience. 

Alternatively, look into breeders of other Epagneul breeds, such as the Epagneul Bleu de Picardie or the Epagneul Breton; they have very similar characteristics, both physically and in personality. The German Longhaired Pointer and the Münsterländer might also be alternatives for you. 

Clubs for French pointing dogs can also assist in your search. If you adopt a puppy from abroad, there’s much to consider regarding import and export regulations. Get informed well in advance! 

If you’re looking for an adult Epagneul Picard, reach out to clubs specifically for French pointing dogs. Sometimes there are dogs that can no longer be used for hunting and are looking for a suitable home as companion dogs. But ensure you’re fully informed about the dog’s background and critically assess whether you can meet its needs. 

You might also find Braque variants or mixes from animal rescue that excite you. So keep an open mind and heart as you search for your new companion! 

Sourcing from a Responsible Breeder

As with all dog breeds, it applies here too: a reputable breeder is the best start for a healthy life for your dog! Research knowledgeable breeders and don’t be swayed by seemingly cheap offers of “paperless dogs”. Papers themselves are inexpensive, but more importantly, they indicate membership to a club that allows a minimum level of oversight, which no reputable breeder would avoid. 

Only breeders affiliated with a club can provide you with a Picard with the best fundamentals for a healthy life. They will be happy to inform you about the health care of the parent dogs. Also, these breeders release their charges only vaccinated and dewormed several times. Make sure to keep the appointments for the follow-up vaccinations. 

History: From the Common Man to the Nobility to the All-rounder 

All the Epagneul breeds, including the Epagneul Picard, trace back to medieval bird dogs. Their name references their geographical roots – Picardy, a region with many swamps and water bodies, hence the Epagneul Picard’s historical use in hunting waterfowl, like snipes. 

Initially, their ancestors were companions of peasants. However, around 1600, the nobility prohibited commoners from hunting, claiming it and the elegant dogs for themselves. 

Even before then, the hunting dogs had noble admirers. Written records certify that ancestors of the Epagneul Picard were kept at the court of King Louis XII in 1512. Even King Louis XIV, the Sun King, was a fan of these versatile hunters. But with the French Revolution, the “common people” reclaimed the hunting dogs, leading to new strains and varieties appearing. 

Thus, alongside the long-haired pointing dogs, the Epagneuls, there are also short-haired breeds with similar characteristics, such as the Braque d’Auvergne. The Epagneul Picard itself was long considered a colour variant of the Epagneul Français. 

It has been recognised as a separate breed since 1908 and has been purely bred since then. However, it is relatively unknown outside of France, especially as the smaller Epagneul Breton is far more common.