This breed has its origin in France where they have been developed during the 1500s. The Beauceron is a very large sheepdog that is used by farmers to keep an eye over sheep, cattle and the family. During the first and second World Wars, the French army used these dogs as messengers. They were valued for their abilities to detect mines, follow trails and directions. Even today the Beauceron is still used by the police and military.
Temperament
The Beauceron is a very courageous, devoted and intelligent dog. These dogs are without fear, and also very watchful and enduring. The Beauceron is very talented when it comes to obedience training, and they are also known for their thorough understanding of their owner's needs. This breed makes an outstanding natural guard dog, and their appearance also commands respect. These dogs love to work, and exercise in wide and open spaces. They are natural herders who will to herd everyone and everything, unless they are trained not to. You will also find this breed to be very calm, compliant and devoted. The Beauceron loves to know who their boss is, and will then follow them. In general they get along well with children and other animals, especially when raised with them from puppy hood onwards. This dog will however not do very well when it is left alone for extended periods of time.
Care
The maintenance requirements of the Beauceron are not very high, and they will not require a lot of attention. This dog can be groomed on an occasional basis, and more attention can be paid to their grooming when they are shedding. The Beauceron is an average shedding dog.
Training
It is important for the Beauceron to receive early obedience and socialization training. The training environment should be one that is fair, firm and consistent in order to obtain the best results. Trainers of these dogs should be dominant; otherwise the Beauceron will attempt to be the boss.
Health problems
Being a herding dog, the Beauceron does have a few key health problems. There are a few things that potential Beauceron owners should watch out for, which include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and bloating. Many of the larger breed suffer from this last condition, and it should be treated very quickly in order to avoid life-threatening emergencies.
Breed group: Herding
Weight: 45-55 lbs
Height: male: 21-22 inches, female: 20-21 inches
Overview
This breed is also referred to as the "Beardie". It is believed that these dogs are an antecedent of the Old English sheepdog. They are originally from Scotland where it was used for many centuries to herd flocks of sheep and cattle. These dogs were bred to be independent working dogs and to make decisions without human intervention. Bearded Collies were almost extinct during the first part of the 20th century, but were saved from extinction in 1944. They are still fairly rare in the United States today, but their popularity is growing.
Temperament
Bearded Collies are known for the vibrant personalities. They are very charming, full of affection and full of joy. These dogs love to play and are full of energy. This breed makes wonderful companions for children, en they are full of enthusiasm. The Bearded Collie is a very stable and self-confident dog. You will find that the males are more outgoing, while the females need to be around people. These dogs are very entertaining, but they can be stubborn at times.
Care
These dogs require a lot of grooming, and Bearded Collies should be brushed on a daily basis to prevent tangling. It is advised to treat their coats with a conditioning spray before brushing them. This breed can also be clipped by professionals every two months or so. This breed should not be bathed too often, and can only be dry shampooed when really necessary. Excessive hair between their pads should be removed, and it is also important to keep the inside of their ears clean. It is recommended that you part the hair of the Bearded Collie along their backs.
Training
Bearded Collies are independent thinkers, and will sometimes let you get the impression that they know best. Some of these dogs are easier to housebreak than others. This breed is very trainable, and can excel in many activities. It is very important to train these dogs in obedience as they have a tendency to be very stubborn at times. They will do very well in activities such as tracking, agility, herding, performing tricks and competitive obedience. The Bearded Collie will do best if their training is fair, firm and consistent.
Health problems
In general these dogs are fairly healthy, but they are prone to allergies. You should also be aware of hip dysplasia, eye problems, hypothyroidism and auto-immune disease.