Berger Picard: temperament, size, care and health

About the Berger Picard

The Berger Picard (often called the Picard) is a medium-large, sturdy herding dog from northern France, standing roughly 21.5 to 25.5 inches at the shoulder. The most recognizable features are the upright ears, the tousled, wiry coat, the expressive eyebrows and the whiskers that give the face a thoughtful look. The coat is fawn or brindle in various shades, and the tail carries a slight curl at the tip.

It is a rustic dog, rangy rather than polished, and it was used to herd and guard sheep on the farms of Picardy. Although it is a rare breed in the United States, it became familiar through a 2005 family film that featured one. Owners generally describe a clever, funny and independent character.

Temperament and family life

A Picard is loyal, affectionate with its own family and reserved with strangers. It tends to be sensitive to tone of voice and to tension in the household, and it can be stubborn or aloof if it does not respect the person asking something. Many have a playful, clownish side and a habit of leaning on their owners.

The breed usually does well with children it knows, although as a herder it may nudge or circle running youngsters. It is generally fine with other dogs and often protective of its home. It may chase small animals. Unlike some herding breeds, it is not a frequent barker, but it has a strong voice for alerting the family.

Exercise and training

The Berger Picard has solid stamina, and a long daily walk, hiking, play sessions and some structured tasks will satisfy most. It enjoys herding, agility, obedience, tracking and other canine sports, and it is happiest with a purpose. An under-exercised Picard may dig, chew or invent its own games.

Training should be patient and consistent, with rewards, variety and humor. The dog is intelligent but independent, and it tires of repetition and responds poorly to harsh corrections. Socialize early with people, places and animals, and plan for a slow-maturing adolescent. Fencing needs to be secure, since this breed can jump and dig, and off-leash recall should not be assumed.

Grooming and shedding

The harsh coat is among the easiest of the shaggy herders to maintain. A brush and comb once or twice a week keeps it tidy, and the coat sheds only a little. It should not be trimmed or scissored, because the rustic look is the point, though the hair around the eyes and feet can be tidied. Bathe only when needed, since frequent washing softens the coat.

The beard picks up water and food, so wipe it after meals. Clean the upright ears, trim the nails and brush the teeth. Check the feet and coat after outdoor adventures for burrs and ticks.

Health

The Picard is considered a fairly healthy breed, but because the population is small, careful breeding matters. Conditions to watch for include hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, bloat and skin allergies. Responsible breeders test hips and eyes and keep close track of genetic diversity.

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

History

The Picard is generally traced to Picardy in northern France and is regarded as one of the oldest French herding breeds, though its exact origins are unclear. It almost disappeared after the First World War and again after the Second, when the countryside and its flocks were devastated, and enthusiasts rebuilt the numbers from a small number of dogs. The first litter in the United States was whelped in 1978, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2015.

Is the Berger Picard right for you?

A Picard suits an active family or individual who wants a medium-large, robust and low-maintenance herding dog with a distinctive look and a sense of humor. It is a poor match for someone who wants an eager-to-please dog, who is away from home most of the day or who cannot provide a secure yard.

Compare the longer-coated Briard, the wiry Belgian Belgian Laekenois and the larger Bouvier des Flandres.