Everything You Need to Know About Picardy Shepherd Puppies

The Picardy Shepherd is a rare breed, but its origins date back to the 19th century in France.

They were originally bred to herd sheep and protect their flocks from predators.

Their strong herding instinct remains a key characteristic of the breed.

Picardy Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build and a short, dense coat that sheds heavily.

They typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and stand between 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for active families.

Related reading: Picardy Spaniel Puppy

The Berger Picard, also known as the Picardy Shepherd, is a wonderful breed. Originating from France, this herding breed is known for its friendly and loyal nature.

If you're considering bringing a Picardy Shepherd puppy into your family, here are some essential facts to keep in mind:

With proper care and attention, a Picardy Shepherd can live up to 12-14 years. Regular training and socialization are key to developing a well-behaved and obedient companion.

Berger Picards are known to be good-natured and even-tempered, making them a great addition to any family.

Their independent problem-solving nature can sometimes be misinterpreted as stubbornness, but with consistent and patient training, this trait can be positively harnessed.

Berger Picards are loving and devoted companions that form deep bonds with their families, showing affection and devotion towards their owners.

They are highly intelligent and quick learners, eager to engage in training and mental challenges, making them a joy to work with.

Berger Picards are naturally protective of their loved ones, serving as excellent watchdogs due to their reserved and cautious nature around strangers.

With early socialization and proper training, Berger Picards make excellent family pets, appreciated for their unique blend of intelligence, loyalty, and independent spirit.

Berger Picards require a great deal of exercise, making them best suited to active families who can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need.

Berger Picards are generally a healthy breed, but 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.

Some potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and bloat, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

To keep your Berger Picard healthy, make sure to brush their coat at least once a week and bathe them when necessary.

Here are some common health concerns in Berger Picards:

Berger Picards require regular exercise, ideally around 30 minutes daily, and consistent training starting from a young age.

Berger Picards are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure their overall well-being.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can lead to hip joint problems and mobility issues, particularly in large breeds like Berger Picards. This is why responsible breeding practices are crucial to minimize the risk of inherited health conditions.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited condition that can lead to progressive vision loss and, eventually, blindness. If you're considering bringing a Berger Picard into your family, make sure to ask about the breeder's health testing and clearances.

Bloat, also known as Gastric Torsion, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This requires immediate veterinary attention, so it's essential to be aware of the symptoms and know what to do in case of an emergency.

Berger Picards can be prone to skin allergies and food sensitivities, which may require dietary management. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent or manage these conditions.

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

Regular ear cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent ear infections. By taking these precautions and staying on top of regular veterinary check-ups, you can help ensure your Berger Picard stays happy and healthy.

Berger Picards require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their coat's health, so brush their wiry, double coat at least once a week.

To keep your Berger Picard healthy, plan to spend around 30 minutes daily on exercise, which can include walks, runs, fetching games, or visits to a dog park.

Their intelligence demands consistent training, but be prepared for their stubborn streak.

Regular checkups and vaccinations are essential, and prompt vet visits ensure their continued well-being.

Berger Picards have fairly low-maintenance grooming needs, requiring only a monthly combing and brushing and an occasional wipe-down.

They shed lightly and don't have a doggie smell, making them a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance coat.

Brushing their coat at least once a week removes dead hair, and during spring and fall, brush them with an undercoat rake several times a week to reduce shedding.

Keep their ears clean and their nails trimmed to prevent any issues.

A regular dental care routine that includes at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings is also beneficial.

Their coat is not prone to matting, but expect periods of higher shedding in the spring and fall, during which you should brush at least a few times per week.

In general, you'll only need to bathe your Berger Picard when it gets dirty, but check their ears at least weekly for wax buildup, dirt, and other abnormalities.

Trim their nails roughly once a month, and aim to brush their teeth every day.

The Berger Picard is a medium-size dog with a lively, intelligent personality. They're known for their humanlike gaze and goofy grins, making them a great companion for kids.

In terms of size, Berger Picards typically stand between 21.5 to 25.5 inches tall, with females being slightly shorter than males. They weigh between 50 to 70 pounds, which is a comfortable size for most families.

Here are some key characteristics to consider when thinking about bringing a Berger Picard into your home:

The Berger Picard is a medium-size dog with a lively, intelligent personality. They have a prick-eared face and thick eyebrows that give them a unique look.

Their height ranges from 21.5 to 25.5 inches, with females being slightly shorter than males. They typically weigh between 50 to 70 pounds.

Berger Picards have a medium-length, wiry double coat that sheds lightly and doesn't have a strong dog smell. A monthly combing and brushing, along with an occasional wipe-down, is all the grooming they need.

They come in two main colors: fawn and brindle. Fawn dogs can be clear or have dark charcoal trim on their ears and heads, while brindle dogs have stripes of black, brown, red, grey, or fawn throughout their coats.

Here are some key characteristics of the Berger Picard breed:

Berger Picards are known for their energetic and athletic nature, making them a great companion for active families. However, they do need lots of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

The Berger Picard is a member of the Herding breed group. This group is known for its working dogs that help with herding livestock.

Herding dogs like the Berger Picard are highly intelligent and energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

On a similar theme: Black and White Herding Dog Breeds

The Berger Picard, also known as the Picardy Shepherd, has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years. This ancient breed originated in the Picardy region of northern France.

The Berger Picard's ancestors are thought to have existed in France since the Middle Ages, and it's believed to be one of the oldest herding dogs in the world, with origins dating back to the 9th century. Its ancestors were valued for their stamina and determination when herding livestock.

The Berger Picard's close relatives include other French herding dogs, such as the Briard and Beauceron. These dogs were entered in France's first dog show in 1863, where they were recognized as skilled herders.

For your interest: Black Herding Dog

Despite its long history, the Berger Picard faced near-extinction during both World War I and World War II. Fortunately, dedicated breed enthusiasts worked tirelessly to revive and preserve the breed's heritage.

It wasn't until 1925 that the Berger Picard was recognized as a distinct breed in France. And it wasn't until 2015 that the American Kennel Club first recognized the Berger Picard, giving it the recognition it deserved.

The Picardy Shepherd is a breed that thrives on human interaction, so it's no surprise that they make great family pets. They are naturally inclined to follow their owners and can become destructive if left alone for too long.

They require a lot of attention and exercise, which can be challenging for busy owners. This breed needs at least an hour of exercise and playtime per day.

Their strong herding instincts can be a benefit in a family with children, as they will naturally look out for and protect them. However, this also means they may not be the best fit for families with small pets, as they may view them as prey.

They are generally good with children if socialized properly from an early age. This is especially true if you have older children who can help with training and socialization.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, which is a plus for owners who don't want to spend a lot of time on dog grooming. However, they do shed heavily during shedding season, so be prepared for regular vacuuming.