Beauceron

The Beauceron breed is the largest sheepdog breed of France. Beaucerons share the same ancestry as Briards. They have been described as one of the most versatile dogs for their ability to adapt to any task at hand.

The Beauceron's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia, Beauceron Club of Canada

Recommended for: pet, working dog

The Beauceron dog breed is a very active breed and is known for its herding instincts, which is what it was bred for. They have been described as reserved and intelligent. Their history of interactions with humans has made Beaucerons very protective of their masters, especially children. They are quick to learn and understand instructions and will not hesitate to carry it out. As herders they are vigilant, courageous, and hardy. They get along well with other animals if they are introduced to them at a young age. They require close supervision when still young and training. Untrained, they will be assertive. Being herders, they will require plenty of exercise. They are not suitable as kennel dogs or to live in apartments.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Beauceron's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Beauceron breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

* Size: males 25 1/2 - 27 1/2 inches, females 24 - 26 1/2 inches
* Coat: Outer coat: straight, coarse, dense; Undercoat: dense
* Color: bicolor black and tan
* Eyes: horizontal, set well apart, large, slightly oval, dark brown
* Ears: set high, length is 1/2 of head's length, straight
* Muzzle: not narrow or pointed, dry, close to jaws, no folds at corners
* Nose: black, slightly convex towards end, well-opened nostrils
* Tail: carried down, no deviations to left or right, without curvation

The Beauceron's Origins and History

Source: Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: France

Original purpose: herding

Name: derived from Beauce of France ; also known as French Shorthaired Shepher, Beauce Shepherd, Berger de Beauce, Bas Rouge

Historical notes: Beaucerons originally came from Brie but since there was already a Briard that claimed the name, Beauce was picked. The Beauce and the Briard share the same ancestry. The Beaucerons were once used to hunt down wild boar in France. They saw service in both world wars as messengers, supply carriers, and mine detectors.