Beauceron

The Beauceron is a French breed that dates back to the 1500s. Its origins can be traced to Paris’ plains area, known as La Beauce. This dog is the most prominent French sheepdog and was utilized as an all-around farm dog, protecting and driving sheep and cattle and as a guard dog for the family. Two types of plains flock-herding and guarding dogs were differentiated in 1863:

• The long-coated Berger de Brie (Briard)
• The short-haired Berger de Beauce (Beauceron)

The first Berger de Beauce was registered in 1893 by the Societe Centrale Canine, and in 1922, the first breed club was formed. Although famous as the chosen herding dog in France, the breed stayed relatively unknown outside of the country. Beaucerons were employed by the French army as messengers on the front lines during both world wars. The breed’s uncanny ability to adhere to commands, follow trails and detect mines still makes them highly respected police and military dogs.

The breed is also highly revered as family protection dogs. A concerted effort was carried out to preserve the qualities of the native French breeds in the 1960s, and since that time, the Beauceron’s status in France and elsewhere has increased. The Beauceron Club of America was created in the United States in 1980, and in 2001 the AKC admitted the breed into the Miscellaneous class. Today, they excel in tracking, Schutzhund, obedience, agility, and most definitely, herding.

Breed Standard

According to the Beauceron breed standard the dog is athletic, well-balanced, and powerful with rectangular proportions and a protective and short coat. The neck is of good length, the chest is broad and deep, the legs are straight and strong, and the feet are round and large. The long tail is carried low. The dog’s chiseled head reveals confidence and courage. The high-set ears may be cropped or natural.

Breed Facts

Energy level		Watchdog ability
Exercise requirements		Protection ability
Playfulness		Grooming requirements
Affection level		Cold tolerance
Friendliness toward dogs		Heat tolerance
Friendliness toward other pets		Friendliness toward strangers
Ease of training

1. Popularity: rare
2. Family Group: herding
3. Country of Origin: France
4. Date Developed: 1500s
5. Original Purpose: herding, guardian
6. Current Function: herding, guardian, police
7. Other Names: Berger de Beauce, Bas-Rouge

Year of recognition by the AKC: 2007

Beauceron pronunciation: BO-ser-on

Beauceron Temperament

This dog is a highly versatile worker who needs mental and physical challenges. They are brilliant, trainable, and self-confident. For best results, you need to start training at an early age. The breed is sensitive and matures slowly but can be strong-willed. Potential owners need to understand that this dog requires consistent leadership. Their guarding instinct is strong and is fiercely devoted and protective toward their family and aloof with strangers. The best way to balance out their territorial and protective instincts is ongoing socialization.

The dogs are intelligent and proficient at various reasoning, learning, and memory tasks. They are calm and courageous, making them a reliable guardian. The breed is extremely loyal by nature and eager to please; however, they may try to run the family if not appropriately trained. The dogs are reliably patient with children but can be a little overwhelming when trying to herd them. They do not get along well with strange dogs, but they can get along with other family pets.

Activity Level

Moderate to High. These dogs were developed to move large flocks of sheep up to fifty miles a day. They have incredible endurance and require an outlet for this energy. True to the Beauceron standard, it has an active mind with an athletic body. Therefore, a lack of adequate stimulation can cause the dog to become bored and destructive.

Grooming

A weekly brushing is highly recommended

Coat

Short double coat

Color: Black with tan markings or harlequin (blue merle with red markings)

Health

1. Main Problem: CHD
2. Minor Issues: gastric torsion
3. Rarely Seen: cardiomyopathy
4. Recommended Tests: hip, eye, cardiac
5. Life Span: 10 to 12 years
6. Beauceron Weight: 65 to 85 pounds
7. Beauceron Height: male – 25.5 to 27.5 inches; female – 24 to 26.5 inches

Breeder and Buyer’s Advice

Make sure you purchase from a reputable breeder. Visit the kennel, meet the parents, and evaluate their temperament before choosing a puppy. Potential owners with little space should choose a smaller female than a large energetic male. Trainers with experience looking for a dog for sport or to work should select a dominant male puppy. This dog is not for inexperienced owners. Beaucerons need owners that are physically active and dedicated to consistent training.

You can find Beauceron puppies for sale on the parent club’s website. Finding a Beauceron for sale at the right price will depend on the particular breeder and the dog’s pedigree.

Parent Club: American Beauceron Club

Rescue: Information on the rescue club is available on the parent club’s website

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Beaucerons good family dogs? Beaucerons make excellent family dogs, but only for the family that is willing to put in the time, patience, and willingness to train and socialize them the right way.
2. Is a Beauceron a Doberman? No. However, both dogs have similar color patterns.
3. Is a Beauceron rare? Yes. The dogs are rare.
4. Are Beaucerons aggressive? If trained and socialized early, the breed is an amazing family companion. However, be aware of letting strangers or strange dogs get too close without proper introduction.
5. Beauceron price… Be prepared to spend between $1000 to $7000 or more depending on the Breeder’s experience and reputation and the dog’s pedigree.