Berger Picard
Also known as Berger de Picardie, Picard
- Height at the withers
- 55 to 65 cm
- Weight
- 23 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
Overview
A medium-sized herding dog, sturdy and rustic without heaviness, the Berger Picard is easy to recognize by its harsh, crisp coat, its large upright ears and its rough, griffon-like look, with eyebrows, a small beard and a mustache. Even-tempered, both sensible and bold, it is a good watchdog and an excellent family dog, sensitive and close to children, but sometimes stubborn.
History and origins
Its origins are very old and probably shared with the wire-haired sheepdogs of northwestern Europe. The first Picards were judged at a dog show in 1863 alongside Beaucerons and Briards; Paul Mégnin wrote a first standard in 1922 and the breed was recognized in 1925. Hard hit by both world wars, the breeding stock was rebuilt after 1945: Robert Montenot founded the club “Les Amis du Berger Picard” in 1955, and a new standard was approved by the Société Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club) in 1964. Still rare, the breed is clearly growing in France, rising from 136 to 240 registrations in the LOF stud book between 2024 and 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, harsh coat. Low shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: fawn, fawn with dark overlay, brindle fawn, gray (usually dark), a small white patch is allowed on the chest and feet.
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
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 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
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 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
Berger Picard FAQ
How big does the Berger Picard get?
The Berger Picard stands 55 to 65 cm at the withers and weighs 23 to 32 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Berger Picard shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Berger Picard live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Berger Picard need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Berger Picard good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Berger Picard live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
