Beauceron Dog Breed: Origin,Temperament, and Health Issues

Beauceron which is also known as Berger de Beauce is a herding dog from France. From first looks of this breed, most of us will think that it has blood of Doberman in its bloodline. But, it is not. In fact it is other way round. Beaucerons are pure breed dogs and they were used in the breeding of Doberman. This highly athletic, agile and alert dog is not for everyone. If you are low to average active person then you should not consider this breed as it comes from herding group. This breed is also a no no to novice owners. You need to be highly active and an experienced dog owner to own this magnificent breed. They are quite common in their homeland but, still rare in worldwide. Recently they are getting popularity outside their homeland. So, let’s try to know more about them.

Beauceron Origin

The lineage of Beauceron is solely from only dogs of France. They don’t have foreign blood in their lineage. They were developed around middle ages. The first proper records of this breed can be found from 1578. This breed is a very old breed. They were used to drive, herd and protect livestock in addition to protection and companion of people. Beauceron and Briard stemmed from same bloodline. In 1882, Societe Central Canine was founded and registered first Beauceron in 1893. They were and still are serving as military and police dogs in their country. The French shepherd dogs were classified in 1896. The shorter haired came to be known as Beauceron and the long haired as Briard.

Beauceron Temperament

Since starting of this breed, it was used to protect herd and human family. Therefore, they have that vigilant and serious nature ingrained in them. They are not quite friendly with strangers without proper socialisation. They are good for family and property protection. They are even tempered, calm and fearless. They are very loyal and devoted to their owners. They are independent in nature and therefore, are not for novice owners. If you are going to own dog for first time then opting for this breed will not be a good opinion. For those who are not very active, you should also not opt for Beauceron because as they are from working group and are highly active and intelligent, they need lots of exercises and mental engagement. Some lines also have shy Beaucerons. So, be aware of it to curb this trait from the start. They do well with other pets with them but, not so good with unknown pets. They are good with children they have grown up with like for other pets. You should try to curb herding instincts if you consider Beauceron only as family pet to curb unintentional accidents with children and/or pets. They are not quite good with same sex dogs.

Beauceron Physical Appearance

Beauceron is a well balanced and muscled large breed dog. He looks serious, alert and confident. The head is long, flat and chiseled. Ears are divergent and forward and set high.

It is deep chested. Coat is short, rough, thick and double layered. Coat colour mostly comes in black and tan with few white hair on chest is permissible. Harlequin colour with grey, black and tan is also available. Tail is carried low reaching the hock.

Beauceron Size

Height
- Male – 25.5 to 27.5 inches
- Female – 24 to 26.5 inches
Weight – 70 to 110 pounds

Beauceron FCI classification

Section – Section 1, Sheepdogs
Group no 1
Date of acceptance – 11/25/1963
Country of origin – France
Standard no 044

Beauceron Grooming

Beauceron have short fur but, that doesn’t mean that they do not shed. As they have short coat you need not to take a lots of care of their fur. Weekly brushing with medium bristles brush and rubber grooming mitt after brushing with slicker brush is enough. But, due to double coat, they shed a lot during shedding months twice a year. In those heavy shedding months you are required to brush your pooch daily. Bath should also be given when required and should not be given regularly. You can give bath to your pooch once in a month if they get dirty or smell bad. After bath it is a good idea to brush once your Beauceron.

Ears should be checked weekly and should be cleaned off monthly if everything is fine.
Teeth should be brushed few times a week and chew toys should be offered to keep your pooch’s teeth clean and healthy.
Nails should be trimmed once in a month by you or take them to groomer.

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Beauceron Nutrition

They can do well with premium quality dog food whose main ingredients is meat and is specific for active and large breed. They need high protein and high fat diet, especially for those who are used in many activities rather than for only companion. Meat should be main ingredient for diet made in home with vegetables, eggs, fruits and cottage cheese offered twice or thrice a week.

As Beaucerons are deep chested, you should divide their food into two to three portions to offer them twice or thrice a day to save them from bloating.
Keep clean water available for your Beauceron.

Beauceron Training

As Beaucerons are very intelligent and have good memory, they are easily trainable. First of all build a beautiful loving bond with your Beauceron. As your Beauceron is wary about strangers and unknown pets, you need to socialize them from very early. They are independent in nature, therefore early obedience training is must. As they are intelligent and very devoted to owners, you can easily train them with consistent and firm handling with positive reinforcement. For all of the training to be successful you need to let know your Beauceron that you are Alpha but, with no harshness. Leash training of your pooch early is also very necessary because a loose herding dog outside in unsafe area can lead to accidents in pursuit to herd cars.

Beauceron Health Challenges

Beaucerons normally do not suffer with major health issues. The main difficulty they suffer is bloating due to being deep chested. Other than this problem other health issues are mostly genetic and are as follows: