BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
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Breed Registries:
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Note: The all-breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — At the August 2006 AKC Board Meeting, the Beauceron became eligible for AKC registration, effective March 1, 2007. Effective 27 June 2007, the breed became eligible for competition in the Herding Group. There will be an open registry for the breed until February 28, 2010. The Beauceron has been recorded in the AKC Foundation Stock Service since 1998.
** — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
France
Height:
Males: 25 1/2" to 27 1/2"; Females: 24 1/2" to 26 3/4"
Weight:
Males: up to 100 lbs; Females: from 80 to 90 lbs.
Breed Profile:
The official name of the breed is the "Berger de Beauce". He is also known as: the Beauce Sheep Dog, Red-Stocking, and Bas Rouge; however, he is most commonly referred to as the Beauceron.
The Beauceron is a French shepherd dog dating back to the 1500's. They were extensively used on farms in France as livestock herding and guard dogs, mostly with sheep but also with cattle. The military also used them in both world wars to run messages, detect mines, support commando action, find the wounded, and carry food and ammunition.
He is a large solid dog with a powerful and muscular build. His coat is short and thick and comes in either black and tan or harlequin (grey, black and tan). The standard for the breed allows for either cropped or uncropped ears. The tail is long and not cropped. One unique characteristic required by breed standards is the double dewclaws on the inside of the hind legs.
He is renowned for his excellent memory and instinct to guard all persons, property and animals in his home. He is always willing to work, fearless, obedient, calm, courageous, vigilant, and patient. He is sociable with other dogs that he knows but his territorial instincts may cause intolerance for strange dogs.
Today, the Beauceron is still widely used for herding and livestock protection. He is also used in competitive sports, such as Schutzhund and the French Ring Sport, which involves obedience, protection, searching, tracking and agility. The Beauceron is also being used by police forces throughout the world for apprehension of criminals, personal protection, narcotics detection, riot control, search and rescue, body recovery, and prison security. He is truly a very athletic and versatile breed.
Health Issues
Some of the health problems found in the Beauceron breed include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat — As with many large dogs, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Beauceron. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms — This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) - Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
If you are considering the adoption of a Beauceron puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- FCI-Standard No. 44 - Beauce Sheep Dog ("Beauceron", "Red-stocking") (Berger de Beauce)
- UKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- The Beauceron Pedigree Database
- Herding Dogs — The Herding Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
