Turnspit Dog vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom but Blue Picardy Spaniel is originated from France. Turnspit Dog may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than Blue Picardy Spaniel. Turnspit Dog may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Blue Picardy Spaniel. Both Turnspit Dog and Blue Picardy Spaniel has almost same life span. Turnspit Dog may have less litter size than Blue Picardy Spaniel. Turnspit Dog requires Low maintenance. But Blue Picardy Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance

History

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

blue picardy spaniel - historyThe 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.

Description

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

His Looks

blue picardy spaniel puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Characteristics

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

blue picardy spaniel dog - characteristicsThe 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.

Health Problems

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

No Genetic Health Problems

blue picardy spaniel puppies - health problemsThe 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.

Caring The Pet

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Food for an Active Breed

blue picardy spaniel dogs - caringThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
19 - 20 kg
41 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
17 - 20 kg
37 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
5 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Epagneul Bleu de Picardie, Bleu Picard, Blue Picardy
Colors Available:
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Blue/grey coat with black patches
Coat:
Shortish
medium length and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Turnspit Dog vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  2. Turnspit Dog vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  3. Turnspit Dog vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Turnspit Dog vs Miniature Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Turnspit Dog vs Danish Swedish Farmdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Turnspit Dog vs Telomian - Breed Comparison
  7. Turnspit Dog vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Turnspit Dog vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Turnspit Dog vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Turnspit Dog vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Turnspit Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Turnspit Dog vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Turnspit Dog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Turnspit Dog vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Turnspit Dog vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Turnspit Dog vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Turnspit Dog vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Turnspit Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Turnspit Dog vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Turnspit Dog vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  21. Turnspit Dog vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  22. Turnspit Dog vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  23. Turnspit Dog vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  24. Turnspit Dog vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Turnspit Dog vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Boykin Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Pudelpointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. Picardy Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Braque d'Auvergne vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Ariege Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Irish Water Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds