The beauceron is also known as Shepherd of Beauce or Berger de Beauce and is a sheepdog of French origin. This is a little-known breed in Europe and the rest of the world, but with various qualities since it is a very intelligent and active dog, capable of carrying out all kinds of exercises and following the orders that we give it.
In this tab on our site we will detail with you everything you need to know if you are thinking of adopting a beauceron. We will explain details about their character, origins, characteristics or the physical activity necessary to develop and be happy. We will also discuss basic care, the education you need and the most common he alth problems.
Keep reading and find out if the beauceron is the perfect dog for you:
History of the beauceron
The beauceron is a purely French dog and originated in the plains near Paris known as La Beauce. In the past, these dogs were used for multiple functions, from guiding herds and protecting them from external threats, to protection of property and people
In 1863 the two breeds of sheepdogs in France were differentiated, the short-haired (beauceron) on the one hand and the long-haired (Briard) on the other. The central canine society (La Société Centrale Canine) registered the first beauceron in 1893, and by 1922 the first breed club had been founded.
These dogs were also used by the French army in both world wars. However, despite its great qualities, the beauceron did not become a very popular dog. To reverse this situation, a program for the recovery and promotion of the breed was created in 1960. From then on, the Beauceron began to gain popularity and actively participate in sports and dog shows, although it is still a little-known dog outside of France.
Features of the beauceron
The body is solid, powerful, rustic and muscular, but without giving the impression of heaviness. It is slightly longer than it is tall and features a straight back and deep chest. The legs are strong and muscular and the hind legs have a double spur characteristic of the breed. The head of the beauceron has a flattened or slightly rounded cranial vault. The cranial vault and the upper plane of the muzzle are parallel. The nose is black and should not be split.
The eyes are slightly oval and set horizontally. They can be brown or hazelnut, but always dark. For harlequin colored dogs, different colored eyes are acceptable. The ears are semi-erect or hanging, and in the past the breed standard required that they be amputated to give a more wolfish appearance. Fortunately, that custom has been lost and is illegal in many European countries, so the breed standard has changed and accepts natural ears.
The tail is long and set low. It reaches at least to the point of the hock and at its end forms a slight hook in the shape of a "J". The breed standard makes it very clear that the tail must not be docked.
The hair of the beauceron is strong, short, thick, bushy and smooth. On the body it is between three and four centimeters long, but it is shorter on the head. The inner layer is fine, dense and velvety. The coat of these dogs can be black and tan or harlequin
The height at the withers of males ranges from 65 to 70 centimeters. That of females ranges from 61 to 68 centimeters. The ideal weight is not indicated in the breed standard, but Beaucerons can weigh between 30 and 50 kilograms.
Beauceron Character
Beauceron dogs are confident, brave and loyal They are highly intelligent animals capable of learning a variety of commands, words and actions. They are wonderful dogs that demand good treatment since physical punishment, humiliation and bad habits are very detrimental to training and the relationship with their owner.
They are usually very loyal and affectionate with their own, but reserved with strangersHowever, it can get along wonderfully with other people, dogs and pets if they have received good socialization, a topic that we will talk about in dog education. If so, we will enjoy a social, happy and fearless dog.
Above all, they are excellent animals that usually have a great relationship with people, children and all kinds of animals. However, if we have very young children at home we will have to explain to them how to treat the dog correctly Hair pulling, tail pulling or ear pulling are not well accepted by this proud breed.
Beauceron care
The coat of these dogs is very easy to care for. weekly brushing is usually enough to remove dead hair, and bathing only when the dog is dirty. However, this largely depends on the activity that dogs perform outdoors, since due to their active nature they tend to get dirty easily. We must leave at least 30 days of space between one bath and another since, otherwise, we would be eliminating the dog's natural layer of protection. We will pay attention to cleaning teeth, nails and ears about twice a month, a habit that will help prevent possible he alth problems.
Beaucerons are dogs that demand a lot of exercise and company. They are not pets for sedentary people and they do not adapt easily to life in a flat. They can live well in crowded cities, but they need long walks and games Joining him in a herding club, agility or simply exercising with him will help us keep him fit and happy.
Beauceron education
Like most herding breeds, Beaucerons respond very well to various methods of dog training and have demonstrated in different disciplines. However, traditional dog training does not work well with this noble breed of dog. The beauceron suffers serious stress problems from fights, punishment and mistreatment. For this same reason we will always work using positive reinforcement, a tool that provides confidence, rewards and motivates the dog's natural initiative.
If not, the beauceron may develop canine behavior problems. If they don't get enough exercise or if they spend too much time alone, they can become destructive or aggressive dogs. It must be taken into account that these dogs evolved to carry out intense physical work in the company of shepherds, so they need exercise and company.
The education of the beauceron will begin when it is still a puppy, correctly preparing the socialization with the environment (city, cars, countryside…), p people and other animalsThe richer and more varied the dog's socialization, the happier and more sociable it will be as an adult. A good application also allows you to avoid behavioral problems related to fear and reactivity.
Since it is a very intelligent dog, it will be convenient to start working on the basic obedience commands when it is still a puppy, in this way when it reaches its adult stage it will have the basic forms of communication well established for its safety and well-being. From the moment he understands and correctly relates the basic signals, we can begin to actively work with him on all kinds of tricks, exercises and intelligence games. Keeping your dog motivated is an excellent way to improve his well-being and offer him a full life by our side.
He alth of the beauceron
Beaucerons usually he althy dogs, but the breed has a predisposition to certain diseases. In addition to strictly following your vaccination schedule and deworming (internal and external), we will pay attention to the following diseases:
