Beauceron

Low Maintenance: When it comes to grooming, the Beauceron is an easy keeper thanks to his short, double coat. A bath every three to four months with a mild shampoo is all that is needed. Brush his sleek coat with a natural bristle brush or rubber hound mitt several times a week to remove dead hair.

Easy Training: The temperament and willingness to work of a Beauceron makes it very easy to train. As stated previously, the Beauceron is eager to please and will be obedient to an established pack master. This breed is very strong willed, however, and does require and assertive and firm pack master. The Beauceron must be made to heel beside their pack master and enter a door after the pack master. This shows the dog the order of the pack. All humans in the home must rank higher than the dog to prevent him from believing they lead the pack.

The Beauceron is not a dog of extremes, but is a solid, balanced dog as befitting a true multipurpose dog ready to do a long day's work. Its body is powerful yet agile, its jaws strong, its gait fluid, effortless, and ground covering. The head is not held high when moving, but is lowered to the level of the back, as is typical of herding dogs. Its outer coat is straight, dense, and coarse, of medium length; this, combined with a dense undercoat, offers weather-resistant protection. An unusual trait is the presence of double dewclaws on the hindlegs, which seem to be a French tradition for herding and flock dogs. Although they serve no function, they were perhaps at one time associated with the best herders, and are now a breed trademark.

Beaucerons are uncannily intelligent and adept at any task involving learning, memory, and reasoning. They are courageous and calm, and make reliable, thoughtful guardians. This is an extremely loyal breed that is eager to please its family; however, if not properly trained, the Beauceron can run the family. Beaucerons are patient with children, but can be overwhelming to them or try to herd them. They may be wary of strangers and do not take to unfamiliar dogs. They can get along with other family dogs and pets.

The Beauceron originated in the north of France and records of their existence can be traced all the way back to the Renaissance. They are accomplished working dogs primarily utilized as flock guards. The Beauceron is also known as Berger de Beauce, Bas Rouge, Red Stocking and Beauce Shepherd. Originally lumped in with the Briard, the Beauceron gained individual recognition in 1911. Also, it is possible that the Beauceron breed may have had a hand in the creation of the Doberman Pinscher you know today. The Beauceron is a very versatile breed that was also utilized by the military for purposes such as detecting mines, locate wounded, carry food and ammunition as well as carry messages. The Beauceron is gaining popularity as a watchdog and family pet, however, they are still quite rare and have a great many other talents to explore.