Breed group: Herding

Weight: Male: 75-85, Female: 65-75 lbs

Height: Male: 25-27, Female: 24-26 inches

Overview

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.