The
French Spaniel and the Picardy Spaniel are speculated to have stemmed from the Chien d' Oysel described in the writings of
Gaston Phoebus. Hunting during this period in France was one of the favourite sports of the nobility and the French type of Spaniel became the favourite hunting dog of the French Royalty. The breed can be seen in paintings dating from this period by artists
Alexandre-François Desportes and
Jean-Baptiste Oudry. They were also the first breed of dog to be admitted into
salons. The breed became more popular still following the
French Revolution and the aftermath in which hunting was no longer restricted to the nobility. Although spread throughout France, a large concentration was located in the north west where the weather resistant coat of the breed made it ideal for the wooded and swampy conditions. During the early 19th century, British hunters crossed the
channel to hunt in the grounds of north west France. The British brought their own hunting dogs, and this resulted in a change of preference as French hunters switched to English breeds and caused a major blow to the existence of the Picardy Spaniel.
Recognition The Epagneul Picard Club was formed in 1921 and was merged with the Club of Blue Picardy Spaniel on 28 July 1937. A further merger took place on 21 May 1980 when these clubs merged with the
Pont-Audemer Club to form the Club des Epagneuls Picards, Bleus de Picardie & Pont Audemer. The Picardy Spaniel is recognised by a variety of Kennel Clubs and associations including the
North American Kennel Club,
American Rare Breed Association,
United Kennel Club, and the
Fédération Cynologique Internationale. All four associations use the standard as set by the FCI. It is also recognised by the
Continental Kennel Club, but unlike the closely related Blue Picardy Spaniel, it is not recognised by the
Canadian Kennel Club. ==Description==