Beauceron: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Beauceron is a large sheepdog with a commanding presence, taking its name from the La Beauce region surrounding Paris, France. Although a well-muscled, strongly built breed, the dog is not bulky and presents a balanced and proportioned appearance. Like most working dogs, the Beauceron is highly trainable and needs lots of exercise. This breed's most distinctive feature is its hind double dewclaws, forming a pair of independent "thumbs" on the rear legs.

Characteristics of the Beauceron

The desire of a herding dog to keep its "flock" together, be it children, the neighborhood cats, or sheep, oftentimes frustrates an owner, but it is what a Beauceron was bred to do. In general, the breed is generally tolerant with children, affectionate with its family, and protective of its flock, both human and animal.

History of the Beauceron

Developed in France, the Beauceron is the largest French sheepdog, and possibly one of the oldest as well, with mentions in historical documents dating as far back as the 1500s. The breed was found throughout France and not just in the Beauce region. The double declaws on the hind leg suggest the breed came from the same ancestors as the long-haired Briard sheepdog, although many times it is often mistaken for a mixed breed of Rottweiler and German shepherd parentage. This breed is also known as berger de Beauce (shepherd of Beauce) and bas rouge (red stockings—for the dog's reddish accents).

The Beauceron has long served farms in France herding sheep and cattle. During the world wars, Beaucerons were used by the French army, especially as messengers due to their ability to follow commands. They also were used in mine detection and tracking. These canines continue to be used as police dogs and in search and rescue operations.

The Beauceron was virtually unknown outside of France until World War II. The French Ministry of Agriculture asked the Society Central Canine to write a confirmation examination in the 1960s to ensure the qualities of the breed were preserved. There was a concern that with modernization, the breed would die out or be diluted. The breed was fully inducted into the American Kennel Club's Herding Group in 2007 and first appeared at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2008.

Beauceron Care

The Beauceron is watchful, loyal, energetic, and protective. Having one is like having a shadow follow you around all day. The dog will often stay very close at your heels and it will want to be with family on the couch or bed. Like many dogs, herding breeds can be destructive and irritating when bored. The Beauceron likes to mouth things, so have plenty of durable chew toys available.

Exercise

Lots—and lots—of exercise is the key to a happy and healthy herder like a Beauceron. Experts recommend at least two to three hours of vigorous exercise daily, including walks and other activities such as running, cycling, and hiking. The Beauceron can be an ideal companion for a committed physically active owner.

Grooming

The dog's double coat needs only minimal grooming. Brush your dog regularly and give it a bath every three or four months. You will see the most shedding in the spring and fall and just a little the rest of the year. Be sure to trim your dog's nails about once a month to keep them tidy and prevent painful splitting. Don't forget about the hind double dewclaws. Be sure to help your dog with oral hygiene by brushing its teeth at least twice a week.

Training

An intelligent breed, the Beauceron is often described by owners as an independent thinking dog. It is highly trainable and can put its energy to good use in dog sports and obedience competitions. This dog has a high, strong drive to work and it needs to be given a job to do in order to thrive. Socialize your dog from a young age to expose it to a variety of situations so it is not shy or aggressive.

Common Health Problems

While any dog breed can develop health problems, responsible breeders take care to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs, like the American Kennel Club. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. Some hereditary health problems that can occur in the Beauceron breed include the following conditions:

• Hip Dysplasia: Abnormal development of one or both hip joints
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Enlarged or dilated heart chambers
• Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat): A bloated stomach can twist, cut off the blood supply, and may cause a medical emergency.
  

Diet and Nutrition

Allow access to fresh, clean water and feed your Beauceron a veterinary-recommended diet. The amount will vary depending on your dog's size, age, activity level, and other factors. This breed may be prone to gastric dilation and bloat if the dog gulps its food or eats too fast, which can be fatal.

Monitor your dog's weight and discuss nutritional needs with your veterinarian so your dog doesn't become overweight, as this can increase health risks and shorten life span.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Beauceron

Because this is a rare dog breed, there are relatively few Beauceron breeders in the United States. Be patient if this is the breed you really want. The puppy closest to your home may not be the best one for you, so you may have to be willing to travel or expand your search for a breeder in other areas. If you work with a breeder, expect to pay around $2,500 for a puppy. Consider these sources to begin your search for a Beauceron.

• American Beauceron Club (rescue dogs located across the country)
• AKC Marketplace

Beauceron Overview

14 Best Black-and-Tan Dog Breeds

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

The Beauceron is a loyal companion, but the breed demands some serious daily exercise. So before you decide whether the Beauceron is the right dog for you, do plenty of research and talk to other owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more about what it's like to successfully live with this breed.

If you’re interested in the Beauceron, you may also want to read about similar breeds to compare the pros and cons:

• German shepherd
• Belgian Malinois
• Rottweiler

There’s a whole world of dog breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.