Beauceron
Also known as: Berger de Beauce Beauce Sheep Dog Beauce Dog Bas Rouge
The Beauceron is a French herding breed originating from France. The Beauceron comes from France, and has a short, smooth and thick double coat coat. Individual Beaucerons vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Short, smooth and thick double coat
- Colour
- Black and tan or occasionally a harlequin pattern
- Other names
- Berger de Beauce Beauce Sheep Dog Beauce Dog Bas Rouge
About the Beauceron
The Beauceron is a French herding breed originating from France. It stands at 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Overview
The Beauceron ( .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%} French pronunciation: [ bosʁɔ̃ ] ⓘ ) is a herding dog breed originating from the plains of Central France . The Beauceron is also known as Berger de Beauce ( French pronunciation: [ bɛʁʒe də bos ] , sheepdog from Beauce ) or Bas Rouge ( French pronunciation: [ ba ʁuʒ ] , red-stockings).
History
The breed originated as a herding dog in France. It was first mentioned in 1587, and named as the "Berger de Beauce" in 1809. The first breed club was formed in 1911. During WWII, it was employed as a military dog. In modern France, it is used as a guard or police dog, and as of 1989 was still a popular sheep dog.
Appearance
This breed stands 61 to 70 cm (24 to 27.5 in) in height and weighs 30 to 45 kg (66 to 99 lb) The Beauceron has a hard outer coat and a woolly undercoat that grows thick in cold weather, especially if the dog sleeps outdoors. Its standard colouring is black and tan (the latter colour referred to in French as rouge ecureuil , squirrel-red) or, less frequently, grey, black and tan called harlequin. Other colours, such as the once prevalent tawny, grey or grey/black, are now banned by the breed standard . The harlequin coats should have more black than gray with no white. In the black and tan dogs the tan markings should appear in two dots above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, fading off to the cheeks, but do not reach the underside of the ears. Also on 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. Ear cropping is no longer allowed in most countries. The Beauceron is unusual in having a double dewclaw . In order to be shown, a Beauceron must have double dewclaws that form well-separated "thumbs" with nails on each rear leg; anything less will result in disqualification from dog shows . The Beauceron''s double dew claws are connected by bone (unlike most breeds) and some dogs are even able to flex each one individually. The Beauceron has no breed-specific health problems.
Characteristics
The Beauceron is known in France as a guard dog, a helper around the farm (herding sheep or cattle), and/or a ring sport dog (primarily protection training). This athletic, healthy and long-lived breed has been bred to be intelligent, calm, gentle, and fearless. Adults are typically suspicious of strangers and are excellent natural guard dogs. If not well trained, they can be aggressive. They do best when raised within the family but they can sleep outside, the better to act as guards (their weatherproof coats make them ideal kennel users even in the coldest winters). They have a double smooth coat that is short. They are eager learners and can be trained to a high level. However, their physical and mental development is slow relative to other similar breeds (e.g. German and other large shepherds): they are not mentally or physically mature until the age of about three years, so their training should not be rushed. Several five- or ten-minute play-training exercises per day in the early years can achieve better results than long or rigorous training sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Beauceron?
The Beauceron is an athletic, intelligent, calm, gentle, and fearless breed. Adults are typically suspicious of strangers and make excellent natural guard dogs. They are bred to be long-lived and healthy, with a strong work ethic. Their characteristics make them suitable for various roles, including herding, guarding, and protection training.
Is the Beauceron a good family dog?
The Beauceron's temperament makes them a good fit for active families with older children. However, their natural guarding instincts may require careful socialization and training to ensure they interact well with strangers and other pets. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial for a harmonious household.
What health problems do Beaucerons have?
As a generally healthy breed, Beaucerons are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on. Responsible breeding practices and proper care can minimize the risk of these health problems.
How much does a Beauceron puppy cost?
The cost of a Beauceron puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Beauceron puppy can cost between $800 and $1,500. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the overall cost of owning a dog, including food, veterinary care, and training.
Where do Beaucerons come from?
The Beauceron comes from France. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Beauceron, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.