Ava Williams
Shoulder height: 61 – 70 cm
Weight: 35 – 40 kg
Age: 11 – 13 years
Colour: black or harlequin, with red markings
Use: Companion dog, sports dog, working dog, guard dog, the family dog
The Beauceron belongs to the group of herding dogs and comes from France. It is a self-confident, large and strong dog, only conditionally willing to be subordinate and therefore very demanding in terms of training and employment. It is not a dog for beginners.
Origin and history
The Beauceron (also called Berger de Beauce or Bas-Rouge) comes from the lowland regions of northern France. It was mainly used as a herding dog and guard dog. In 1889 the first breed standard was created. Today, in his native France, he is primarily a sport, service, and protection dog.
Appearance
The Beauceron is a large dog (up to 70 cm), powerfully built and muscular without appearing clumsy. The body of the Beauceron is slightly longer than it is tall. In terms of coat color and build, this breed of dog can be described as a mix between a Doberman and a Rottweiler. Its ears are set high, semi-erect, or drooping and should not be flat against the head.
The Beauceron’s fur is slightly shorter on the head, and on the body, it is strong, coarse, and close-fitting, 3 – 4 cm long. The undercoat is fine, downy, and very dense. It is bred in black with reddish-brown markings (above the eyes, cheeks, chest, tail, and legs) and harlequin (blue-grey spotted with reddish-brown markings).
A special characteristic is the double dewclaws on the hind legs, but they are of no practical use.
Unlike its long-haired cousin the Briard, the Beauceron is very easy to care for, but the coat sheds profusely.
Nature
The Beauceron is a fearless, self-assured dog with strong protective instincts and territorial behavior. Because of these qualities, it is also a reliable guard dog who only reluctantly tolerates strange dogs in its territory.
The muscular Beauceron, bursting with strength, absolutely needs clear leadership and sensitive training. It is not a dog for beginners or those lacking natural authority. As a pronounced working dog, it is used to acting independently and only reluctantly subordinates itself.
It is very resilient but also needs a busy job: as a herding dog, guard dog, or tracking dog. The Beauceron can also be used as a first aid, avalanche, or disaster dog.