Beauceron Breed Description

An Owner's Beauceron Description
Jacques is a member of the French herding dog breed called Beauceron. I cannot believe how intelligent and protective he is. He's fearless, and faithful. We knew we were getting a powerful dog in a Beauceron, so virtually from the moment we got him he received obedience training. If you're considering this breed - it is a must! Though Jacques can be domineering, he has learned his place within 'our pack'.

Because Jacques has been raised with children and taught how to be gentle, he is good with them. But his instincts will sometimes cause him to want to herd them when they are playing together and next thing you know he'll be nipping at their heels just like he would with cattle or sheep! Jacques is wary of strangers and has to be introduced slowly to be won over. Generally, it's his size that intimidates visitors; given time, he does become sociable with most of our guests.

Unless you are planning to use this breed as a working dog, you will need to provide extensive exercise and mental stimulation. I'm the active, outdoors type, so he goes with me on daily jogs and he comes along with the family when we go hiking. When we're just hanging out around the house Jacques enjoys it when I give him tasks to perform. If I forget or get distracted past our normal time, he become easily bored and begins chewing or digging. And any slacking up of activity and I'll notice Jacques will gain a few pounds. Oh, I've also learned that Beaucerons cannot be kept outside exclusively and never chained!

Our dog Jacques is a great companion, especially when we take long walks in the country together. He's an alert and loyal dog that stays close by my side. That's reassuring when we're out in an unfamiliar place. The other nice thing about this breed is their coat is easily maintained and generally won't get filled with burrs and such when outdoors.

 

 

Introduction

This breed is also known as the Bas Rouge or the Beauce Shepherd. These dogs were originally used for boar hunting, herding and guarding. Today they make excellent companion dogs. Coat colors are black/tan and black and harlequin. These dogs are closely related to the Briard; both have double dewclaws on their hind legs. A strong willed, active breed, they need a firm hand and a great deal of exercise. In return, the Beauceron gives lifelong companionship and protection. Obedience training these dogs can sometimes be difficult and a first meeting with other dogs should be carried out under supervision. They weigh 60 to 85 lbs. and stand 25-28" at the shoulders.

History

Beaucerons are first mentioned in a manuscript dated 1578; 250 years later, Rozier abbey reported having these dogs guard their flocks. The French Chiens de Plaine are identified as the dog from which the majority (at least 19) of the French herding dogs descend. Beaucerons appear to have been one of those breeds. In the peacetime and expansion following the American Revolution, the need for sheep dogs became significant to protect the sheep colonists were now raising in ever-larger numbers. Jefferson requested dogs of this lineage from Lafayette, who apparently obliged shortly after receiving the request. Jefferson's letter of November 30, 1813, thanks the French Marquis for the dogs, and notes they are already multiplying to aid the sheepherders. Merino sheep were spreading so rapidly that Jefferson claimed there was enough wool to 'clothe all our inhabitants."

Beauceron also were used in bull and bear baiting, the blood sport of colonial Americas as well as many of the European countries. A bull or a bear, secured by a collar, was tied up to an immoveable post. One or more dogs would be set loose to attack the animal. Crowds would gather, bets would be made, money changing hands with the actions of the dogs or the bull as the battle raged.

Pierre Megnin described the different types of sheepdogs and identified the short coated version as the Berger de Beauce, today's Beauceron.

General Description

These tireless herders can achieve impressive feats of endurance when it comes to moving flocks. There are reports of Beauceron moving more than 250 head of sheep over a distance of 50 miles per day.

Head is in proportion to body; eyes are always dark. Ears are high set and have been cropped in the past, which is still acceptable although outlawed in EU countries. Where the ears are natural, they are half-pricked or dropped and standing off the cheeks.

All are either black and tan or black and harlequin and all Beaucerons have double dew claws on their hind legs. The confidence and intelligence of the animal should be obvious in its gaze. Overall they are well-balanced animals, with no trait exaggerated above any others. They are powerful without heaviness, and despite their strength move with agility and grace.

Muzzle and skull are on parallel planes viewed from the profile; noses are always black; lips are firm and dark. Scissors bite and even teeth.

The muscular neck of the Beauceron supports the head in an alert and proud position. A wide deep chest and moderate abdomen lead to a strong based tail, carried down. The forequarters of these dogs feature muscular forearms ending in round large feet. Hindquarters are powerful, the source of tremendous power and endurance.

Beauceron have a short coarse top coat. At the tail, back of the thighs and around the neck the fur is slightly longer, looking almost fringed. Thee undercoat is invisible through the top coat. Dense and downy, it protects the dog from all climate conditions.

Temperament

While not effusive dogs, the Beauceron is loving to family members, yet reserved around strangers. They are working dogs and need daily exercise and tasks to remain healthy and happy.

Colors

Black/Tan is the only acceptable color. Various alternate colorings, including Gray and Gray/Black, are not considered viable under the Beauceron breed standard.

Living Area

Beaucerons have been herders for centuries, and it would be best to let them stay that way. Urban areas aren't suitable to most Beaucerons, and any suburban Beaucerons should have access to wide open areas as often as is possible. Rural areas--or anywhere with a great deal of open space for dogs to run freely--are the ideal environment for this breed.

Recognized By

UKC, NKC, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Beauceron breeders with puppies for sale.