Beauceron

Like most continental European herding dogs, the origin of the Beauceron goes back to canis palustris (or "bog dog mastiff"). The evolutions and contributions that occurred over the centuries indicate a relatively disparate common ancestral trunk, given the versatile morphology required by the herding function and the specificities of the breed. Originally intended to protect sheep flocks from wolves, stray dogs and thieves, the herding dog was given the role of a driving dog in the Middle Ages through the application of common pasture principles. The ancestor of the Beauceron certainly performed the dual function of protection and herding of flocks. In his Course in Agriculture, Abbot François Rozier mentions a "bold" mastiff "capable of attacking and overpowering a wolf single-handedly", which may have entered the Beauceron's genetic heritage, among other ancestors. At the first French dog show held in 1863, among the 16 herding dogs presented, 13 of them showed a lupine type and a black and tan coat. This is certainly the first official appearance of the ancestors of the Beauceron. In 1893, veterinarian Pierre Mégnin, originator of the term "Beauceron", publishes the dog's characteristics. He differentiates it from its long-haired cousin, the Briard. The same year, the first specimen is registered in the French Stud Book. It was Bergère de la Chapelle, daughter of Sultan and Fidèle, with a black and tan coat, measuring 65 cm. Two other dogs were registered before 1898: Vénus, a female with a black and tan coat, and Brissac, a male with a dark gray and tan coat.

The Beauceron is an impressive, highly dissuasive dog. However, its genuinely affectionate nature toward its masters, and even more so with children, makes it an extraordinary family dog. Enduring, it must be able to exercise regularly and requires perfectly mastered training because it often has considerable temperament. It is renowned for being a decisive dog, but in good hands that are respectful and non-violent — the use of force being excluded due to its physical power —, it becomes as an adult a willing and sociable dog. In addition to family life where it excels in love and patience, it is a versatile and athletic dog that adapts to many activities: training, guarding, herding, rescue, tracking, agility, sledding, etc.

The Beauceron is a large-sized, solid, rustic, powerful, well-built and muscular dog, without heaviness. Its standard height at the withers is 65 to 70 cm for males, and 61 to 68 cm for females. On this subject, it is interesting to note that in the early 20th century, the size of this breed was generally smaller than today. In his work The Beauceron, A. Siraudin records the sizes (height at withers, weight, chest girth) of the most well-known specimens of his time (1920s): the average weight of a female was then approximately 25 kg, that of a male between 35 and 40 kg. The Beauceron's head is well-chiseled, its features are harmonious. In profile, the lines of the skull and muzzle are substantially parallel. The coat is short on the head, strong, short, firm and close-lying on the body (three to four centimeters long). The coat is either black and tan (like the Rottweiler or the Dobermann), or harlequin (blue mottled marked with fawn). Until 2004, the ears were traditionally cropped. But this practice was banned in France by the European Convention for the Protection of Companion Animals since May 18, 2004. Natural, the ears must be pendulous or semi-erect, but never completely erect and rigid (disqualifying fault), and not plastered. The Beauceron is — with its cousin, the Briard, as well as the Cane Corso and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog — one of the rare dogs presenting a double dewclaw on the rear legs.