Berger Picard is very loving in nature and is from country France. This breed is the oldest herding dog breed existed not only in France but, in whole Europe. Then also this breed is quite rare worldwide. This breed is very appropriate as a companion in addition for herding and gaurding. But, before considering it as a companion you should know more about this breed as this breed is not for everyone. As from herding background this fela is very active, independent and intelligent. To know more about this breed please go through the information given below.
Berger Picard Origin
Berger Picard is known as oldest herding breed of dog existing in whole Europe and of course in France which is place of its origin. As it has existed very long before the time of keeping written records of dog breeds, their origin is not clear in the mists of time. Their presence can be felt before the middle ages. There are many theories behind their origin and one of them is Berger Picard like dogs were brought by Gaul in 400 B.C. in Northern France (Picardy) and Pas de Calais during second Celtic invasion. Whatever is their origin but, they are found as figures in tapestries, engravings and Woodworks from centuries. Their proper written record is found in book named Livre de chasse by Gaston Phoebus in 1387 where it was named as Chien de Ferme or farm dogs. Berger Picard first entered French dog show in 1863 and got recognized finally in 1925 by the French Shepherd Club. After world war 2 the population of Berger Picard went down drastically pushing it to become rare.
The enthusiasts of this breed who were also breeders of Bouvier des Flanders decided to resurrect this breed from verge of extinction by crossing Radjah de la Bohème with Wax de la Bohème in early 1950 to produce a fawn male and a brindle female who are foundation stock of this breed. Société Centrale Canine approved new breed standard in 1964. This breed was mainly used by farmers for herding and droving cattles and many a times used for their protection from predators.
You May Also Like: Top 10 Police K9 Unit Dog Breeds || Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World
Berger Picard Temperament
Berger Picard is very loving and close to its owner. They can suffer from severe seperation anxiety issues if left alone for longer periods of time so, never think to kennel your Berger Picard outside your house. They get quite well with children and may get very closely bonded to children if raised with them. They get along with other dogs quiet well. As they have gaurding background along with herding, they are wary about strangers but, lesser in extent compared to other herding breeds. With proper socialisation they are quite accepting to strangers. They are also very alert in nature.
With proper socialisation they also get well along with other types of pets. They are highly intelligent and are easy to train. But, saying that doesn’t mean you will easily train your Berger Picard as along with intelligence they are independent and stubborn in nature and love to do stuff according to their will. It makes their training challenging compared to other herding breeds. They are also very sensitive to voice and harsh behaviour deter them from learning. You need to be confident and behave positively to train your pooch.
As your Berger Picard is from herding background so, they are highly active and love to run freely for long. They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise in addition to their free runs. You need to provide them a big, safe and fenced enclosure to satisfy their gallop. If you love to jog for long distances then this breed is perfect to accompany you in your jogs. If you don’t have time or energy to meet their physical activity level then don’t opt for this breed as it will only lead to unsatisfied and destructive pet.
Berger Picard Physical Appearance
On the first look they look like a mixed breed dog. They are medium to large sized muscular and rectangular proportioned dog. Head is proportional according to body. The muzzle is slightly tapered. Skull is dome shaped. Ears are erect, triangular with rounded tips. Eye colour is according to coat colour but, should not be lighter than hazel.
They are double coated dog with soft and thick undercoat and shaggy, rough and crisp when touched outer coat. The coat is medium in length. Fur forms eyebrows and moustache over head of Berger Picard. Coat colours come in grey, different shades with grey combination, light or dark fawn, brindle or any mixture of these colours. Only little white colour on chest and toes are allowed.
Berger Picard size
Height
- Male – 24 to 26 inches
- Female – 22 to 24 inches
Weight – 51 to 71 pounds
Berger Picard FCI Classification
- Section – Section 1, Sheepdog
- Group no 1
- Date of acceptance – 6/27/1955
- Country of origin – France
- Standard no 176
Berger Picard Grooming
They are low maintenance dogs and you need to brush them with slicker brush and then bristles brush once or twice a month. During shading months you need to brush your Berger Picard every day. Give a bath to your Berger Picard when it is necessary. There is no need of frequent brushing and giving bath to your Berger Picard. Frequent baths can deteriorate oil balance of your pooch’s skin.
- You should brush teeth of your pooch daily to keep their oral health to optimum.
- Clean ears of your pooch once in a week.
- Nails should be trimmed twice every month to keep their feet healthy.
Berger Picard Nutrition
Your Berger Picard needs high quality premium dog food specifically for active breeds. The main ingredient of dog food should be from meat and then vegetables. You should avoid corn, wheat or soy in your Picard’s diet. If you make your dog’s food yourself then main portion of food should include protein from beef, lamb, bison, chicken or turkey. Plant products are also important in the diet. Prebiotics should also be in their diet. Food should be served twice to adult dog daily.
Clean water is must for your dog all the time.
Also Check: Belgian Laekenois Dog : Size, Health, Training || German Shepherd dogs: Mental stimulation.
Berger Picard Training
Berger Picard is very sensitive to tone of voice. When you bring your Picard pup, the first step is to bond your pup with you by love. It will win their trust on you. The next step is to earn respect which starts from winning trust and then setting boundaries. These steps help you to train your pup easily. Setting authority is also necessary as they are independent in nature. You need to be consistent and confident while training your pup but, with positive reinforcement by giving treats while training. They are also stubborn in nature so, setting boundaries and consistency in training is essential. Socialise your Picard early to be well adjusted with strangers, other pets and children. Train them to stop nipping at heels of anyone out of herding instinct early.
Berger Picard Health Challenges
The diseases this breed suffers from are mostly genetic. The list of ailments this breed suffers from are as below:
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropin
- Ectopin
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Retinal dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia.
- They are also prone to eye infections.
- Litter size of Berger Picard is 2 to 10 puppies.
- Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
You May Also Like: Chart Polski grooming : A Helpful Guide || Belgian Laekenois Dog : Size, Health, Training
