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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Berger Picard
The Berger Picard (Pronounced ber-ZHAY pee-CAR)(aka Picardy Shepherd) is a medium sized, muscular dog with a
harsh outer coat that is crisp to the touch and a soft and dense undercoat. The
skull is broad and slightly domed and is covered with harsh-textured hair. The hair
above the eyes falls forward, forming rough eyebrows that are neither trimmed nor
obscuring to the eyes. The nose is black and the oval eyes are brown. The ears are
large, set high and always carried naturally erect. The teeth should meet in a scissor-like
bite. The neck is long and strong and the topline is straight. The toes are well-arched
with firm pads and dark nails. Dewclaws should be removed. The bushy tail is a natural
extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapers to a tip. The bottom
of the tail forms a hook shaped like the letter "J".
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Temperament
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The Berger Picard needs a well-balance owner who can give this breed the constant
reassurance that they need every day. They need to be near their family and should
never be locked in a kennel. If this breed is well socialized at an early age, they
will get along well with children, friends and strangers. If raised with other non-canine
pets, they will do just fine. Some lines in this breed are very vocal. They learn
quickly but can be a bit stubborn and moody. They are very sensitive to the voice
and do best with cheerful commands. They are not normally dog aggressive. With patience,
you can have a pet that is alert, loyal and sweet-tempered.
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Height, Weight
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Height: up to 21-26" ; Weight: 50-70 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Some are prone to hip dysplasia, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and RD (Retina
dysplasia).
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Living Conditions
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The Berger Picard will do okay living in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised.
Inside, the Picard is a quiet dog, waiting for its time to go out to run, play and
sniff around. It will do okay if it is left alone for a period of time during the
day. Some owners take their Picards to work with them and find that they will lay
quietly under a table or desk waiting for their time to go outside or for a walk.
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Exercise
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This breed needs lots of daily exercise. They enjoy swimming, running by your bike,
or being a jogging companion. They do not do well in competitions because they are
not consistent.
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Life Expectancy
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About 13-14 years
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Grooming
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Only comb and brush their thick waterproof coat about once or twice a month. Groom
a little more often during the shedding season (spring and autumn). Do not wash
or trim the fur. Simply wipe off when it gets dirty. They are light shedders and
have no doggie odor.
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Origin
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The Berger Picard is one of the oldest of all French shepherds and was named for
the Picardie region in northeastern France. Some believe that they come from Briards
and Beaucerons, while others give credit to the Dutch and Belgian Shepherds. After
two World Wars, they became nearly extinct and are still considered rare. There
are less than 3000 dogs in all of France. The Berger de Picard was used in the movie
"Because of Winn Dixie". This breed was recognized by the UKC in 1994 and has been
accepted for recording in the AKC Foundation Stock Service®.
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Group
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Herding
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