breed dog developed france use related blue similarities older breeds thought oldest continental breeds favoured french nobility remaining popular hunting french revolution weather resistant coat enabled hunt variety conditions terrain popularity waned following influx english hunting breeds early 20th century slightly smaller english larger cousins major health issues breeds ears prone ear history french considered oldest continental breeds breeds speculated stemmed described writings hunting period france favourite sports nobility french type favourite hunting dog french royalty breed seen paintings dating period artists breed dog admitted breed popular following french revolution aftermath hunting longer restricted nobility spread france large concentration located north west weather resistant coat breed ideal wooded conditions early 19th century british hunters crossed channel hunt grounds north west france british brought hunting dogs resulted change preference french hunters switched english breeds caused major blow existence addition blood local population created blue recognition formed merged july merger took place clubs merged form recognised variety associations including associations use standard set recognised unlike closely related recognised description appearance typical examples breed measure inches average weight kilograms breed similar size english slightly smaller type breeds recognised possibly growing larger sizes measuring slightly smaller narrower range breed built muscular body oval shaped head long muzzle long ears hang fairly low coat vary colours chocolate chestnut brown white sandy coloured markings head white grey spots legs hair abundant slight wave enabling work dense cover water temperament breed dog fond playing children bonds master described having gentle nature possessing good character relatively easy train france breed hunting wooded areas swamps hunting ducks rabbits breed hunting marshes jump water adequately serve required dog content small space suit life city loves open spaces health known hereditary health problems average lifespan years hunting breed prone ear common dogs ears including breeds lead overweight
Picardy Spaniel