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Beauceron breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Beauceron imposing and powerful but also remarkably smart, spirited and a versatile herder, a Border Collie's brain in a powerful body.
The black coat carries squirrel-red accents, including the red feet behind the French nickname Bas-Rouge, red stockings.
Temperament
Faithful, gentle and obedient, the Beauceron is highly intelligent, loyal and strongly devoted to its owners. It is not for novice owners, who might end up owned by the dog.
Socialization and obedience training are a must and the breed does not respond well to harsh methods, particularly physical correction. Training should be firm, fair and consistent.
Lifespan
Beaucerons live 10 to 12 years. Large, deep-chested dogs may be susceptible to bloat, a sudden life-threatening stomach condition, so owners should learn the symptoms.
Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems and allergies.
Care
The short dense double coat takes a rough waterproof outer layer over a soft undercoat. It does not need a lot of grooming, but it sheds a lot and even more twice a year in shedding season.
A powerful, athletic, intelligent breed, the Beauceron needs lots of physical and mental challenges and a variety of outdoor locations and types of exercise each day. It suits an experienced, active owner.
History
The Beauceron, also called the Berger de Beauce or the Bas Rouge, is a French shepherd named for the vast agricultural region southwest of Paris. Developed in the late Middle Ages, it has played many roles: soldier, bodyguard, rescuer, competitor, companion, prankster and peerless mover of livestock.
Beauceron and Briard were the names of two groups of French shepherd dogs identified in the 19th century.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 3 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 4 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 3 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 4 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |