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Beauceron

Origin: France

AKC Group: Herding

Height: 24 inches (Male)

Weight: Up to 110 pounds (50 kg) (Male)

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Origin:

France

Male height:

24 inches

Male weight:

Up to 110 pounds (50 kg)

Coat:

Double coat with a harsh, dense outercoat and a downy undercoat. Longer fringes on the tail and hindquarters.

Colors:

The Beauceron sports two colors. One is black and tan with distinctive tan markings (spots above the eyes and on the chest, on the bottom of the upper lip and throat, on the bottom of each leg and along the underside of the tail). The other is harlequin in patches of black, tan and gray. The harlequin also has the tan markings of the black and tan. No other colors are accepted.

History:

The Beauceron is an ancient French herding dog whose popularity is still strongest in his native land, where his work includes that of police dog, military dog, tracking dog, and of course, herding dog. He was an integral part of the French armies in both World Wars, where he was used as a messenger, guard, mine detector and deliverer of goods to the front lines of battle. French sheepdogs were differentiated by coat type in the late 1800s - shorthaired dogs were called Berger de Beauce (Beauceron), and longhairs were called Berger de Brie (Briard). The breed officially became the Beauceron in 1889, although he'd been shown as a French sheepdog since 1863.

Personality:

The Beauceron is a serious working dog and as such is strong, courageous, resilient and even-tempered. Admired and respected by farmers, the military, and the local gendarmes(police), he has become more popular with people looking for watchful and attentive companions.

At home:

This large, athletic dog does best in an environment where he has room to move and work. Urban areas are probably not ideal for this breed. He needs an athletic and outdoorsy family who is willing to put his intelligence and drive to work. He is naturally protective of his home and family. The breed's coat is naturally weatherproof, so it is able to withstand cold and rainy climates.

Recommended activities:

The versatile Beauceron can excel at agility, schutzhund, obedience, herding, tracking and skijoring.

Exercise:

The active and intelligent Beauceron requires a challenging physical regimen that should include as much off-leash time as possible. He has an endless supply of stamina and needs to use his body.

Feeding:

The athletic Beauceron needs a high-quality diet to keep his body in good working order.

Training:

The quick and clever Beauceron catches on fast, and trainers may find that they need to keep up with him and not the other way around. He excels at learning new things and will want to continue to be challenged. If he's not provided with strong leadership and good training, he has a tendency to become pushy and will take over the household. Positive methods work best with this breed.

Compatibility:

Beaucerons get along very well with children. They are aloof with strangers and need early socialization, which will also help them get along well with other pets.

Health:

The Beauceron has an average life expectancy of 12 or more years. Breed health concerns include bloat and hip dysplasia.

Fun fact:

The red markings on the Beauceron's legs have given him the nickname "Red Stocking."

Grooming blurb:

Outside of periods of heavy shedding of his undercoat, the Beauceron is easy to keep clean. A quick weekly brushing with a bristle brush is all he requires.

Disclaimer:

Copyright by T.F.H. Publications, Inc. This document has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every reasonable precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, the author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader's discretion.