Notable for their expressive faces, Berger Picards are endearing and active dogs of great personality. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation but will reward diligent owners with impressive loyalty. They are good with children but may be stubborn and they like the sounds of their own voices.
Which breed group is the Berger Picard in?
Breed group: Pastoral
Berger Picard breed history
Possibly the oldest breed of herding dog in France, the Berger Picard wasprobably taken to northern France by invading Celts as early at the 9 th century. The breed's name is derived from its native region, Picardy, and is sometimes referred to as the Picardy shepherd. The Berger Picard was first exhibited in France in 1863 and breeders were evolving a breed standard by the turn of the century. Unfortunately the two World Wars almost wiped out these characterful dogs. Numbers have recovered somewhat in recent years. Their future may have been assured by the exposure they received when Berger Picards starred in the movies Because of Winn Dixie and Daniel and the Super Dogs.
Berger Picard breed characteristics
Medium size dogs of great intelligence, Berger Picards boast goofy grins and lively personalities. Their distinctive erect ears set them apart and they boast medium-length harsh coats which are shades of fawn, grey and red. They shed minimally and don't have a doggy smell. Berger Picards possess rectangular heads with shaggy eyebrows, beards and moustaches. Their tales have noticeable hooks and they endear themselves to people with their curious human expressions. They are very sensitive to tones of voice and can be stubborn.
- Lifespan: 13-14 years
- Height: up to 55cm
- Weight: up to 30kg
- Intelligent
- Lively
- Playful
- Sensitive to tone of voice
- Potentially stubborn
- Medium length coarse coats
- Erect ears
- Shed minimally
- Shaggy eyebrows
- Hooked tails
- Expressive faces
Health issues with the Berger Picard
Berger Picards are generally robust, athletic and healthy. However they are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
What is the Berger Picard bred for?
The Berger Picard was bred to herd livestock in France but has found fame in the movies and excels at performing.
What sort of owners does the Berger Picard suit?
Lively dogs with plenty of energy, Berger Picards are ideal for active owners who can give them plenty of exercise. They are good choices for agility and obedience competitions and are generally excellent with children. These dogs bore easily and may become destructive if not entertained. They can bark a lot and so are not best suited to homes with near neighbours. The perfect owner for a Berger Picard would be an enthusiastic walker with experience of training dogs who lives in the countryside and is home all day.