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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Beauceron
The athletic and powerful Beauceron has a muscular build without being bulky. The
outer coat is short and coarse with a fluffy soft undercoat. The coat is usually
black and tan with tan markings or harlequin with gray or black and tan markings.
They have a strong domed shaped head with a moderate stop between the top of the
head and the tip of the nose. Also at the tip of the nose, the muzzle has a slight
convex line. The occiput is well marked. The flews at the corner of the jaw are
always firm. The oval shaped eyes are a dark hazel or chestnut color and the ears
are carried high and customarily cropped. The neck blends smoothly with the withers
and into a deeply wide set chest. The Beauceron has a distinct double dewclaw and
should not be removed if showing. The tail is medium length reaching the hocks and
is usually carried low in a "J" shape.
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Temperament
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Beauceron's are intelligent, attentive, courageous, loyal, fearless, and patient.
They are natural guard dogs and are always eager to please. They are most content
in wide open spaces and are instinctive herders. They are good and gentle with children,
but due to the massive size of the Beauceron, they should be raised with children.
Thorough training and socialization should also occur during puppyhood. Beaucerons
are extremely loyal to their owners and do not transition between handlers. They
generally get along with cats but should be introduced to them during puppyhood.
This breed needs a lot of attention and exercise or they may become lazy.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 24-28" ; Weight: up to 110 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Beaucerons are a healthy breed but, like most dogs over 40 pounds, are prone to
hip dysplasia. Some are prone to bloat.
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Living Conditions
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This breed will do fine in an apartment, but does better with a large yard.
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Exercise
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Beaucerons need more than the occasional walk around the block. They need to be
able to run off their lead and they need a job to do. Left alone too often will
force the breed to find other destructive means in which to occupy itself.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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This breed is an average shedder and requires very little grooming.
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Origin
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The Beauceron, also known as the Berger de Beuce, is a French sheepdog. The oldest
known record of the Beauceron is a manuscript from 1578 written during the Renaissance
era. The short coat sheepdog Beauceron was separated from the long coat sheepdog
Briard breed, or the Berger de Brie, in 1863 by Pierre Megnin. In the same year,
the Beauceron was shown at the first Canine Exposition located in Paris. In 1897
the first shepherd dog club was founded, including both the Beauceron and the Briard
breeds. It wasn't until 1911 that a separate club was formed specifically for the
Beauceron. During both world wars, the military used the Beauceron to run messages,
find trails, detect mines, support commando initiatives, find wounded soldiers,
and carry food and ammunition to the front lines. This breed follows orders explicitly
and is not even detoured by exploding bombs or artillery fire. Although Beaucerons
are still used by the French Army and police forces, they are gaining in popularity
as a companion and watchdog. The Beauceron was recognized by the United Kennel Club
in 1994 and by the American Kennel Club in 2007.
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Group
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AKC and UKC Herding Dog
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