This herding breed from the North of France is known for centuries in Western Europa. The Beau Shepherd is one of the breeds used to create the Doberman Pinscher. The Beau Shepherd had several jobs in both world wars and served as messenger dog, land mine detection dog, supply transport dog, search dog, rescue and police dog.
The Beauceron is an athletic and muscular dog with a very agile body and strong jaws. It was bred for herding in France and therefore has double dewclaws on its hindlegs which are a breed trademark. Its coat is short, dense, weather-resistant outer coat and a warm undercoat. Its standard colouring is black and tan or grey, black and tan. Other colours are banned by the breed standard.
Personality
These are very intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation. They have high energy and need rigorous exercise every day. They are perfect family dogs if trained right as they make loyal and reliable family members. If not well trained, they can be domineering and destructive. They are reserved towards strangers and unfamiliar dogs. The Beau Shepherd is a great natural guard dog and with its athletic body the breed is also used to herd cattle and sheep. This healthy breed is very intelligent, eager learners, fearless, and calm and be trained to a high level.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Herding |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | Beauceron, French Shorthaired Shepherd, Berger de Beauce (sheepdog from Beauce), Bas Rouge (Red Stocking) |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Beauceron Build Information
The Beauceron is an athletic and muscular dog with a very agile body and strong jaws. It was bred for herding in France and therefore has double dewclaws on its hindlegs which are a breed trademark. Its coat is short, dense, weather-resistant outer coat and a warm undercoat. Its standard colouring is black and tan or grey, black and tan. Other colours are banned by the breed standard.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Cropped |
Behaviour and Personality
These are very intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation. They have high energy and need rigorous exercise every day. They are perfect family dogs if trained right as they make loyal and reliable family members. If not well trained, they can be domineering and destructive. They are reserved towards strangers and unfamiliar dogs. The Beau Shepherd is a great natural guard dog and with its athletic body the breed is also used to herd cattle and sheep. This healthy breed is very intelligent, eager learners, fearless, and calm and be trained to a high level.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Beau Shepherd is a low maintenance dog. The Beau Shepherd’s short coat does not require extensive grooming, weekly brushing and a bath now and then is enough to maintain his coat.
| Colors: | Black, Black & Tan, Gray, Tan |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Beauceron Common Health Conditions
Hip dysplasia and bloat are the most common health concerns in Beau Shepherds.
Beauceron Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Beau Shepherd dogs seem to be movie stars as they appeared in several movies, such as Hotel for Dogs, the Bear, the Wild Child and Marmaduke. Double dewclaws are a characteristic of the Beau Shepherd. The Beau Shepherd is an athletic, muscular dog and has an agile body and strong jaws. Its outer coat is harsh and his undercoat wooly, thick, and weather-resistant.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | Yes |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
