We all know that in this world, people love to categorize themselves as either a “dog person” or “a cat person” and while we here at IndulgeYourPet certainly aren’t going to “chime” in on this debate we also wanted to point out that within the “dog people” group, some will choose to define themselves even a bit further by saying that they are a “BIG” dog person or a “little” dog person.
Now the only reason…
Why we’re bringing any of this up right now is because its fair to say that if you are a “Big Dog” person, chances are, you’re going to love the Beauceron dog breed.
And Here’s why…
The Beauceron dog is a very hard working dog who does so many things for his human family, whether it’s herding cattle and sheep, watching out for strangers or just being there for you whenever you need him as a loyal companion, this dog simply can’t be beat.
But will a Beauceron be the right kind of dog for you?
That’s really hard to tell. Every family has its own expectations from a pet dog. Which is why at the end of the day, only you’ll be able to know for sure if a Beauceron or Beauce Shepherd as they are sometimes referred to will be “right” for you and your family.
This is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet chose to write this article so that you might get a better understanding of what it might be like to own a Beaucerson so that if you do decide to adopt a Beauceron puppy or better yet a Beauceron rescue dog, you won’t be disappointed six months from now.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into it and see if a Beauceron is going to be a good choice for you.
Beauceron Fast Facts
Country of Origin: France
Original Purpose: Guard dog and herder
Height: 24 to 27.5 inches tall
Weight: 80 to 110 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Dog Breed Classification: Herding
The Origins of Beauceron.
Originating out of France, the Beauceron is the largest of all the French sheepdogs. If your not familiar with the breed, its fair to say that in appearance, he is similar to the Black and Tan Coonhound and the Doberman Pinscher.
The first known mention…
Of the Beauceron was made in 1578 during which time, they were used by farmers in France for herding cattle and sheep as well as providing protection for the Shepherds themselves. Which is why even though their role as a “sheep herder” has diminished significantly over the centuries, they remain a terrific guard dog to this day!
Now you may be wondering…
Where did the name “Beauceron” come from? And while we would love to give you a definitive answer, we just can’t be sure, but this French herding dog probably came from a place called La Beauce, just outside of Paris, the capital of France.
Which is probably while they became known as the Beauceron breed, especially since they are the most popular of all French herding dogs, especially in northern France.
As a matter of fact…
The first Berger de Beauce was recognized by the Society Central Canine way back in 1882. Which then spawned many Beauceron clubs, including some like the Club des Amis du Beauceron, which was founded in 1922 and is still in existence today!
The American Kennel Club (AKC)…
Ironically, even though these guys have been around for centuries and have been quite popular throughout France for most of their existence, it took the AKC a very long time to recognize the Beauceron and didn’t “officially” recognize this French herding dog until 2007.
Now…
We really have no idea why the American Kennel Club took so long to take notice of this big guard dog, especially after the wonderful work done by the Beauce in the World Wars I and II for the Allied forces!
Yes, the Beauce was a real war hero…
He was used extensively by the Allied forces during the World Wars as a trail finder, messenger dog and a mine detector. A job that they performed so well that they are still used by various military and police forces around the world. So needless to say, this is no ordinary dog!
Beauceron Temperament and Training.
Now before you get too excited, we should warn you that if you have never owned a dog before, a Beauceron may not be the right dog for you. This is not a docile dog for one. Sure he’s smart friendly and very intelligent, but he’s also a bit independent can can be quite stubborn at times because you’re never really going to find of one these guys confused about what he wants.
That’s why…
He makes for a very good watch dog. He is one dog you can depend on to defend your family when under attack. Provided that he is well trained. And because the Beauceron takes a long time to grow up this training is going to have to be consistent for several years!
Also, did we mention…
He loves chewing. If not, now you’ve been warned because it’s fair to say that a Beauceron is happiest, when he or she has something to chew on. So be sure to get a lot of chew toys. Because if he’s not chewing toys, he’s probably going to start chewing on furniture, shoes, toys, ect, ect…
Now one of the most important questions we’ll often be asked about the Bearuceron Dog beed is…
“Are Beauceron’s good with children?”
Which is a difficult question to answer because if you’ve chosen to purchase your dog from a breeder right from the time he was a mere puppy, and he has grown up with your kids, chances are, your Beauceron is going to great with them.
And while..
He may still see your kids as small things that should be herded, chances are, he will have grown up being told to stop so his natural instinct will be kept in check.
But if…
You’re Beauceron grows up in a household without children or children are introduced later on in your Beaueron’s life, keeping him for trying to herd your child could be tough. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet typically only recommend this dog breed to those with no children or at least older children who won’t be “trampled”!
Are Beauce Shepherds good with cats?
It’s hard to tell. If he has been raised with cats, then he should treat them just fine, if not, it’s anyone’s guess but we would generally recommend that you avoid this situation if possible.
At it’s “core”, it’s important to remember…
That the Beauceron is an active dog. One that will only truly be happy if you take him out for exercise regularly. Otherwise he gets bored and becomes aggressive because of that.
Exercise and play are an essential part of this training.
Also, there are many toys that could help with his mental stimulation. The Beauce responds well to herding, obedience, agility, search and rescue, tracking, rally and other training activities.
As long as he is active and not bored, he will get along just fine with you and with other people.
Physical characteristics of the Beauce
As said earlier, the Beauce is a large dog about 70 to 110 pounds in weight. He has a short, double coat which is easy to brush. So, you don’t have to worry too much about his grooming. He only requires some basic care.
He is also good looking dog, tall and proud. His smooth coat is either black and tan in color, or gray, black and tan, referred to as harlequin.
Beauceron health issues…
The Beauceron is a strong and healthy dog for the most part, but even he is known to suffer from certain health issues. Most of the health problems related to this dog are hereditary by nature.
He is susceptible to the following health conditions…
For this reason, it is important to get a genetic health checking done before buying a puppy from a breeder. Ask the breeder for proof that the puppy’s parents have been cleared by OFA and/or PennHIP.
What’s the life expectancy of a Beauceron?
The Beauce can live for anything from 10 to 12 years. He can live longer provided he gets all the support he needs from a loving human family and proper medical attention.
Lastly…
Because the Beauceron does have a elevated risk of suffering from some pretty serious medical conditions (just like many other purebreds do) we would suggest that you also take a moment and see exactly what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy so that if your Beauceron does become sick or injured in the future, you won’t be on the “hook” for the full cost of his or her medical care.
For more information about what a pet insurance policy might cost you, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
I own a because I needed a new service dog, and once I got my service dog I decided to get her into everything else that they’re capable of doing. So we herd weekly, we’ve been dock diving, we hike a lot, we do tricks. She’s an advanced trick dog. We travel all over. I can literally do anything with this dog.