Beauceron

In my own words

 

I can be a little shy around people I don’t know. But while strangers might not be my favourite things in the world, I’m more than happy to be the centre of attention at home. You’ll find that I’m always eager to play, go for a walk or curl up on the couch for a cuddle. I fall in love easily, and will remain devoted to my owners from the outset. Better yet, I’m fiercely protective of the ones I love so you can rest assured that you’ll always be safe with me. In fact, I’m widely known for my bravery and I am still used as a police and military dog. I was even used a messenger on the front lines of World War One and World War Two, so there isn’t much that I can’t handle. I need lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep me happy; otherwise I tend to misbehave a bit. If you give me the care and attention that I need, I’ll be the most loyal companion that you’ll ever come across.

Information essential about the Beauceron

 

Kennel Club Group:

Herding

Size:

Large: Weight Male 75 – 85 lb (34 – 39 kg) Female 67 – 75 lb (30 – 34 kg)

Height Male 25 – 27” (64 – 69 cm) Female 24 – 26 “ (61 – 66 cm)

Popularity:

 

Popularity:

Beaucerons are most common in France. While the breed is gaining popularity in Western Europe and North America as a family watchdog and companion, it is still relatively rare.

Breed History:

 

The Beauceron originated in France during the 1500's, where large sheepdogs were used by farmers to protect cattle, sheep, and the family. Appearing in Renaissance manuscripts as far back as 1578, this breed has spent centuries herding sheep and cattle on European farms. In 1863 Frenchman Pierre Megnin differentiated between the two types of French sheepdogs, the long-coated Briard and the short-coated Beauceron. In the same year the Beauceron was shown in the first Canine Exposition in Paris. Selective breeding softened the nature of the Beauceron, who had previously been known to snap and bite in defence of its flock.

Like many sheep herding breeds, the Beauceron is easy to train for tasks beyond their usual roles. Their calm nature and ability to follow commands without hesitation was revealed in both World War One and World War Two when they were used as messengers for the French army. They were prized for their ability to detect mines, pursue trails and follow directions as well as the bravery that they displayed. Beaucerons were charged with finding the wounded and carrying food and provisions to the front line, despite the threat of exploding bombs or artillery fire. Today, the Beauceron continues to be used by the military and police as well as maintaining its traditional role as herder. This stoic breed also makes a devoted family pet

Character:

 

Your Beauceron is a powerful breed that is known for its fierce sense of loyalty. Their bravery and dedication to their owners makes them a worthy, natural guard dog. Your companion is very active by nature and thrives on physical and mental stimulation. They enjoy free play in safe areas and lengthy walks. If Beaucerons get bored it is likely that they will become destructive, so it is best to ensure that they receive the exercise and attention that they need. Due to their loyalty and devotion to the family, this breed does not do well as an outside pet. The Beauceron will be fine in an apartment provided that they are stimulated, although a large fenced yard is preferable. They are a working breed will be happiest with some form of job to do and it is integral that they are both physically and mentally stimulated. The Beauceron needs variety. Another one of their many talents is working as a herding dog. Their natural instincts mean that may attempt to herd humans and they need to be taught from an early age that this is not acceptable. Training and adequate exercise are important in ensuring that you Beauceron remains calm and obedient. They are not recommended for homes with small children due to their herding instinct but are able to get on with other pets if well socialised. If give it the care and attention that it needs, your Beauceron will make for a devoted and loving companion.

Temperament:

 

The Beauceron is a very intelligent dog and is quick to learn and adapt to new situations. They are a working dog by nature and display a high level of bravery and obedience when under pressure. These qualities make for an extremely loyal companion and the Beauceron will always remain devoted to their owner, provided that they are treated with the respect and care that they deserve. Eager and willing to please, they excel at obedience training and are very quick to understand and respond to commands. That being said, the Beauceron is a very strong-willed and stubborn dog. For this reason it is integral that the owner asserts their dominance from the outset and ensures that the dog knows their rightful place. Beaucerons need to be socialised with children and other pets from a young age , so that they remain calm and capable of interaction. The Beauceron is an extremely capable breed that is just as comfortable with police work as it is being the beloved family companion.

Conformation:

 

The Beauceron is an athletic working dog that should have a large, muscular frame covered in a short, dense coat. It features a long-muzzled head with clean-cut features and ears that point straight up. The dark brown eyes are horizontal and slightly oval while the ears are set high and either cropped or left natural. The tail should be fringed and carried low, reaching at least to the hock. The Beauceron has a naturally weather resistant double coat, with longer hair on both the tail and hindquarters. The outer coat is harsh and straight, while the undercoat is soft and woolly in texture. The colouring of Beaucerons is quite specific and they should either be black with distinct tan markings or possess a harlequin coat with patches of grey, black and tan. The harlequin coats should have more black than grey and not feature any white markings. The black and tan dogs should have tan markings in two dots above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, the cheeks, the throat, under the tail and on the legs and the chest. Tan markings on the chest should appear as two spots but a chest plate is acceptable.

Colour:

 

The Beauceron is either black and tan with specific tan markings or harlequin with patches of grey, black and tan

Training:

 

The Beauceron requires obedience and socialisation from an early age. It is integral that the dog knows their role within the family and is dealt with firmly but fairly. Training must be done with consistency and a dominant role maintained by the owner in order to prevent the Beauceron from attempting assuming a dominant position.

Care:

 

Grooming the Beauceron is a very simple process. Brushing must be carried out at least twice a week (more during times of shedding) and bathing needs to be done only when necessary. During autumn and spring shedding seasons, the brushing schedule should be increased to keep up with the excess amount of fur.

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 10 and 12 years. The Beauceron has relatively few genetic health issues and if you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. However, if your Beauceron does achieve a good old age, the normal complaints that we all suffer from, such as arthritis and failing eyesight may begin to develop. While Beaucerons are generally a healthy breed, possible concerns gastric torsion and coronary heat disease. Hip and elbow dysplasia can also occur, and it is a good idea to get your puppy hip and elbow scored if you are thinking of breeding later on. Some lines are prone to bloating, so it is important to carefully regulate their food intake and ensure that they get a sufficient amount of exercise. However, if you are careful who you buy from, your Beauceron should give you many years of good health, fun and loving companionship.

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