Dog Breeds > Beauceron

The Beauceron

The Beauceron is a friendly companion dog and a brave watchdog. Beaucerons mostly are used for herding cattle and sheep but you can also see them as police dogs for sniffing as well as guard dogs due to their intimidating look. Their delightful temperament makes them a suitable family pet.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Beauceron is one of the oldest dogs in France and considered to have contributed significantly to the development of the Doberman Pinscher. The Beauceron, also known as Bas Rouge (for red-stockings), Beauce Shepherd, French Shorthaired Shepherd, and Berger de Beauce (the sheepdog from Beauce), was originally a herding dog, but because of its agility and versatility, have become part of the watch dogs and working dogs breed.

Physical Appearance

The Beauceron’s body is large and athletic with body slightly longer but not tall. The Beauceron’s head is long and proportional to the body, the skull is equal in length and the muzzle is excessively broad with a slightly pronounced stop. The head of the Beauceron is composed of oval dark brown eyes and high half-pricked ears.

Another distinctive characteristics of the Beauceron are the double dewclaws on both rear legs, fringed tail that usually forms a “J”, short and smooth double coat that comes in black with variations of gray, tan, black patches and tan markings. Longer hairs appear on the hindquarters as well as on the tail. Black and tan markings are prominent on the dog’s eyes and the sides of the muzzle.

Grooming

The Beauceron only requires occasional grooming but since it’s an average shedder, sufficient attention during that time is necessary. The short coat of the Beauceron makes it easier for you to groom it.

Mood

The Beauceron is intelligent, brave, patient, faithful, loyal, keen, fearless, and obedient. It’s also eager and willing to please with quick understanding and response to its master. The Beauceron is suspicious with strangers making them excellent guard dogs however it’s very gentle with children and other animals. 

With Children

The Beauceron’s nature of being gentle makes it a suitable companion for children. The dog does very well with children however you should make sure to socialize the dog at its early stages so it won’t develop an overly protective attitude. Normal supervision is still required when the dog is with children to avoid rough and tough treatment that might end in the dog’s aggressiveness.

Training & Exercise

Since the Beauceron is a working breed of dog, it needs a lot of physical and mental exercise. A mere 15-minute walk is not enough so you would need to take the dog on long walks or you can have it accompany you while jogging. In addition, a few 10-minute play and mental training per day will result to better results.

It’s also important to regularly teach the dog to obey the master and respect humans. Make it a habit to have the dog walk behind you or enter and exit gates and doorways after other people. Socializing is recommended so the dog won’t be overly suspicious with strangers.

Health & Life Expectancy

The Beauceron is considered as one of the healthy breed of dogs. It can live up to 12 years or more with a relatively less health concerns. Some common health problems with the Beauceron are hip dysplasia and bloat.

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