Other names:
Berger de Beauce, Bas Rouge
Country/Date of origin:
France
1500′s
Height:
Females: 24 to 26-1/2 inches
Males: 25-1/2 to 27-1/2 inches
Weight:
66 to 85 pounds
Personality:
- Super intelligent and very trainable.
- Wary of strangers.
- Natural guarding instincts.
- Tends to be a one-person dog.
- Very independent nature.
- Wants to take charge of all situations.
- Not recommended for the first time dog owner.
History:
The Beauceron is one of the best-known sheepdogs in France. Like some of its compatriot breeds, the Beauceron has double dewclaws that enable it to get a good grip in the sheep’s wool when it climbs across their backs to get across a flock. Although it has been used as a herding dog for centuries, it is thought the original use was as a hunting dog. The Beauceron is also used successfully as a police dog.
Body Type:
- A large dog that looks like a cross between a Doberman and a Rottweiler, although it is related to neither.
- Ears are cropped to a point and are held erect in the United States.
- Long tail is carried low and is not altered.
Coat:
- The coat is short but not smooth.
- Two color patterns are allowed: black with tan markings above the eye, on the side of the face, under the neck, and forming stockings.
- The other color is black with grayish merle speckling, which is described as harlequin. The harlequin is quite uncommon.
- Minimal grooming required.
Health and Wellness:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Skin allergies.
What you should know:
- The breed is nicknamed bas rouge which is red stockings in translation. This refers to the rusty markings on the lower legs.
- Popular in France, Belgium, and Holland but relatively uncommon elsewhere.
- Finding a puppy will be very difficult and probably costly.
- Candidate for the title of most intelligent dog. The Beauceron is reported to surpass the German Shepherd Dog and the Border Collie.
- Its independent nature may not make it as trainable a breed as a Golden Retriever.
