The Beauceron – Your Ultimate Breed Information Guide

Have you ever heard of the Beauceron?

The Beauceron is an ancient dog breed that is believed to have originated in France. While his exact history is somewhat shrouded in mystique, we do know that the Beauceron likely dates as far back as the Middle Ages. Bred specifically for the herding and guarding of livestock like sheep, the Beauceron dog is a rare, intelligent breed worth learning about.

If you’re curious about the Beauceron dog or if you’re considering investing in this particular purebred, you’ve come to the right place.

Join us today as we learn more about this unique purebred and why he may or may not be the right dog for you.

Introducing the Beauceron – A Brief Breed Overview

The Beauceron is a highly intelligent working dog.

Height: 25 to 18 Inches Tall

Weight: 65 to 85 Pounds

Health Issues: Osteochondritis Dissecans, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Allergies, and Bloat

Lifespan: 10 to 12 Years

Temperament: Intelligent, Protective, Devoted, Affectionate, Work-Oriented, Energetic

Best Suited For: Experienced Dog Owners

Beauceron Breed Overview:

The Beauceron is a French sheep dog known for his intelligence, strength, and dense, double-layered coat. An incredibly talented guard dog and herding dog, the Beauceron is famous for his devotion to his family and home.

This independent and protective canine tends to be aloof with strangers, but when well trained and socialized he can do well in family settings and can get along with other dogs and pets.

The Beauceron was originally developed in France to be an all purpose sheep dog capable of guarding flocks as well as locating, chasing and driving the sheep to where they were needed for his master.

The Beauceron dog breed is an ancient breed, and was officially recognized as a purebred dog at the end of the 19th century. It is believed that the Beauceron dog was created by crossing French herding dogs with German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and other large game dogs.

Although the Beauceron dog was recognized as a breed in the 19th century, it wasn’t until the 20th century that it was recognized in its current form.

During this time, some cross-breeding with German Shepherds and Rottweilers took place for the specific purpose of building this dog’s size and strength.

In 1929, the Beauceron breed was officially established and has since then been considered one of the most talented shepherd dogs in the world.

Are you considering investing in a Beauceron dog? Let’s take a look at what you might expect with this incredible and work-oriented purebred.

The Beauceron Temperament and Personality Traits

Beauceron dogs are very devoted to their family.

The Beauceron temperament and personality traits make for an excellent addition to experienced dog owners or families who understand the specific and unique needs of working breeds.

This is a breed that requires the dual experience of both indoor and outdoor activities and enjoys being with his family as much as he enjoys having a job to do. The Beauceron is known to live longer than many other breeds of his same stature and continues to stay healthy and agile well into old age. This makes him a great investment for working owners or families who are weary of the fact that larger breed dogs tend to age more quickly.

The Beauceron temperament and personality traits include intelligence, alertness, watchfulness, trainability, courage, boldness around strangers, and friendliness with children. These temperament and personality traits can make this dog breed a joy to live with.

Of course, it’s important not to jump into a decision before learning more about the basic needs of a dog like the Beauceron, especially considering he is so work oriented.

Along with these wonderful, family-oriented traits, potential owners should also consider that the Beauceron is an active, alert, and even territorial dog.

This is a breed that is incredibly intelligent and will be happiest with a job to do. And while he is gentle and playful with youngsters, he should be trained early and properly socialized to ensure he grows up healthy, happy, and well rounded.

While the Beauceron can do well in family settings, he is generally better suited for working environments. This is perhaps one of the reasons the Beauceron dog is considered a rare dog when it comes to the general public.

Beauceron dogs are excellent at herding and cart pulling, and they are wonderful companions for owners who would be interested in entering them into competitive sports such as agility and obedience.

The Beauceron has been described by many as having an easy going temperament and being able to participate in just about any event or sport that requires athleticism, independence, and concentration. This is no surprise, considering this dog loves to have a job to do.

Still, without a job to do or in a home where he is left to become bored, the Beauceron can develop serious behavioral issues like depression, anxiety, stress, and even aggressive tendencies.

We should also note here that the Beauceron temperament is one of independence and aloofness. He may be suspicious of strangers, which takes time to dispel, but once he realizes you are not a threat or a rival, he is affectionate and loyal.

The Beauceron also makes an affectionate companion dog, though he doesn’t feel the need to have constant human companionship. He can also make a good watchdog and will alert his family when there is something amiss such as unidentified cars coming and going at night or unfamiliar people lurking around the neighborhood.

The Beauceron And The Importance Of Early Training And Socialization

Like all dogs, the Beauceron requires routine socialization and training at an early age.

The Beauceron is a highly intelligent, independent and free roaming dog that was originally used in Northern France to guard flocks of sheep against wolves, bears, and other large predators.

In fact, this is a dog that has been bred for hundreds of years for loyalty, intelligence, endurance and strength.

Without proper guidance and training, these wonderful qualities can turn instead to problematic behaviors, which is one of many reasons the Beauceron dog should have proper training and socialization beginning at an early age.

When you are training your Beauceron, we recommend you avoid using punishment or aversive training techniques like fear, punishment, or scolding. Instead, use positive reinforcement training that utilizes treats, praise, and patience.

Positive reinforcement dog training is a much more effective way of training a dog or puppy. This method is believed to work so well because it uses a variety of behavior modification tools and strategies combined with patience, to create an environment for training that’s enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.

While there are many dog training techniques and methods, most experts agree that the best dog training technique involves positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement actually teaches your dog an association between a behavior and a specific reward. The goal with positive reinforcement training is to reward desirable behavior while not punishing undesirable behaviors.

It also allows your dog to make decisions and to learn to problem solve, which can be even more beneficial and impactful for an intelligent and work-oriented dog like the Beauceron.

Training treats are an essential part of any positive reinforcement dog training program. There are a wide range of choices, but some are better than others. When looking for quality training treats for your Beauceron, we recommend looking for training treats that are high quality and considered high value for your dog.

Choose treats that are made with quality ingredients and that are small, smelly, and highly palatable.

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Some of our favorite training treats for dogs of all breeds and ages are Zuke’s Mini Naturals dog training treats. These treats are free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and they are made with natural, high quality ingredients like real beef and cherries.

They are also low in calories, making them a guilt-free option when free feeding or rapid feeding during training sessions.

You can also use these treats, or any high-value training treat, for that matter, to help with the socialization of your Beauceron.

Proper socialization is an essential part of raising a happy and well rounded Beauceron dog. Remember, this dog breed has a tendency to become territorial and protective, and it is therefore crucial that he is socialized at an early age, preferably during puppyhood.

Socialization occurs when dogs are exposed to different people, places, and things. This exposure helps the dog to better understand its environment and teaches them how to behave properly within it.

The Beauceron is naturally a great guardian and family dog, but without socialization these instincts can lead to fear and even fear-based aggression.

We should note here that while new experiences are very important for your Beauceron, it’s also important not to force your dog into a situation that he is clearly frightened of.

Instead, use training treats or positive reinforcement techniques to gently encourage your dog to explore the world around him and to learn that his environment is safe.

What Are The Exercise And Mental Stimulation Needs Of A Beauceron Dog?

Beauceron dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

The Beauceron dog is not the breed for everyone, and it’s important you keep this in mind when looking into investing in this unique purebred.

These dogs look great on paper, especially considering they are highly intelligent, eager to please, and gentle with children.

However, this intelligence can also make them somewhat stubborn and independent, and it will take a lot of patience to train this type of dog and keep this dog happy.

Caring for your Beauceron is important and it’s a responsibility you should take seriously. Beaucerons are highly energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and even then, they can barely contain themselves.

If you have a Beauceron and you don’t give it a healthy amount of exercise, the consequences can be disastrous. It’s also important to pay attention to your Beauceron’s mental state when exercising them so that they don’t become over-stressed or aggravated.

This is where proper exercise and routine mental stimulation will come into play.

For the most part, Beauceron dogs thrive in environments and homes with lots of land. However, they can have their needs met with a very active owner that has a large, securely fenced yard where their dog can romp freely. Owners should also be prepared to offer their Beauceron routine exercise of at least two hours each and every day.

It’s also essential to invest in the right walking equipment when you’re out and about with your Beauceron. Though these dogs are highly trainable, when they are younger they can be prone to pulling on the leash.

We recommend avoiding using prong collars or choke chains and instead investing in no-pull harnesses and equipment that are not only safer for your Beauceron, but also more effective.

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The PetSafe No-Pull Harness allows for you to have better control of your dog during walks without choking, gagging or coughing.

A no-pull harness does not put pressure on your dog’s chest or throat, and therefore does not tap into your dog’s natural instinct to pull. These types of harnesses also work to redirect your dog gently if he does pull ahead, teaching him as you go the proper ways to walk with you.

Along with routine exercise and investing in the proper walking equipment, it’s also important to consider mental stimulation for your Beauceron.

Beaucerons are not only very active, but they are also one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. They need lots of physical as well as mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

As a working breed, the Beauceron is going to need a higher level of mental stimulation than many other types of dog breeds or mixes. Having a job to do will help keep your dog happy, and participating in chores is also going to be good for your dog’s physical health as well.

In order to keep this smart, energetic breed healthy, happy, and mentally stimulated, you should have training sessions with them daily. When working dog breeds like the Beauceron become bored, they tend to cause trouble around the house.

Providing proper mental stimulation to your Beauceron can also help build a strong bond between you and your dog. Of course, this type of mental stimulation does take a large investment of time.

There are many other ways you can go about providing your dog with quality forms of mental stimulation, including investing in quality puzzle toys like the one listed below.

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The Nina Ottosson Dog Twister Level 3 puzzle dog toy is specifically designed for advanced levels of problem-solving play that challenge your dog with learning and problem solving.

This is one of the most advanced level dog puzzle toys available to help challenge intelligent dogs and keep them busy. The toy works using five different levels that your dog can maneuver by simply sliding, pulling, and locking the blocks in place.

This type of puzzle toy not only helps to keep your Beauceron mentally stimulated, but it can also help to combat problems like boredom, stress, anxiety and depression in your dog.

How To Properly Groom A Beauceron Dog

Beaucerons are particular about their cleanliness and do not need bathing too often.

If you are considering becoming a beauceron Dog owner, grooming your dog is very important.

Since these dogs are very large, they can be a bit more difficult to groom. The good news is that Beauceron dogs are naturally fastidious in their grooming habits and stay relatively well groomed on their own.

Still, the Beauceron dog’s coat does require a fair amount of maintenance. It is a thick double-layered coat that sheds moderately year round, with the heaviest amount of shedding occurring during spring and fall.

For this reason, the Beauceron dog will need to be brushed routinely using a proper deshedding comb to help combat loose hair and remove mats and debris.

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If you’re looking for a good deshedding brush, we recommend the Furminator Deshedding tool above. This is a deshedder that is specifically developed by pet grooming experts who specialize in dog care.

The brush works by helping reduce shed fur by up to 95%. It also has a clean as you go feature that helps to remove hair from the teeth so you can continue to brush without any interruptions.

Along with routine brushing, your Beauceron will also need the occasional bath. Beauceron dogs’ coats are naturally resistant to dirt and water, this means that the Beauceron dog will only need a bath when he gets particularly dirty.

Still, bathing is one of the most important parts of grooming your Beauceron. Whether you take this care-taking task on your own or entrust it to a dog wash, it is important to do it properly, so it will do as little harm as possible to your pet’s skin.

Avoid using human shampoos and soaps on your dog, and be sure you use only quality products that are specified for canine use. Do not over-bathe your Beauceron, as this can actually harm his skin and coat in the long run.

Outside of his skin and coat, you should also pay special attention to your dog’s teeth.

Improper dog dental care could lead to many problems in your Beauceron that could be avoided by simply performing proper dental cleanings at home.

One of the easiest ways to keep your dog’s teeth healthy is to brush his teeth daily using a dog-safe toothbrush and a toothpaste specified for canine use.

Your Beauceron dog should also have his nails trimmed routinely and his ears should be kept clean and free of waxy buildup and debris to help reduce the chances of ear infection.

Does The Beauceron Have Any Unique Health Issues?

This is a relatively healthy, dog, though he can suffer from a few health issues.

Beauceron dogs are generally healthy purebreds, although they can suffer from a few genetic health issues just like any other dog.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Beauceron Dog?

One of the many reasons people are attracted to a Beauceron dog is because of their longevity. The average lifespan of a beauceron is 11 to 12 years, though they can live longer depending on their genetics and how they are raised.

However, it should also be noted that not all Beauceron dogs have a lifespan as long. You can help combat potential health issues in your Beauceron dog by maintaining healthy habits with our purebred and by having a good understanding of the potential health issues this dog can face.

The Average Health Issues Of A Beauceron Dog:

Beauceron dogs are known to suffer from a few unique health issues including but not limited to:

• Osteochondritis
• Dissecans
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Hip Dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Allergies
• And Bloat

If you’re looking for ways to combat health issues in your Beauceron, you should consider that the diet of your dog is the basis for his health.

What he eats will affect how he grows, how he ages, and even which diseases he could develop. When it comes to feeding a large breed of dog like the Beauceron, you should know that these groups of dogs need different amounts of food. This means that you will have to choose a diet for your dog carefully!

But with so many dog foods to choose from, how do you know which is the best diet for your Beauceron? We have listed one of our top recommendations below.

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Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Adult Dog Food is a dry dog food formulated for highly active and working dogs. It is a nutrient-rich dog food that provides the energy these types of dogs need in order to thrive.

It contains 32% protein, and is a grain-free option for dogs who might struggle with allergies, like the Beauceron. It also includes a wide range of fruits and vegetables that provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals your dog needs in order to stay healthy.

Along with a proper diet, we should also note that keeping up with routine vet visits are an important part of keeping your dog living his best life.

By getting your dog in to see your veterinarian on a regular basis, you can keep track of your dog’s overall health as it naturally changes and even catch developing problems early on that could harm your dog or cost you a lot of time and money to treat.

Experts recommend that your Beauceron dog visits the veterinarian at least once a year up until the age of seven, at which point he should visit the vet twice annually.

Are You The Ideal Owner Of A Beauceron?

Beauceron dogs are intelligent and affectionate, but they are not right for everyone.

When you are searching for any type of dog breed or mix, it’s wise to consider a few different factors that will determine if that particular dog is the right dog for you.

The Beauceron dog is certainly no exception.

Overall, the Beauceron dog is an active breed that will require long walks, time to run and play, and a job to do. The Beauceron is also an intelligent breed that needs something to focus on or else he could become destructive.

If you are looking to invest in a Beauceron dog, be sure you go through the right sources to find your puppy or rescue dog.

The term “responsible dog breeder” gets tossed around a lot in the dog world, but not everyone has a clear understanding of what it means. Remember that responsible dog breeders follow a strict code of ethics to ensure their dogs are health screened and bred under the best conditions.

Dogs that come from quality breeders are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.

Avoid buying a Beauceron dog from backyard breeders, online sellers, or those promising a dog for much more or much less than you know the dog breed to be worth.

On average, a Beauceron puppy costs between $1,200 to $1,500.

If you are wondering how to find a Beauceron dog at a rescue, or if you want to adopt a dog, it is important to find the right shelter or resource as well. There are many shelters that specialize in the specific Beauceron breed, and it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to find the dog of your dreams at a fraction of the cost of going through a breeder so long as you take time to do your research.

So, are you the right dog owner for a Beauceron? Share your thoughts with us below in the comment section!