Rather than being a dog of extremes, the Beauceron is a sturdy, well-balanced multifunctional dog that is ready to put in a full day's work. These dogs have strong jaws and a smooth, easy, and ground-covering walk. Herding dogs are known for keeping their heads lowered to the level of their backs when moving, and this is typical of this breed.
With a robust undercoat and an outer coat that's straight, thick, and coarse, the Beauceron is well-suited to withstand harsh weather conditions. For herding and flocking dogs, the occurrence of double dewclaws on the hindlegs is a unique characteristic. The best herders may or may not have worn them, but they have become a breed characteristic despite their lack of utility.
Below are all the facts and characteristics of the Beauceron dog breed.
Highlights
- The Beauceron is known as a "mouthy" breed. Ensure that he has a variety of durable toys to tote about and chew on at all times. Try to keep your hands and feet away from him so he doesn't nibble on them.
- When wolves were abundant in rural northern France, the Beauceron was employed to defend sheep and other agricultural animals from the predators.
- Even though Beaucerons are rare, they have appeared in several films, including Moonraker, Nikita, and Gangs of New York by Martin Scorsese and Luc Besson.
- The Beauceron is a fantastic dog for owners who are active and athletic. This dog is an excellent watchdog. This type of dog is extremely responsive to its owner's instructions.
- Sheepdog of Beauce" is another name for this breed, and it is a French term.
- The twin dewclaws of this canine breed enhance its traction on unpaved surfaces.
- In both world wars, the Beauceron was employed as a courier, a transport vehicle, and even a mine detector.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
A little dog isn't inherently better for an apartment than a larger one, contrary to popular opinion. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. You may also get a great dog kennel here to give your pet a little more privacy in your home.
Sensitivity Level
The faintest whiff of filth is enough to make some dogs flee, but this isn't true for all canines. When it comes to handling loud noises, an aggressive owner, and an unpredictability in their routine, "easygoing," "tolerant," and "resilient" dogs are more equipped. When it comes to your personal life, do you host a lot of parties, have small children, or otherwise lead a frantic existence? It's best to go with an animal that isn't too delicate.
Intensity
As long as you don't instruct them not to strain on the leash, you'll find that vigorous dogs conduct all of their activities with tremendous vigour: they eat and drink with large mouthfuls, and even strain on the leash (unless you teach them not to). When it comes to manners, these dynamos require extensive training and may not be the greatest choice for a family with children or someone who is older or feeble. On the other hand, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
There are certain dogs that are always looking for a game, while there are others that are more stoic and reserved. Think about how many games of fetch or tag your dog will need to play each day, as well as if you have children or other canines who can act as playmates for it.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
Sheep herder dogs, for example, need to exercise their bodies in the same way that working dogs, such as those trained for jobs requiring judgement and intellect, such as police dogs, need. If they do not receive enough cerebral stimulation, they may resort to self-employment such as digging and chewing. It's a great way to give a dog a cerebral workout through activities like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
High-energy dogs are always ready to take action. Because they were initially bred for a specific purpose, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding animals, they have the stamina to put in a long day's work. Animals like this need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to run around, leap, and investigate any new sights or smells they come across.
If your dog isn't very energetic, resting is their favourite mode of entertainment. You should consider your own level of activity and lifestyle before deciding on a dog, and if you find a playful, energetic dog exhilarating or frustrating.
Easy To Train
Easy-to-teach dogs are more competent at learning fast and easy how to associate a stimulus (such the phrase "sit") with an action (such as sitting) and a reward (such as a treat). Other dogs require more time, patience, and repetition to learn.
You'll need to utilize incentives and games to get your dog excited about training because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" training mentality.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
There are certain breeds that remain distant and independent, while others form deep bonds with one individual and are uninterested in others; while still others demonstrate their love for the entire family. There are several factors that contribute to a dog's ability to create a close link with a human, not only the type of breed.
Kid-Friendly
Having a blasé attitude about screaming, running youngsters, and being gentle with children are all characteristics of a dog that is good with children. Some of the names on the list may come as a shock to you: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, being little, sensitive, and prone to snapping, aren't always the most family-friendly of dogs.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two completely different things. People-friendly dogs can be aggressive or domineering against their canine counterparts. Some dogs would rather play than fight, and yet others would flee in terror. It's not just a genetic issue. Puppies who were raised in close proximity to their littermates and mother for at least the first six to eight weeks of their lives are more likely to develop good social skills.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
In order to keep a dog in the house, you'll have to cope with dog hair all over your clothes and in your house. However, the amount of shedding varies greatly among dog breeds. It's possible for dogs to shed all year long or only a few times a year, and it's also possible for certain dogs to shed both ways or very little. If you're a neat freak, go for a breed that doesn't shed much, or adjust your standards. Keeping your home a little cleaner is easy with the help of a good de-shedding device.
Drooling Potential
Drool-prone dogs may leave large, wet slobber stains on your clothing and slobber ropes down your arm when they come over to say hello to you. As long as you don't mind a bit of drool, go for it; but if you're more concerned about cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with an acceptable grade for the amount of saliva it produces.
Easy To Groom
Some dogs may be brushed and go, while others need to be bathed, clipped, and otherwise groomed on a regular basis in order to maintain their health and cleanliness. Grooming a dog that requires a lot of time and patience may not be in your best interest if you do not have the time or the money to do so.
Exercise Needs
Certain types of dogs can get plenty of exercise just by going for a walk in their neighbourhood. Herdsmen and hunters, in particular, must engage in frequent, strenuous activity as part of their training regimens.
If these breeds don't get enough exercise, their pent-up energy may manifest itself in undesired behaviours like barking, chewing, and digging. People who enjoy spending time outside or who want to train their dog for a high-intensity canine sport like agility should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
70 to 110 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
25.5-27.5 inches (male)
24-26.5 inches (female)
History
The Beauceron is a French breed that dates all the way back to the mid-to-late 1600s. The breed's origins can be traced back to La Beauce, a plains area north of Paris. Because of its size and versatility, the Beauceron became a popular choice among French farmers looking for a huge dog that could do anything from drive sheep to protect livestock and even protect the family.
As far back as 1863, two distinct types of plains sheepdogs were categorised: the long-coated Berger de Brie (Briard) and the shorter Berger de Beauce (Beauce) (Beauceron). The first Berger de Beauce was registered in 1893 by the Société Centrale Canine, and a breed club was created in 1922.
The breed's reputation as a herding dog in France made it nearly unknown outside the country. Beaucerons were used by the French army as messenger dogs throughout both world wars. For military and police purposes, the breed's exceptional ability to follow commands, follow trails, and locate mines is still highly regarded. They also guard their owners and their loved ones.
The Beauceron's popularity in France and worldwide has increased since the 1960s, when a deliberate effort was made to maintain the traits of local French breeds. The Beauceron Club of America was founded in 1980, and the AKC officially recognised the breed in 2001, placing it in the miscellaneous division. By succeeding in obedience, tracking, acrobatics, Schutzhund and herding they are making their presence known.
Personality and temperament
The beauceron is a devoted watchdog and guard dog who guards both his owners and their possessions. It is not uncommon for them to be aggressive and demand a hard touch when being trained. This breed has the potential to be an excellent pet if trained properly. It is important to introduce them to other dogs as early as possible in their training.
It's easy to pick up new skills with the beauceron's fast mind. Those with a high level of energy require a regular outlet for it. Dogs need to be allowed to run around in a large yard on a regular basis.
Any task involving learning, memory, and reasoning can be accomplished by a Beauceron. They are steadfast defenders who can be relied upon. Beaucerons are highly devoted and ready to please, but if they are not properly taught, they might end up running the household if they are left unsupervised. Though they are tolerant with youngsters, beaucerons can be intimidating if they feel the need to herd them. It is possible that they are apprehensive of strangers and are leery of new dogs. They're good with other pets in the house.
Care
Watchful, loyal, energetic and protective are just a few of the adjectives that describe the Beauceron. It's like having a constant companion by your side. Often, the dog may follow you around the house and want to be on the couch or bed with you and your family. When bored, herding dogs, like many others, can be destructive and obnoxious. Make sure you have lots of chew toys on hand for your Beauceron.
Health
Responsible breeders ensure that their dogs meet the highest criteria set by kennel groups, such as the American Kennel Club, when it comes to health. As a result, it is less probable that their offspring would be born with health issues. The following conditions have been linked to the Beauceron breed's ancestry: 1
Hip Dysplasia
Abnormal development of one or both hip joints
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Enlarged or dilated heart chambers
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat)
A bloated stomach can twist, cut off the blood supply, and may cause a medical emergency
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Nutrition
It is not necessary to feed Beaucerons a special diet in order for them to thrive. Your Beauceron's dietary needs may differ from those of a less active dog if they are a working dog. When it comes to feeding your Beauceron, it's best to consult with your veterinarian. You should feed a Beauceron puppy, adult, or senior dog food that is appropriate for their life stage. A veterinarian should be consulted before providing homemade food in order to guarantee that it is appropriately balanced for your pet.
Grooming
Beaucerons shed a lot, even though they don't require any particular maintenance. Every year, their double coats shed a little more than usual. When the Beauceron is shedding, brushing daily is the greatest option for keeping the hair under control. They should be brushed every week to keep their coats in good condition outside of these times.
We discussed those double dewclaws before. Because they don't come into touch with the ground on a daily basis like nails, it's important to keep them clipped. Brushing your Beauceron's teeth and cleaning their ears are equally important parts of caring for your pet.
Exercise
Beaucerons, as a rule, are nearly impossible to exhaust. This is a very energetic breed that needs a lot of exercise every day. Beaucerons make excellent companions for energetic people, and they'll willingly join in on daily runs or strenuous excursions with their owners. For the sake of their health and well-being, Beaucerons require a lot of open area or at least a huge yard with a fence around it.
Beaucerons require regular mental stimulation as well as physical exercise in order to avoid boredom and destructive behaviour. Beaucerons thrive when given a task to do. Their athleticism makes them excellent flyball, agility, and obedience competitors.
Training
Generally speaking, Beaucerons are intelligent and quick to pick up new information. The problem is that they're also highly motivated and self-reliant, which can make training more difficult. Positive training and regular handling are the keys to success with Beaucerons. It goes without saying that this is not a breed for first-time pet owners.
The Beauceron's protective instincts necessitate early socialisation. Beaucerons are not a breed that thrives if they are not a part of a close-knit family. When left to their own devices on a frequent basis, they may develop undesirable behaviours as a result of their need to be with their humans.
Children and Other Pets
With proper socialisation at a young age, Beaucerons can get along with children. It's important to keep an eye on Beaucerons around tiny children, as they're known for their excitement. Dogs like Beaucerons are best suited for households with older children who can be taught how to properly manage and interact with a huge, powerful dog like this.
It is perfectly OK for children to engage in natural herding behaviours such as pinching or chasing. They are also known as "mouthy" dogs, and may try to paw at hands or legs while they're out of their cage. The Beauceron can be taught to avoid these undesirable tendencies with proper training and access to appropriate chew toys.
Beaucerons can be a possessive breed due to its heritage as a guard and herding dog. Beaucerons may have a hard time getting along with other pets because of this inclination, which is compounded by their sometimes domineering dispositions.
Beaucerons can learn to get along with other canines in the family if they are socialised early, but they may not be able to get along with strangers. Beaucerons have a high prey drive, so be careful around cats or other small animals. Some Beaucerons may be able to adapt to living with cats through early socialisation, but it may be safer to avoid this situation completely.
Puppies
Beauceron puppies have a reputation for being a little over-exuberant; they like to jump on people and snatch things from their owners' hands. If you want to keep your child from adopting undesirable habits as an adult, you must discourage these actions as soon as possible. The first few months of a puppy's life are a critical time for training and socialising. Doggie day care, expert training, and visits to the dog park can be helpful in this regard.
Crate training can also be a very effective method of teaching a dog. Using a crate isn't required, but it might aid your puppy's transition to its new home and housebreaking process.
Dog breeds related to the Beauceron
Herding dogs like the Beauceron look a lot like the following:
Briard
The Briard, a large herding dog native to the Brie region near Paris, is descended from this breed. Long, wavy, and shaggy hair are the distinguishing features, with shades of black, fawn, grey, and blue all acceptable. The Briard is actually a close relative of the Beauceron, despite its thick coat.
Rottweiler
For the first time in their lives, people may mistake a Beauceron for a Rottweiler or a Rottweiler-mix. It's easy to make that mistake with a Rottweiler because of its large size, strong herding tendencies, short but thick double coat, and black and tan colour pattern.
Berger Picard
The long, shaggy hair of this huge herding dog, which hails from the Picardy region of France, has a striking resemblance to the Briard. It is vivacious, intellectual, laid-back, empathetic, and self-assured, but it is wary of strangers.
