Beauceron

The Beauceron is a breed of herding dog originated in France. It is also called Berger de Beauce or as the French Shorthaired Shepherd and they first began herding in the plains region of Paris between Seine and Loir rivers. They are also called as Bas Rouge in French, which means Red Stocking. They weigh around 36–50 kg and reach up to a height of 63–71 cm for the male Beauceron. The female Beauceron end up weighing around 32–45 kg at the max and stand tall at a height of 58–66 cm.

They have a standard colour coat among all the counter parts of Beauceron. Black and tan coat is the most common occurring one, but in some very rare cases you can see a light shade of grey thrown in somewhere too. Any other colours of the Beauceron is banned by the breed standard and everyone do seem to follow it strictly too. Their coat is fine and short and smooth all around, but is a little thick and rugged on the legs and the tails.

The Beauceron is a very intelligent breed, often described as friendly and they go very well with children too. They remain calm and fearless in most situations. They make for good pets both inside and outside the house. They are good in following instructions and are easy to train. One has o be gentle and polite during the training process so that the dog knows, you have nothing but good intentions. They can be trained to perform so many different activities. All around France they have a reputation to be excellent guard and protection dogs, which indeed adds to its popularity. They are very versatile as a breed, and were once the best at what they did, that is to herd sheep and to protect them from wolves. The Beaucerons have served as messenger dogs in both World Wars. Sadly true, they were also used in the detection on land mines. In addition they also did the work of helping and rescuing the wounded.

The Beaucerons made their debut in 2008 at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. But prior to that, they were bred by the famous herding tribe of France for sheep herding, The Beaucerons also happen to be one of the breed used to create the Doberman pinscher. Their names are misleading somewhat for many people. Their breed was said to be found all across northern France back in the time rather than just the province of Beauce. Around 1809, Abbé Rozier wrote all he could on these dogs found in France and he ended up referring the Beaucerons as Berger de Beauce. Under the guidance of Dr. Megnin, the Club des Amis du Beauceron was formed in the year of 1922 which helps set guidelines and rules for identifying the Beaucerons of the right coat, shape and size. Their life span varies from 10-13 years. They are free from any sort of major hereditary diseases.