Description

The athletic Beauceron gives an impression of strength, freedom of movement and liveliness, without heaviness. The structure is similar to that of the Belgian Malinois except the Beauceron is larger - about the size of a Doberman Pinscher. There are two coat colors, one is black-and-tan with specific tan markings, two lozenges above the eyes, tan on the bottom of the upper lip and throat, two tan spots on the breast, tan on the bottom of each leg and a tan marking in the shape of a lyre under his tail. The second is harlequin with patches of gray, black and tan. The tan is distributed as in the black-and-tan variety and there should be more black than gray. There should not be any white at all. The hair is short with longer fringes on the tail and hindquarters. The outer coat should be harsh, never soft or silky, and should be lined with a wooly, fluffy undercoat - ensuring good thermal insulation. The Beauceron has a distinctive double dewclaw on the hind legs, making six toes per rear foot. The dewclaws must not be removed if the dog is to be shown. The ears are generally cropped, in which case they stand erect. Natural ears should be half-pricked with one-third of the ear erect. The fringed tail reaches at least to the hocks and is carried low in the shape of a letter "J." The eyes are dark, horse chestnut color with a proud and serious expression.

Origin

This French herding breed is of a type known for centuries in Western Europe and it might be part of the Doberman's ancestry. Though almost unknown outside of its native France, the Beauceron has a long history. The earliest record of what is thought to be a Beauceron dates back to a Renaissance manuscript of 1578. In 1863, Pierre Megnin differentiated two types of sheepdogs, one with a long coat - the Berger de Brie or Briard, and the other with a short coat, the Berger de Beuce, or Beauceron. Beaucerons are also called Bas Rouge (Red Stocking) because of the markings on their legs. The Berger de Beuce (Beauceron) was shown in the first Canine Exposition in Paris in 1863, and in 1897 the first shepherd dog club was founded, including both the Beauceron and the Briard. In 1911, a separate club for the Beauceron was founded. Prior to 1889, which was the year the breed was named and its standard was set, the Beauceron was a rustic sheepdog which was brave and snappish in defense of its flock. Selective breeding toward the end of the eighteenth century left it strong and resistant to bad weather, but made it gentler in its contacts with people. Some of the Beaucerons talents are tracking, herding, watchdogging, guarding, police work, military work, agility, competitive obedience, French Ring Sport, and Schutzhund. Like the Doberman, it is used as a guard in open areas. The Beauceron, like many sheep herding breeds, is easy to train for tasks beyond care of the flock or herd. His calmness and ability to follow commands without hesitation was well illustrated during both major wars in Europe. The military used the Beauceron to run messages, pick up trails, detect mines, support commando actions, find the wounded, and carry food and ammunition to the front lines. The dogs performed their duties without being deterred by exploding bombs or artillery fire. Today it is still used a herder and guard dog and is known as a serious working dog. Though the Beauceron is still used by the French police and army, the breed is now gaining popularity in Western Europe and North America as a family watchdog and companion.

Temperament

The Beauceron is a brave, faithful and highly intelligent dog. Fearless, vigilant, and patient, the Beauceron has an aptitude for obedience training and is known for his quick and thorough understanding of his master's desires. They are an excellent natural guard dog whose appearance and demeanor command respect. The Beauceron is happiest when it is working or exercising in wide-open spaces. They are instinctive herders who will herd everything in sight unless trained to do otherwise. Calm, obedient and very loyal, the Beauceron is always eager to please its master. They like to know who is boss and then they follow. They are generally good with children if they are raised with them from puppyhood, although this large energetic breed can be overwhelming to a small child. Even as a puppy at 3 months old it can weight 40 pounds. The Beauceron can be very protective. Thorough training with a firm master is absolutely necessary. The Beauceron will obey commands from all members of the family if trained to do so. This breed is sociable with dogs they know, but they are highly territorial and will not tolerate an intruder. They should not be left alone for long periods of time. Puppies are very active and slow to mature. The Beauceron should be properly and thoroughly socialized. A Beauceron that has been well socialized and brought up gets along fine under normal circumstances with children, and that also ensures that other dogs and pets will present no problems. They generally get along well with cats if they are introduced to them at an early age.

Height

Height: 24 - 27 ½ inches (32 -70 cm)

Weight

Weight: Up to 110 pounds (50 kg)

Known Health Problems

The Beauceron is generally a healthy, hardy breed. Some lines are prone to bloat and like any breed over 40 pounds, the Beaucerons are prone to hip dysplasia. Ninety-five percent of all breeders in the U.S. breed only hip certified stock.

Conditions for Living

The Beauceron will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard.

Exercise Requirments

The Beauceron should be given lots of attention and exercise. This breed needs a job to do and lots of space to express and use his energy; otherwise he may show you that "laziness is the mother of all vices." They are not satisfied with a circling of the block three times off the leash and play (in a safe area). If both of you seem to enjoy it, enroll in a course to train in catch or to compete in agility skill classes (although in competition it is likely to be less successful than other more suitable breeds).

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Grooming

The coat of the Beauceron does not require a great deal of attention. An occasional grooming with more attention during the time when the dog is shedding is sufficient. Beauceron are average shedders.

Group

Herding