History of the Shireoak breeds |
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| The Blue Picardy Spaniel is one of five native French spaniel pointing breeds. Although the exact origins of the Blue Picardy are perhaps not as clear as we would like they were first noted in the 1870�s. The breed was developed in the Somme, Authi and Canache valley of Picardy, France. In the later part of the nineteenth century, the Picardy marshes and Brittany moors were the favoured hunting grounds of wealthy British setter owners. When the hunting season ended the setters were boarded with the local hunters and farmers due to the implementation of new quarantine laws. Over the off season the local spaniels were bred to the visiting Gordon setters and blue belton English setters and the Blue Picardy emerged. The breed was recognized in France in 1938 and by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1995. |
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| According to historical data the Irish Red & White Setter is considered the original Irish Setter. For a time the two colours existed side by side in their country of origin. The red & white was at a time, the more popular hunting companion as it was easier to find in the deep heather and moors of Ireland, due to his pearly white coat. Unfortunately, when dog shows became popular, the solid red setter, thought to look flashier in the ring, became the dog of choice. The red & white slowly began to disappear until kept by only a handful of hunting homes. Thankfully, a serious revival began in Ireland and England in the later 1970�s and early 1980�s and the breed is now becoming firmly established in canine circles. The breed was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 2000 and is a Group One Sporting Dog. |
