General Description

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(Berger de Beauce, Bas Rouge, Beauce Shepherd) The Beauceron is an exceptionally athletic and strong breed with a body structure that is similar to that of the Belgian Malinois. Beauceron are about the same size as a Doberman Pinscher. Beauceron have a distinctive double dewclaw on their hind legs that causes them to have six toes on each rear foot. The ears of this breed are usually cropped and stand erect, and their eyes are dark, chestnut-colored, and possess a solemn, proud expression. Beauceron have a fringed tail that is carried low and a double coat that exists in one of two colors. The first color is black-and-tan that features a specific series of tan markings on the dog’s eyes, upper lip, and throat. Tan markings are also found on the breast, bottom of each leg, and under the tail. The second coat color for this breed is harlequin. Harlequin coats include patches of tan, black, and gray. Beauceron have a short-haired coat that is longer around the tail and hindquarters. The double coat consists of a harsh outer layer and a fluffy undercoat.

Character

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The Beauceron is a courageous, faithful dog that is highly intelligent and eager to please his master. They are good for obedience training because of their ability to understand their owners. This breed is happiest when exercising and working in open spaces. The Beauceron is calm, loyal, and generally good with children. Because of their size and energy level, the Beauceron is usually not recommended for small children. Firm training is necessary for this breed because of their propensity to be protective and their desire to figure out who to lead and who to follow. A Beauceron that has been properly socialized makes an excellent pet and is not aggressive towards other dogs and animals.

Beaucerons tend to have some degree of neurosis in their temperament. This makes for a dog with an empathic, emotional link to its masters. It can also cause them to act jittery, clingy, and aggressive. Be weary of thunder and gunfire with this breed. They are almost sweet, kind and very loyal to their masters.

General Health

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While some Beauceron are prone to bloat, they are a comparatively healthy breed with few issues or concerns. Like other large dog breeds, the Beauceron is susceptible to hip dysplasia. The vast majority of Beauceron breeders in the United States breed only hip certified stock. Typically this breed lives for 10 to 12 years.

Beaucerons are a square dog (versus the sloped back of the GSD) and carry much more weight on their front legs. They are relatively less prone to hip dysplasia and more prone to shoulder and elbow problems. Osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder is not uncommon.

History

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A possible ancestor of the Doberman Pinscher, the Beauceron is a French herding breed that has been known for centuries throughout Western Europe. Despite its limited recognition throughout other parts of the world, the Beauceron has a long history in its native France. The earliest records of the Beauceron are believed to date back to the Renaissance period. The Beauceron is used as a herding and guard dog, and he is also utilized by the French police and army.

Maintenance

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The Beauceron’s coat requires little grooming or maintenance. This breed’s coat should be groomed occasionally and given some extra care during shedding season. Beauceron are average shedders.

Ideal Environment

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The Beauceron can be happy in a small household or apartment if he is sufficiently exercised. This breed needs consistent attention and lots of daily exercise. Beauceron are used to having a job to do, so they need plenty of space to prevent the onset of boredom and/or laziness. This breed is moderately active indoors, and they thrive best with at least a large yard.

This breed may become destructive if under exercised or under stimulated.

Beauceron Q&AAsk a Question

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  I have a female Beuceron who is now 8 . She has developed rather large callouses on her ...

  I have a female Beuceron who is now 8 . She has developed rather large callouses on her front elbows, which she picks at causing them to bleed. Anyone have this same problem and solution?

  Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers

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