Family:
Breed Group: Herding
Origin: France
Date of Origin: 16th Century
Originally used for: Herding, Guard Dog
Used today: Guard Dog, Police Dog, Companion, farm dog
Other Name(s): Bas Rouge, Berger de Beauce
History of the Breed: The Beauceron is the largest of the French sheepdogs bred as a general purpose dog it was used originally to
drive and protect the sheep and cattle, guard the farm and defend the family. The breed originated in La Beauce (the plains region surrounding Paris).
The Beauceron is closely related to its longhaired cousin, the Briard or Berger de Brie. The French Army uses the Beauceron for their excellent
ability to follow commands without hesitation. These dogs were used during both WW1 and WW2 in Europe to run messages, pick up trails, detect
mines and support commando activity. Today Beaucerons are used as military dogs as well as police dogs.
General Appearance: Solid dogs of good height and well muscled without heaviness or coarseness, exhibiting the strength, endurance and
agility required of the herding dog. A formidable dog with a frank and unwavering expression. The chest is wide, deep, long, and descends to the
point of the elbow. The girth of the chest is greater than the height at the withers. The neck is muscular and of good length, united harmoniously
with the shoulders, enabling the head to be carried proudly while standing in an alert posture. The ears are set high, and may be cropped or natural.
The eyes are horizontal and slightly oval in shape.
Height & Weight:
Height 24 - 27 1/2" inches
Weight 70 - 110 pounds.
Coat: Outer coat is 1¼” to 1½”, coarse, dense and lying close to the body. It is short and smooth on the head, ears and lower legs.
The hair is somewhat longer around the neck. The tail and back of thighs are lightly fringed. The undercoat is short, fine, dense and downy,
mouse gray in color and does not show through the outer coat.
Color: Black and tan, with dots above the eyes; on the sides
of the muzzle, fading off on the cheeks, never reaching the underside of the ears; two spots on the chest are preferred to a breastplate; on
the throat; under the tail; on the legs the markings extend from the feet to the pasterns, progressively lessening, though never covering more
than 1/3 of the leg, rising slightly higher on the inside of the leg. Some white hairs on the chest are tolerated.
Grooming needs: Low
Temperament of Breed: Intelligent, easily trained, faithful, and obedient. The Beauceron possesses an excellent memory and an
ardent desire to please his master. He retains a high degree of his inherited instinct to guard home and master.
Friendly with children: Yes, socialization is recommended
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, socialization is recommended
Suitability as a watchdog: Yes
Exercise Level: High
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
2006 AKC Ranking: Not Ranked
First Registered by the AKC: Not Registered
Registries: FCI, UKC, NKC, ABC, APRI, ACR
ABC -American Beauceron Club
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
American Beauceron Club (ABC)
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