Beauceron
Also known as Berger de Beauce, Bas-Rouge (“red stockings”)
- Height at the withers
- 61 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 32 to 50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
Overview
A large, powerful French herding dog with characteristic double dewclaws, a short double coat and black and tan markings. Known for its confident bearing and its versatility as a guardian and companion.
History and origins
An old French herding breed, also called the Berger de Beauce, developed on the plains of the Paris Basin to drive and protect flocks of sheep. A cousin of the Briard, from which it was separated in the late 19th century, it served as a messenger and guard dog in both World Wars.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Beauceron FAQ
How big does the Beauceron get?
The Beauceron stands 61 to 70 cm at the withers and weighs 32 to 50 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Beauceron shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Beauceron live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Beauceron need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Beauceron good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Beauceron live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric torsion (bloat).
