| AKC Group: | Herding |
| A.K.A.: | Beauce Shepherd, Bas Rouge |
| Functions: | Herding |
| Year of Origin: | 1500s |
| Country of Origin: | France |
| Life Span (yr): | 10 - 12 |
| Colors: | Black and tan |
| Height (Inch): | 24 - 27.5 |
| Weight (lb): | 70 -110 |
| Size: | Large |
| Hair Length: | Short |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: |  |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
One of the most evenly proportioned breeds of dogs is the Beauceron. He has plenty of muscles, but never appears heavy. The solid build of his body gives him great strength and endurance, plus he is agile – perfect for moving herds. His oval shaped eyes are brown in color and have an honest expression. His ears are located on high on his head. They can either be left in their natural state or cropped. The nose of the Beauceron is black. His coat is rough and thick on most of his body. However, it is significantly softer and smoother on his head, legs, and ears. He has fringe along his tail and the backs of his legs.
Temperament:
Perceptive and confident are two of the words that describe the temperament of the Beauceron. He is lively and intelligent; but is also wants to obey his family. His loyalty runs deep and he has a great memory – once he learns what is expected of him, he tries his hardest to meet everyone’s expectations. He is not afraid and does a great job guarding his home and his family. He can be aloof with strangers, but he will not be hostile towards them. The Beauceron likes to assert his independence from time to time, but he does not go so far as to become labeled as stubborn.
Health:
Hardy and strong - the Beauceron is one of the healthier breeds of dogs. The main issue that owners must be aware of is bloat. Although seemingly insignificant, it could turn fatal in a matter of hours. Consequently, small meals are encouraged several times each day, rather than one large meal. If bloat does occur, he should seek a veterinarian’s attention because if his stomach becomes twisted with the gases inside, he will quickly die. The Beauceron is also predisposed to hip dysplasia. However, those who breed the Beauceron have become increasingly responsible for attempting to reduce the occurrence of hip dysplasia. Currently, approximately 95% of Beaceron breeders only breed those dogs whose hips have been certified healthy.
Maintenance:
The Beauceron is a relatively easy breed of dog to maintain. His coat does not necessitate a lot of grooming. As long as he is brushed when he needs it, with additional time given to his coat when he is shedding, he will look great. Any extra time saved by the limited grooming required by the Beauceron should be used to give him the exercise he needs. A quick walk through the neighborhood will not suffice for the Beauceron. He must go for lengthy walks at least a few times each day. He loves the opportunity to run free in a dog park, or a fenced in yard.