Mary Allen
The Beauceron, more precisely Berger de Beauce, is the French “all-rounder”, the service dog of the police, military, and rescue services. Find out everything about behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the dog breed Beauceron / Berger de Beauce in the profile.
These dogs were called Chien de Beauce, Beauceron, and Bas-Rouge until the late 19th century before they were grouped under the Berger de Beauce breed. Typical of these old lowland shepherd dogs were the rough short hair, cropped ears, and burn marks on the paws and body. The latter also gave the breed the name “Bas-Rouge” (red stocking). These dogs were bred to guide and protect farmers’ herds. The breed standard was created in 1889.
General Appearance
The Beauceron is a large dog that bears some resemblance to the Doberman Pinscher. He is solid, rustic, strong, well built, and muscular without being heavy. The fur is short and strong, the undercoat is dense and downy and mostly mouse-grey. The fur is jet black in color, the brand is said to be squirrel red.
Behavior and temperament
The Beauceron, more precisely Berger de Beauce, is the French “all-rounder”, the service dog of the police, military, and rescue services, and the favorite breed of all people who love the original, the independent and self-confident. A Beauceron is a confident and stubborn dog with a few German Shepherd overtones. That means: He is relaxed, sociable and lazy, and sometimes a real workaholic. If you want to keep it as a family dog, you have to expect that the dog will also apply its herding instinct to the family.
Need for employment and physical activity
The Beauceron wants to work, its owner will have to spend a lot of free time on the dog sports field. There, his four-legged darling clears away all the trophies – because he always thinks and pays attention and also corrects his master’s mistakes completely independently. It is also well suited as a sporty companion. However, people willing to walk up to 100 kilometers a day are hard to find.
Upbringing
Beginners should keep their hands off this breed because this dog does not forgive mistakes. He is difficult to train because he is highly intelligent and asks “why” with every command. If he thinks a weak person is in front of him, he also tends towards dominance. Particularly difficult specimens of this breed never stop looking for pack leadership and put their people to the test for a lifetime.
Maintenance
The stock-haired coat of the Beauceron requires little care, only during the change of coat – twice a year – the dead hair has to be removed.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
Occasionally, HD, epilepsy, and the merle problem can occur.
Did you know?
A special feature of the Beauceron is its double dewclaws.