GROUP 5 - WORKING DOGS

History

“Beauce Dog”, “Beauceron” and “Red-Stocking” were the names chosen at the end of the XIX century to designate these ancient French Sheepdogs of the plains, all of the same type, with smooth hair on the head, a harsh, short coat and ears normally cropped. The body had tan markings, notably at the extremities of the four legs, which led the breeders at that time to call these dogs “Red-Stockings”. The coat was commonly black and tan but there were also grey, entirely black and even wholly tan dogs. These dogs were bred and selected for their aptitude to conduct and guard flocks of sheep.1.

Appearance

The Beauce Sheepdog is big, solid, hardy, powerful, well-built and muscular, but without lumber.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : The Beauce Sheepdog is medium in all its proportions. The length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock should be slightly greater than the height at the withers.

Colours are Black and Tan (Black with tan markings): “red stockings.” The black is pure black and the tan, red squirrel coloured and Harlequin (blue-mottled with tan markings) grey, black and tan, the coat being black and grey in equal parts, the spots well distributed, with sometimes a predominance of black. The tan markings are the same as for the black and tan.

A faint while spot on the chest is tolerated.

Height at the withers: Male : from 65 cm to 70 cm. Female : from 61 cm to 68 cm. 1.

Temperament

Frank approach and self assured. The expression is candid, never mean timid or worried. The character of the Beauceron should be gentle and fearless. 1.

Suitability

The Beauceron is not for novice owners, who might end up being owned by their dominant dog instead of the other way around. That said, well-trained and socialised Beaucerons are level headed, watchdogs and guardians, especially good with the young, the small, and the defenseless. 2.

The Beauceron has a short, dense double coat; the soft undercoat is covered by a rough, waterproof outer coat. It doesn’t require a lot of grooming, but it does shed. A lot. And even more so twice a year during shedding season. Weekly brushing—daily during shedding season—with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will remove the dead hair before it can fall onto the furniture, and it promotes new hair growth as well. 2.

The Beauceron is a powerful, athletic, and intelligent breed that needs lots of physical and mental challenges. This is not a breed for novice owners. They need a variety of outdoor locations and types of exercise each day and are best suited to an experienced, active owner who can provide the mental and physical activity they need. Although the Beauceron was not bred to gather sheep as other shepherd breeds were, he can be trained to perform in herding events, as well as Schutzhund (protection work) and agility trials and activities such as carting. 2.

Socialisation and obedience training are a must for this breed. Beaucerons are highly intelligent, loyal, and strongly devoted to their owners, which makes training them fairly easy. They do not respond well to harsh training methods, particularly physical correction. Firm, fair, consistent training and handling are usually quite successful. They are known for exuberant behaviours such as jumping on people and grabbing people and things with their mouths; these behaviours will often be the focus of early training sessions. 2.

Health

Any large or deep-chested dog may be susceptible to bloat, a sudden and life-threatening stomach condition. Beauceron owners should educate themselves on what symptoms to look for and what to do should it occur. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock health conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems, and allergies. As with all breeds, a Beauceron’s ears should be checked regularly, and the teeth should be brushed often. 2.

References:

1. FCI Standard No 44 (09/11/2006)
TRANSLATION : John Miller, Raymond Triquet.
ORIGIN : France.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE OFFICIAL VALID STANDARD : 25.10.06.
UTILIZATION : Sheepdog and Guard Dog.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs).
Section 1 Sheepdogs. With working trial.

2. American Kennel Club

Image: pets4homes.co.uk

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Beauceron you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Beauceron, and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.