Berger Picard: Complete Guide to the French Shepherd

The Berger Picard is a rare and ancient breed of dog that originated in France. They were originally bred to herd sheep and cattle.

Their distinctive appearance, with a shaggy coat and long ears, makes them a standout among other breeds. Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for active families.

The Berger Picard is a relatively small dog, weighing between 35-45 pounds and standing between 17-20 inches tall. They have a moderate energy level, requiring daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great addition to many households.

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The Berger Picard is a powerful dog with a strong, level back and well-muscled shoulders and hindquarters. Their chests are deep and strong, perfect for a working sheep-herding dog.

Their tails are strong at the base and taper to the tip, hanging straight at rest and reaching to the point of the hock. The tail ends in a slight "J" or crook without falling to the right or left.

The Berger Picard's ears are high-set and broad at the base, tapering to a slightly rounded tip. Their eyes are medium to dark brown and convey an alert, observant, confident expression.

Their coats are harsh and crisp to the touch, with a minimal undercoat. The outer coat is approximately 2 to 2½ inches long all over the body, except for the head, where it is slightly shorter.

The Berger Picard's appearance is a unique blend of ruggedness and elegance.

Their medium-sized, well-muscled bodies are slightly longer than tall, with a distinctive rough coat that's harsh and crisp to the touch.

Their ears are naturally erect, high-set, and quite wide at the base, giving them an alert and observant expression.

Their tails are strong at the base and taper to the tip, with a natural J-curve that's quite distinctive.

Their weather-proof coats come in two colors: fawn and brindle, with a range of shade variations.

The Berger Picard's coat is a double-coat breed, with a short, soft undercoat and an outer coat that's harsh and crisp to the touch.

Their coats are approximately 2 to 2½ inches long all over the body, except for the head, where it's slightly shorter.

Their coats are not excessively long, with a minimal undercoat that sheds lightly and doesn't have a strong dog smell.

Their eyebrows are thick, but don't shield their dark, frank eyes, which convey a confident expression.

Their natural tails normally reach to the hock and are carried with a slight J-curve at the tip.

Their ribs are well-sprung out from the spine, forming a strong back that's slightly curved down and inward.

Their chests are deep and rounded, extending in front of the forelegs in a gentle oval shape.

Their shoulders are long, smoothly muscled, and moderately laid back, giving them a powerful and agile appearance.

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The Berger Picard is a relatively small to medium-sized dog. Males stand 23.5 to 25.5 inches at the shoulder.

Their height is consistent across the breed, with no significant variation. Females stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches.

Their weight range is also relatively consistent, with males weighing between 50 to 70 pounds.

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The Berger Picard's temperament and personality are truly unique and fascinating. They are highly intelligent dogs, known for being quick learners and adept problem solvers.

Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, and they eagerly engage in training and mental challenges. They are also naturally protective of their loved ones, making them excellent watchdogs.

One of the most endearing qualities of the Berger Picard is their sense of humor, which makes them an endearing companion. They are also loving and devoted companions, forming deep bonds with their families.

However, Berger Picards can be reserved with strangers, and they require socialization to become confident and calm in new situations. This is especially important during their first two years of life.

Berger Picards are also known for their independent streak, which can sometimes lean towards stubbornness. But with consistent and patient training, this trait can be positively harnessed.

Here's a summary of the Berger Picard's temperament and personality traits:

Overall, the Berger Picard's temperament and personality make them an excellent choice for active families who are willing to provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and love.

Berger Picards are a relatively healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are known medical conditions that can affect Berger Picards. Regular veterinary check-ups and health screenings can help identify these issues early on.

Berger Picards require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their coat's health. Brushing their coat at least once a week and occasional professional grooming sessions are recommended.

To keep your Berger Picard healthy, provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, including activities like walks, runs, and playtime.

Here are some potential health concerns to be aware of:

The Berger Picard is a relatively healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Their health is largely due to responsible breeding practices that minimize the risk of inherited health conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are a must to ensure their overall well-being.

A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent common health issues. Their floppy ears may be prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is essential.

Some potential health concerns that can affect Berger Picards include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and bloat (gastric torsion). These conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Berger Picards:

Berger Picards are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help ensure the overall well-being of a Berger Picard.

They have a wiry, double coat that needs regular attention to prevent matting and maintain its health. Brush their coat at least once a week and bathe them when necessary, with occasional professional grooming sessions.

These active dogs demand sufficient exercise, ideally around 30 minutes daily, which can involve activities such as walks, runs, fetching games, or visits to a dog park. Training is essential due to their intelligence, but their stubborn streak necessitates early and consistent efforts.

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To keep your Berger Picard healthy, make sure to:

By following these simple care tips, you can help your Berger Picard live a happy and healthy life.

The Berger Picard's coat is a beautiful thing, but it does require some regular attention to stay healthy and looking its best. Brush their coat at least once a week to prevent matting and keep it in good condition.

Their waterproof double coats are a great asset, as they shed lightly and don't have a strong dog smell. You can get away with just a monthly combing and brushing, and a wipe-down when they get dirty.

Keep their ears clean by checking them at least weekly for wax buildup, dirt, and other abnormalities. Regular dental care is also essential, including at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings.

You'll need to brush their coat more frequently during spring and fall when they blow their coats, ideally with an undercoat rake several times per week to reduce shedding. This will help keep them looking and feeling their best.

Berger Picards don't need trimming, as this can damage the coat's texture, so you can just let it grow naturally. However, you'll still need to brush it a few times a month to remove loose fur and dirt.

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To keep your Berger Picard fit and trim, portion out their food with a measuring cup and limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories.

Fresh water should always be available for your dog.

Feed your Berger Picard a quality, nutritionally balanced diet, typically via two measured meals per day.

Run both the type of food and the amount by your vet to ensure that you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs.

If your Berger Picard lives a very active lifestyle, its nutrition needs might be higher.