Beauceron dog. Description, features, care and price of Beauceron

Breed standard and description

Height at withers: males 60-70 cm, females 61-68 cm; Weight: males 40-50 kg, females 36-40 kg.

General appearance: large dog, harmonious build with well-developed muscles, broad chest, long back. The body is powerful, but not bulky.

The head is gracefully contoured.

Eyes: round, dark brown. Irises of light brown or other colors are not acceptable. An exception to the standard is made only for dogs of harlequin color. They may have multi-colored or light brown eyes.

Nose: black in any color variant, developed, not split.

Ears: Set high. Cropped ears are directed upwards, a slight tilt is noticeable. Uncropped ears are short, flat, hanging or semi-erect, not pressed to the head.

Tail: Set low, reaching to the knee, not docked.

Coat: short, hard, smooth, dense, shiny. Feathers and dewlap are required on the hips and end of the tail. The undercoat is soft, gray and dense.

Movements: free, smooth, sweeping.

Features: Unlike other breeds, the hind feet must retain double dewclaws.

Two types of color:

• Black and tan (red stockings, barouge). On the main coal-black background there are red markings above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, not reaching the ears, tapering towards the cheekbones. Tan marks on the chest (two spots are desirable), on the lower part of the neck, under the tail. On the limbs, the scorch marks rise along the outer side to 1/3 of the length of the leg, then move to the inner side.
• Black-gray, bluish-motley, fawn-black, gray with red tan, marbled (harlequin). Black and gray in color are approximately equal, perhaps a predominance of black or gray. The location of the red spots is identical to that of dogs with black and tan coloring. A small white mark on the chest is acceptable. According to some standards, black and gray with red stockings are acceptable.

French Shepherd Diseases, Vaccination

The Beauceron, despite its appearance, which speaks of the dog’s power and health, is susceptible to various diseases. Among them, the most common are:

• bloating and volvulus;
• retinal atrophy;
• retinopathy;
• hip dysplasia.

Bloating is a small problem, but it is a discomfort for a dog’s life. You can solve this by starting to feed the dog strictly on a schedule. Meals should be separate, meat and fish dishes should be given separately from dairy and fermented milk. Overfeeding a Beauceron is one of the causes of bloating.

When the intestines volvulus, the Beauceron stops eating and becomes lethargic. He hardly defecates and looks very sick. If you do not contact a veterinarian in time, death is inevitable - the disease does not go away on its own.

Retinal atrophy is a very serious and practically incurable disease. At first, the Beauceron begins to see poorly or not see anything at all in the dark, then blindness appears during the day. The pupil becomes brighter and enlarged. The disease develops within just a year, and if you do not monitor your pet’s condition, the consequences will be disastrous: an advanced case involves removal of the eyeball. Today, veterinarians have drugs that can slow down retinal atrophy.

Hip dysplasia is a very common disease in the Beauceron. First, the dog begins to limp, and pain appears when walking and running. If not properly treated, the disease can lead to immobility.

X-ray showing signs of hip dysplasia in a Beauceron

All diseases of the Beauceron must be treated in a timely manner, and this must be done only with the help of an experienced specialist.

In order to prevent certain diseases (distemper, parvovirus enteritis, leptospirosis and parainfluenza), Beauceron puppies are given complex vaccinations twice: at the age of 8 and 12 weeks. Typically, drugs such as Multakan, Eurikan and Nobivak are used for vaccinations.

Before vaccination, the dog must be dewormed and eliminate parasites (fleas and lice).

History and purpose of the Beauceron

There is a version that the breed was formed exclusively on the territory of France and retained the purity of the ancient blood of wolves or wild turf dogs . Other researchers talk about clear signs of influence on the formation of the Great Dane and Greyhound .

But the place of origin of the breed is beyond doubt. In the historical region of Bos, large shepherd dogs were used for herding and guarding sheep , and, according to some sources, for hunting . Two or three Beaucerons reliably protected and managed a herd of 200-300 heads, accompanying their charges at a distance of up to 70 km.

The first evidence of red stockings (Bas Rouge) is recorded in a manuscript of 1578. A detailed description of the breed is given in the work on agriculture “Cours compl. et d'agriculture" by Abbot Jean Rosier in 1809. The abbot was the first to describe the breeds of French shepherd dogs, dividing the breeds of Briards (shepherds from Brie) and Beaucerons (shepherds from Beauce).

In 1863, Beaucerons were first exhibited at an exhibition in Paris as working herding dogs under the name Bas Rouge. Later, zoology professor Jean-Pierre Mengin gave the breed the name “Beauceron.” Thanks to his efforts, the Beauceron Dog Lovers Club (CAB) was opened in 1911. Trying to preserve the working qualities and purity of the breed, in the face of a reduction in the number of sheep, the club recommended the breed as a guard breed. During World War II, dogs were used as miners, saboteurs, and messengers.

Nowadays, the standard describes the purpose of Beaucerons as herding and guard dogs, but they are increasingly used as companion dogs and are involved in military, rescue, and police service.

The breed came to Russia in the 80-90s of the last century and has not yet gained much fame or popularity, but the population is gradually increasing.

Socialization

French Shepherds get along with everyone.
They love adults and children equally, are not averse to playing with their fellow cats and know how to respect the cat's tendency to independence. Beaucerons are not the best company for children under 6 years old. Children at this age perceive animals as a plush toy, and for dogs such treatment is offensive. How a pet will react to leprosy depends on the individual dog. One will leave silently, the second will bare its teeth.

The French Beauceron will not bite a child, but may knock over, push or growl if it is too annoying. Therefore, children are explained the rules for handling animals.

If a child behaves respectfully with a Beauceron, he will become his best friend and devoted protector.

French Beaucerons are reserved towards strangers. They will not attack a person, but they will not take their eyes off him until they are convinced that the stranger is not dangerous.

Behavior and temperament

With the light hand of the novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Collet, in France the Beaucerons are called “country gentlemen”. And indeed, in the appearance and behavior of the red stockings, the breed, innate nobility and dignity are visible. Hardworking, resilient, fearless shepherds are devoted to their owners, cannot stand long separations, and are distrustful of strangers.

At the same time, dogs do not like familiarity and are restrained in expressing feelings. They show themselves to be reliable guards of the house and surrounding area, performing work without fuss and unnecessary aggression.

In France, Beaucerons are considered among the intellectuals and intellectuals of the dog world. They are considered the smartest, most reasonable dogs. They pay tribute to their excellent memory and working qualities.

Character strengths include:

• equilibrium;
• vigilance;
• friendliness towards loved ones;
• energy, endurance, high performance;
• courage;
• silence.

Even their shortcomings, with proper upbringing, turn into advantages:

• independence;
• desire for leadership;
• reluctance to make contact with strangers;
• stubbornness, perseverance.

How to choose a puppy

1. When choosing a French Shepherd puppy, you need to get information about its parents . They must meet breed standards. Breeders are required to confirm a five-generation pedigree.
2. Puppies between 6 and 8 months of age are often assessed using the Campbell test, which determines the dog's personality traits and suitability for various types of service in the future.
3. When choosing a pet, priority should be given to animals that do not show anxiety , uncertainty and fear, apathy or hysterical barking. Puppies should not adopt a posture of submission and at the same time not demonstrate wild joy when interacting with a stranger. Normal behavior is exploratory tactics with a hint of aggression.
4. In the future, with the right methods of education and caring attitude, the puppies grow into animals devoted to their owners, who, without a moment’s doubt, will rush to defense in case of danger. And at the same time they will be cheerful and friendly among family members.

The Beauceron is a dog for those who value in four-legged dogs not only loyalty, but also endurance, power, and strength of character. But these dogs are not for beginners in dog breeding. The best representatives of the breed are raised by experienced, strong people.

Who is the dog suitable for?

The ideal owner for a French Shepherd is an active villager . Dogs feel great in rural areas. They need a lot of space for free walking, physical activity, and the opportunity to use their working and intellectual qualities.

These dogs should not be kept in cramped city apartments or on a chain.

Red stockings are not prone to display unmotivated aggression , but if kept in a cage, lack of attention from the owner, or poor training, a metamorphosis can occur with a country gentleman. A dog can easily turn into an uncontrollable, angry beast.

Beaucerons have a genetically based program for protecting “their” animals; they easily get along with any living creature that lives in the neighborhood.

Red Stockings are loyal to children , but they should not be left alone with them. Like all herding dogs, they strive to control the movements of their charges, returning them to their place with a light nip. But what is a slight pinch for a sheep can be a serious injury for a child.

Character traits

The smooth-haired French Shepherd is a balanced, confident dog. She is aware of her strength, strives to protect the weak, and will not get into a fight without a good reason.

The breed is spoken of as a guardian angel. Beaucerons tend to dominate, but they direct their leadership towards protecting the family. Owners joke that the dogs consider their household members to be sheep and “herd” them.

The character of Beaucerons is moderate, soft, without any bias towards aggression, independence or excessive subordination. The only negative is the intolerance of loneliness. This is a strange quality for such an independent dog. But the Beauceron, although self-sufficient, needs communication with its owner.

Still, the French Beauceron can remain alone. Unlike other “humane-loving” breeds, he will easily tolerate separation for several hours and will not howl or spoil things. But a long separation from his owner is unthinkable for him.

Maintenance and care

The main difficulty when keeping them in urban conditions is the need for long walks . The dog needs two walks a day. Each one is at least one hour.

While walking, the dog should be able to run freely over rough terrain, go through an obstacle course on the playground, and play with the owner. To release energy, you can go jogging together or accompany the owner on a bike ride. Hiking trips are very useful.

Red stockings do not require a special menu . Their diet can consist of dry and natural food. A combination of feeds is possible.

Up to two months, puppies are fed 4-5 times a day . At three months they switch to 2-3 meals a day. At the age of five months, puppies are transferred to the diet of an adult dog - 2 times a day .

Caring for your pet is simple:

• Comb the coat with a scraper or brush once a week for most of the year. 4-5 times a week during the molting period.
• Bathe no more than 2-3 times a year.
• Regular checking and cleaning of ears and eyes.
• Trimming the nails on the dewclaws.

Health

French Beaucerons are strong dogs without genetic defects. On average they live 10-12 years. Some dogs crossed the line at 13-14 years old.

Diseases

The French smooth-haired shepherd is a record holder for health. There are few diseases and they are rare. Among the possible pathologies:

• dysplasia;
• retinal atrophy;
• intestinal volvulus;
• otitis;
• disruptions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Preventive measures

The French Shepherd Beauceron spends a long time on the street and often comes into contact with wild and stray animals. Therefore the following are required:

• vaccinations against rabies, herpes virus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, canine distemper, leptospirosis;
• anthelmintic prophylaxis every 3 months;
• antiparasitic treatment against blood-sucking parasites every month.

Preventive examinations by a veterinarian are also required every six months.

Education and training

Puberty of Beaucerons occurs late; puppies reach the status of an adult dog at 2.5-3 years . By this age, they should firmly grasp the basic rules of behavior.

Young individuals do not tolerate violence, strive to establish leadership, and show disobedience and stubbornness. You need to cooperate with them, establish partnerships , but at the same time be firm and confident.

An owner without experience in keeping large service breed dogs is better off choosing this breed , or raising it under the guidance of a professional trainer. In the hands of a competent teacher, Beaucerons quickly learn the basics of training, try to follow commands, and are tireless in classes.

When living in the city, any type of . Almost everything is available to Beaucerons: OKD, ZKS, IPO, herding and security services, obedience, freestyle, rings, flyball and other types of canine sports.

Application

The Beauceron is primarily a working dog. Yes, he is a wonderful companion. But without daily work, the dog will get bored and develop behavioral problems. Neither walking nor exercising will help. Only work brings pleasure to pets.

The smooth-haired French Shepherd is an excellent shepherd. This is one of the few cattle dogs that works without barking and will not even touch a sheep with half a tooth. She silently and confidently drives the herd in the right direction, returns stray animals, and looks out for possible threats.

When the Beauceron works, for him there is only the herd and the area in which it is located.

The French Beauceron has excellent watchdog qualities. He is by no means an empty talker - the dog almost always greets strangers in silence. But in this wary, vigilant and silent defender there is a threat that makes ill-wishers go away.

Beaucerons are used in the police and army. They are good rescuers, bloodhounds, looking for explosives and missing people.

Breed photo

A selection of photographs of the Beauceron.

Feeding

Both natural food and ready-made diets are suitable for the Beauceron. The main rule is not to mix two types of nutrition to avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Ready-made food should be chosen from the premium line, labeled “for active dogs.” The basic rule: fresh water should always be available.

When feeding natural food, it is necessary to choose an additional complex of vitamins and develop a balanced menu. It is better to feed the Beauceron half an hour after a walk.

The diet should consist of:

• lean meat is the basis of the diet. It is better to serve it raw, but freeze it first;
• offal: raw tripe, liver, lung, kidneys. Should be a supplement, but not the basis of the diet;
• cereals: buckwheat and rice;
• seasonal vegetables and fruits;
• vegetable oil (linseed, olive, sea buckthorn);
• low fat fermented milk (up to 9%);
• fish - only sea fish, cleaned of bones;
• sea ​​kale.

Prohibited products:

• pork and lamb;
• grapes and raisins;
• citrus;
• legumes;
• sweet, smoked;
• bakery products;
• river fish;
• spices;
• tubular bones.

Photo: wikimedia.org

Video

* We invite you to watch a video about the Beauceron . In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given dog breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what a Beauceron looks like.

Rate the material!

[Total votes: 1 Average: 5]

Owner reviews

Irina K.

A Doberman has lived in our family for a long time. This is a serious dog with an explosive character and frequent zoo aggression. When I saw a Beauceron on the street, I thought that someone had crossed a Doberman with someone unknown. It turned out that this is an ancient breed.

I was delighted by the appearance: the appearance of a wolf combined with my favorite black color. When the question arose about buying a dog, I immediately thought about the Beauceron. The prices, of course, scared me away, but the dream remained. And we bought a puppy. The family is delighted with the dog - loyal, kind, affectionate. But at the same time strong, smart and an excellent guard.

My husband hunts with him, he learned all the commands quickly. You can practice on your own; Beaucerons are not stubborn.

Alexander. ABOUT.

I bought Beauceron spontaneously; the family has a German shepherd. I wanted a second dog to strengthen the protection of my home. The club recommended this breed. Externally, the dog was very impressive. There is something primal about it.

The guard is excellent, but there is a passion to build and control everyone, there were several conflicts with our dog, but then he recognized the leader and that’s all - silence.

Mating

• The first estrus in these animals occurs at 8-10 months of life. But this early the female is not yet ready for mating.
• A dog of this breed will be ready to bear offspring only in the second year of life, or rather, during the third estrus.
• The female is ready for mating on the 10-12th day of estrus.
• Males are ready by 1.5 years . However, this process occurs individually in each animal. Therefore, the timing may vary. An experienced female is selected for an inexperienced male and vice versa.

As a rule, a female is brought to the male and given time to become friends. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure a calm environment, otherwise the pets will get scared and twitch. To breed healthy puppies, a purebred partner is selected.