The Beauce is a sparsely populated region in northern France characterized by its lack of trees and shrubs, making agriculture the predominant activity. The Beauceron, also known as Chien de Beauce (Dog from Beauce) or Berger de Beauce (Shepherd from Beauce), has long been a companion in assisting with the tasks of its human counterparts.

Originally utilized as a herding and guarding dog to protect grazing livestock herds, today it is simply referred to as the Beauceron. Its robust physique and strong willingness to work with humans make it an exceptionally loyal assistant. Here, you’ll discover everything there is to know about this Dog Breed.

History And Origin

Shepherds, especially nomadic ones who frequently changed grazing locations, relied on the assistance of herding dogs. The most trainable, fearless, and intelligent dogs were crossbred and selectively bred. Thus, the Beauceron dog emerged in the Beauce region as a French shepherd dog towards the end of the 19th century.

During that time, farmers and shepherds used this dog to protect their vital livestock. As the wilderness still harbored numerous wolves, lynxes, and other predators, a defender of herds needed to be strong and fearless. The Beauceron met all these expectations, and its characteristics have changed little in the last hundred years. Breed clubs and breeders refrained from altering or adapting the dog further, as it could have come at the expense of other already developed and desirable traits.

As people ceased to be nomadic shepherds roaming the land with their herds, the Berger de Beauceron transitioned into a guard dog on farms, excelling in this role as well.

Temperament and Character

The Beauceron is a natural guard and protection dog, with a strong instinct to watch over its family. To prevent this instinct from leading the dog astray, it must be mentally and physically stimulated. Inherently friendly and caring, the Beauceron would never display aggression without cause.

Additionally, the dog is eager to learn and, due to its high intelligence, exceptionally trainable. Once informed of its tasks, it works diligently to the point of exhaustion. There is nothing better for a Beauceron than working alongside its human companions and receiving attention and praise.

While being a confident and independent animal, it willingly submits to its owners, especially when they fulfill their role without being excessively permissive or chaotic in training.

Attempting to turn the Beauceron into a lapdog is a significant mistake. Owners of this breed may not do justice to their pet and risk inducing apathy or even rebellious and potentially aggressive behavior.

The Beauceron is cautious and reserved towards strangers, but it does not react aggressively. An admirable trait of the Beauceron is that it rarely barks, if at all.

Affection Level	Medium
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Acquiring a Beauceron

The Beauceron has been recognized as a distinct breed for about 140 years. The standards defining the breed were described by the “Club Français du Chien de Berger” (French Shepherd Dog Club), followed by international organizations such as FCI (Europe) and AKC (USA). When acquiring a Beauceron, it’s important to consider that:

It’s also important to note that due to its exceptional qualities, the Beauceron was utilized in both World Wars, leading to a significant reduction in its population. However, breeders worked diligently to restore the breed’s numbers, and approximately 3,000 Beauceron puppies are born each year.

Those seeking to acquire a Beauceron should be aware that this breed is well-suited for competition. These championships assess the dog’s abilities as a herding dog, for herd protection, as a medical assistance dog, or as a search and rescue dog.

In the United States, finding a Beauceron puppy can be challenging as the breed is less known. Only about 500 Beauceron puppies are born each year, and the situation is slightly better in France, where the breed is better known and more widespread.

What to Consider When Buying a Beauceron?

The most crucial aspect when purchasing a purebred animal is always the reputable Beauceron breeding. In no case should inbreeding have occurred, which can be identified through the papers and pedigree. Conversations with an honest and reputable breeder will provide information about any potential health issues within the lineage and how to address them. Regarding the price, it is determined by demand; in France, the puppies are likely cheaper than in other regions. On average, a puppy with papers costs at least $800.

Development and Training of the Puppy

Raising a Beauceron puppy requires careful consideration. On one hand, the dog needs a firm hand to guide and instruct it in its tasks. The animal must be engaged and active as long as its health and age permit.

On the other hand, the Beauceron is very sensitive. Those who act too roughly, harshly, or violently risk breaking the delicate nature of the dog. The dog requires a calm yet strong caregiver who can understand its soul. For these reasons, the Beauceron is not suitable for individuals without prior experience with dogs.

It may also be problematic that the Beauceron takes longer to mature than other dogs. He remains wild and playful for an extended period, chewing and scratching its owners’ belongings for longer than other puppies. He is only considered fully mature after the age of two.

How to Care for a Beauceron?

The dog should never be permanently separated from its family. For its healthy development, it needs a connection to its “family pack” and should not be kept in a doghouse or kennel. Regarding its diet, there are no specific rules. High-quality food with a high meat content without artificial additives is sufficient. Raw feeding (BARF) is also suitable for the Beauceron. Certain rewards in the form of treats can be helpful during training, and many dog owners simply use a handful of daily dry food as a reward. There are also numerous healthy and natural treats available for training purposes.

Activities

Due to the muscular build of the Beauceron, which requires a lot of movement and energy, owners must keep them well-engaged – both physically and mentally. The Beauceron does not want to be bored, as it can lead to dissatisfaction and ultimately dullness.

If daily walks, hikes, or runs are not sufficient, considering dog sports is advisable. This includes various training activities such as agility, mantrailing, or search and rescue training.

Health and Grooming

Despite being a purebred, there are no specific diseases known in Beauceron breeding. The breed is very resilient. Like any dog with a large and heavy body, they may be more susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia.

Thanks to its dense coat, the Beauceron is well-protected against cold and respiratory diseases. The double hind dewclaw should be trimmed occasionally, as it does not wear down naturally. Brushing the coat every week or every two weeks is sufficient for grooming.

Interesting and Informative

Traveling to Switzerland with a Beauceron may pose a challenge, as it is classified as a restricted breed, and certain regulations must be met. Aggressiveness could become an issue if the Beauceron is not socialized with its family but lives in isolation in a kennel.

Conclusion

The Beauceron is a perfect family dog. It is not moody, not malicious, and never aggressive. Its tolerance threshold is very high, making it easy to introduce him to children. He reacts calmly even to cats, without the need to chase or harass. Forest walks without running off are easily possible with this breed. The gentle muscle powerhouse is a wonderful companion for many years.