Beaucerons

The Beaucerons are French shepherd dogs originated in the 15th century and developed with no crossbreeding to foreign breeds. The breed was named after the area around Paris known as "La Beauce”. For centuries, Beauceron dogs were used for herding sheep and cattle, guarding the houses and the property. The breed proved its versatility during both wars in Europe of the 20th century. Beauceron dogs picked up trails, detected mines, carried messages and rescued the wounded without hesitation.

The Beaucerons are powerful, agile, alert, stable, self-assured, and very faithful. They are highly protective, which makes them good guards. The herding instinct of the Beaucerons makes them treat children, pets, and the whole family as a herd, which needs protection. These dogs are excellent problem-solvers. Any task delegated to a Beauceron dog will be performed correctly and with a thorough understanding of the problem.

Inherent intelligence typical of this breed is a challenge for an unknowledgeable owner of a Beauceron dog. The Beaucerons are loyal and obedient only if they see that the master is strong-willed, disciplined, and self-assured. Otherwise, these dogs may think they should take a responsibility for the house and the family. The Beaucerons respond to consistent and firm training and cannot tolerate unfair punishment. Unlike many other breeds, these dogs can be motivated without treats. As a reward, they need just a word of praise. Beauceron dogs don’t strive for attention and caress. They can be left alone in the yard for the whole day.

The appearance of these dogs is intimidating. The average height of the Beauceron is 24-27 inches at the withers and the weight can be over 100 pounds. A dog of this breed looks like a mix of the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd. Purebred Beaucerons are well-muscled, but not bulky. Their head is broad and carried proudly; the tail is carried down in a form of a “J”. The breed comes in two coat types: black with tan markings similar to the German Shepherd and harlequin, combining black, tan, and gray patches. The hallmark of the Beaucerons is double dewclaws in their hind legs, as if these dogs had six toes.