Beauceron: temperament, size, care and health

About the Beauceron

The Beauceron is a large, strongly built, well-muscled herding dog from the plains of northern France, standing roughly 25 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing 70 to 110 pounds. The short, coarse coat is typically black with rust-colored markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest and legs, and the rust on the lower legs gave rise to the nickname "bas rouge," meaning red stockings. Some dogs are harlequin, a mix of black, gray and tan patches.

A distinctive feature is double dewclaws on each hind leg, a trait that the breed standard requires. The ears are natural or cropped, depending on the country. In daily life the breed is an alert, powerful and imposing dog that was used to herd sheep and cattle and to guard farms, and later served in military and police work.

Temperament and family life

A Beauceron is serious, intelligent and loyal. It is reserved with strangers, protective of its home and slow to mature, often not fully settled until age three. Properly raised, the adult is steady and watchful, and it attaches closely to its own family.

The breed requires an owner who can provide firm, fair leadership and thorough socialization. It tends to be good with the children of its household when raised with them, but its size and herding instinct call for supervision. It can be dominant with other dogs, particularly of the same sex, and it may chase cats. Left alone and bored, it can become destructive or fearful.

Exercise and training

The Beauceron is an athlete that needs a vigorous daily outlet, such as long walks, running, tracking, herding or obedience sport. It is not frantic like some herding breeds, but it becomes restless without work. Do not push intensive running or jumping until the joints have matured, usually after the first year or more.

Training is rewarding for those with experience. The dog learns quickly, thinks for itself and tests boundaries in adolescence, so training should be consistent, calm and positive. Start socialization early and continue it. Harsh methods tend to provoke resistance. A secure, high fence and a household with clear rules are essential for a dog of this strength.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is easy to keep. Brush weekly with a firm brush or curry to remove loose hair, and more often when the dog sheds its undercoat in spring and fall, when the hair loss can be heavy. Bathe occasionally.

The double dewclaws on the hind legs should be checked for snags and nails kept trimmed, since the extra claws can catch and tear. Clean the ears, especially in cropped or natural ears, and brush the teeth.

Health

The Beauceron is generally healthy, but like other large deep-chested breeds it is at risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is an emergency. Other concerns include hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye conditions such as cataracts and hypothyroidism. Responsible breeders screen hips, hearts and eyes, and owners should learn the signs of bloat and ask a vet about preventive options.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The breed takes its name from the Beauce region south of Paris and is an old French herding breed, first mentioned in the sixteenth century and named Berger de Beauce by 1809. It was used to move flocks across open farmland and to guard them from wolves and thieves. During the First World War it served as a messenger and sentry dog. The American Kennel Club recognized the Beauceron in 2007.

Is the Beauceron right for you?

A Beauceron suits an experienced, confident owner who wants a large, loyal and trainable guardian, has room and time for it, and will commit to socialization. It is a poor choice for a first-time owner, a small apartment or a home that cannot give the dog attention and training.

Compare the longer-coated Briard, the sharper Doberman Pinscher and the more widespread German Shepherd Dog. The Bouvier des Flandres is another large Franco-Belgian herding breed.