Picardy Spaniel

The first mention of the Picardy Shepherd dates back to 1899, when it was presented at a show. As the breed was unknown at the time, it could not compete. It is very likely that the breed existed earlier, but no mention of it was made before the end of the 19th century. The breed standards were established and the first club dedicated to it was created in the 1950s. Despite its low profile, the Picardy Shepherd is not an endangered breed, as several breeders are dedicated to its preservation. Also called the Pikhaar Shepherd, it was originally a small farm or laborer's dog expected to guard the family's modest belongings (poultry yard, sheep, goats, possibly cattle). It actively contributed to improving income through its role as a smuggling dog between France and Belgium (tobacco, matches, small merchandise). This dog with erect ears could, thanks to its build, carry loads of a few kilos over fairly long distances. Due to its natural distrust of strangers, it escaped capture by customs officers, who also used the Picard's ancestor to thwart smugglers. According to its intended use, it was chosen dark (dark brindle) or light (fawn to sand-colored). Highly versatile, unlike English or German herding dogs that were already specialized, it was above all the dog of the "common people." An early breed recognition in the 1920s was thwarted by World War II. In 1947-1949, enthusiasts pooled their efforts to reconstruct the breed from a few specimens still present on farms. The choice of erect ears was dictated by the German Shepherd fashion. The breed was defined by an approved standard. A breed club was tasked with ensuring its continuity in 1955. Although its morphology has evolved greatly over 60 years, the Picardy Shepherd is a de facto member of the herding and cattle dog breeds of a vast zone extending between France and the Benelux (Bouvier des Flandres and des Ardennes, Laekenois, Dutch Herding Dog with hard coat, etc.). Their common characteristics are rusticity, versatility in work, great devotion to their master, aptitude for protection and guarding of family and property.

It is first and foremost a herding dog that can do without the flock, but not without the shepherd. It is active and needs to be handled with calmness and firmness. It excels in agility competitions, tracking, and all sporting disciplines, with or without bite work. It often provokes laughter from the audience with its antics. But it is in the family that the Picardy Shepherd is most appreciated. An excellent guardian, it protects its masters' property. It is very happy outdoors, with shelter for bad weather or cold, although it handles harsh conditions without problems. It likes being given attention from time to time, as it is interested in everything and enjoys company. This tireless dog is happy to run alongside joggers, riders, and cyclists. Its maintenance is easy. It lives 11 to 15 years on average.

Of medium size, with a rustic but elegant appearance, it is vigorous, well-muscled and well-proportioned, with an intelligent and alert expression, characterized by its roughhaired appearance. It is the only French herding dog to naturally carry erect ears. Its cousins, the Beauceron, Briard, and Pyrenean Shepherds, carry drooping or folded ears in front or to the side since the prohibition of ear cropping on May 1, 2004.