The Beauceron dog is a breed of herding dog originating from the plains of Central France. It is also known by some other names. It’s other names include French Shorthaired Shepherd, Beauce Sheep dog, Beauce Shepherd, Berger de Beauce and Bas Rouge.
The Beauceron dog is a French herding breed known for centuries in western Europe. The breed is noted as one of the breeds used to create the Doberman Pinscher.
Although quite different in appearance, the Beauceron dog and the long-haired sheep dot, the Briard, stem from similar ancestral stock, sharing the trait of double dewclaws on the hind legs.
Both breeds were used for herding sheep and cattle. Like the Beauceron, the Briard is found throughout northern France, and despite implications from it’s name, also did not came exclusively from the Brie region.
In 1893, the veterinarian Paul Megnin differentiated between the long-haired Berger de la Brie and the short-haired Berger de Beauce. He defined the standard of the breed, with the assistance of M. Emmanuel Ball. In 1922, the Club des Amis du Beauceron was formed under the guidance of Dr. Megnin. In 2008, the Beauceron made its debut in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.[1]
Beauceron Dog Characteristics
The Beauceron dogs are very beautiful and larger sized dogs. They have a hard outer coat and a wooly undercoat that grows thick in cold weather, especially if the dog sleeps outdoors.
Standard coloring of the Beauceron dog is black and tan or grey. Other colors, such as the once prevalent tawny, grey or grey/black, are now banned by the breed standard.
The merle coats should have more black than gray with no white. In the black and tan dogs, the tan markings 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 Europe.
The Beauceron dogs are large animals. Average body height of the mature dog is between 25.5 and 27.5 inches at the withers for males, and between 24 and 26.5 inches for the females. Average live body weight of the mature dogs is between 32 and 50 kg.
Temperament
The Beauceron dogs are confident, strong-willed and smart animals. They are protective of their family and territory, and usually reserved with strangers.
These dogs are easily trained, but often shows their independent side. Though self-assured, these dogs should not be aggressive. They are gentle, but fearless.
The Beauceron dogs are loyal to their people. When they are raised with children, they can be good with them. Don’t forget that these dogs are a herding breed, and might chase or nip at children. They are best suited to a family with older children who can understand how to treat these dogs with respect.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Beauceron dog is between 10 and 14 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.
The Beaucerons are large sized dogs. So, their diet should be formulated for a larger sized breed with high exercise needs. You can consult with a vet in your area for better recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Beauceron dogs. They are powerful, athletic and intelligent dogs that need lots of physical and mental challenges.
The Beauceron dog is not a breed for the novice owners. They need a variety of outdoor locations and types of exercise each day. And they are best suited to an experienced, active owner who can provide the mental and physical activity they need.
Although, the Beauceron dog was not bred to gather sheep as other shepherd breeds were, it can be trained to perform in herding events. As well as protection work and agility trials and activities such as carting, mushing and skijoring.
Socialization and obedience training are a must for these dogs. Beauceron dogs highly intelligent, loyal and strongly devoted to their owners, which makes training them fairly easy.
They do not respond well to harsh training methods, particularly physical correction. Firm, fair, consistent training and handling are usually quite successful.
Health
The Beauceron dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
Their common health problems include allergies, eye problems, heart disease and hip dysplasia. Always keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Beauceron |
| Other Names | French Shorthaired Shepherd, Beauce Sheep dog, Beauce Shepherd, Berger de Beauce and Bas Rouge |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Height | Between 25.5 and 27.5 inches at the withers for males, and between 24 and 26.5 inches for the females |
| Weight | Between 32 and 50 kg |
| Good as pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Black with tan markings, or black and mottled grey with tan markings |
| Lifespan | Between 10 and 14 years |
| Good for children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | France |
