Beaucerons: Appearance, Lifespan, Health Issues, Diet & More
The Beauceron is a smart, spirited, and powerful breed. Think of a Border Coolie, but in a 100-pound body. They make great companions and are wonderful protectors.
According to the American Beauceron Club, they were bred to assist farmers in herding and protecting their sheep in central France. However, these dogs are skilled and can do a lot more than that. They also served as military dogs during World War I.
They have a commanding presence and get their name from the La Beauce region. Also, they are popularly known as Bas Rouge because of the rich red markings they have on their coat.
Beauceron: History & Origin
If you take a look at their history, it can be traced back to the Beauce, France. They gained popularity as a huarding and herding breed in the northern part of the country.
They are the founding breed of the Doberman Pinscher and are closely related to the Briard. A Beauceron is the largest among all French sheepdogs.
However, in 1893, Paul Megnin, a veterinarian, distinguished between a Briard and a Berger de Beauce, also known as a Beauceron. In 1922, the Club des Amis du Beauceron was formed.
But the UK breed club was formed in 2009, and it was not until July 2014 that they made their place in the Import Register and were formally recognized by the UK Kennel Club as a Pastoral Breed and by the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group in 2007.
They served in World War I in multiple posts, including carrying supplies and messages, detecting land mines, and, of course, guarding. But they gained popularity outside France after World War II.
Breed Overview
If you are an adventure lover, a Beauceron dog will be a perfect addition to your life. They are energetic, smart, affectionate, and gentle, considering they were once bred for hunting, herding, and guarding. Here is everything you need to know about them.
1. Appearance, Size & Weight
A Beauceron is what can be described as tall, dark, and handsome. They have expressive, alert eyes and have a quick mind.
They are a powerful, muscular breed that might intimidate others with their weight and height. On average, they have a height of 24 to 27.5 inches, and their weight ranges from 70 to 110 pounds.
They have a dark coat with red or tan highlights. They have double dewclaws on their hind legs. Is a Beauceron a Doberman? No, but they are often mistaken for one. They have dark, oval, expressive eyes.
Additionally, they are double-coated, featuring a medium-length outer coat over an undercoat. They have a slightly fringed tail that forms the shape of J.
2. Temperament
Are Beaucerons aggressive? They might look intimidating, but they are not aggressive. They might run up to people, but that does not mean they want to attack them. This is because they want to greet them enthusiastically. They can be funny as well.
You can even train them to be effective guard dogs. It is easy to train them because of their intelligence. However, they can get anxious and stressed if they do not get enough mental stimulation.
But what about Beauceron personality? They are courageous, bold, and fast learners and make good working dogs as well as family dogs. They do not like to be left alone for a long time and does well when given a task.
Also, they are large in size and have a high level of energy. This is why this breed is not recommended for first-time pet parents. But if you are a seasoned one and have experience with training dogs, you can get one of these, and you will get a loyal companion.
3. Lifespan & Health Issues
What is the lifespan of a Beauceron? They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. They are a healthy breed, but you need to take good care of them to give them a good life.
It is possible for all dog breeds to develop a health condition, but breeders need to take care to maintain the breed standards as per the established kennel clubs, like the American Kennel Club.
Some health problems that Beaucerons can get from their bloodline are:
- DCM or dilated cardiomyopathy: This happens when the heart chambers are enlarged or dilated. It is best to consult a doctor and follow their line of treatment.
- Hip dysplasia: This happens when there is an abnormal development in the hip joints and causes them difficulty in moving around, along with pain.
- Bloating: This is also known as gastric dilation-volvulus and is an emergency. There is a risk of their stomach twisting, cutting off the blood supply, and it can even turn out to be fatal.
4. Exercise & Training
If you want to keep your Beauceron healthy and happy, you will have to keep them engaged in a lot of activities and exercises. They need atleast two to three hours of exercise regularly, including walks, hiking, cycling, and other activities.
They are best suited to a physically active owner. Moreover, they can get irritated and destructive when they are bored. Also, get them a lot of chew toys, as they really enjoy mouthing things.
Are Beaucerons easy to train? As far as training is concerned, they are intelligent and work with their independent thinking dog. You can train them and use them in obedience competitions and dog sports as well.
They are work-driven and work well when you put them to work or give them an order. Moreover, it is best to socialize them from a very young age and expose them to different situations, so they are not aggressive or shy.
5. Socialization
A Beauceron loves to spend time with their pet parents. They love going on outings and adventures with their parents. They love to be a part of the action. It is best to get them in a large home with a yard, where they will be able to play, run, and use their energy.
However, they can manage well in small apartments as well. You have to take them out for walks and get them enough exercise in that case. Also, if you have a household with kids, you need not worry. They gel well with kids.
Do Beaucerons get along with other pets? Yes, they do. However, you socialize them from the beginning with other puppies. Also, you will have to keep an eye on them for safety reasons. They have their hearing instincts in them and may try to herd other pets and kids.
Also, it is best not to have cats around them. They have a strong prey drive, and it might not end well for the cat.
6. Nutritional Requirements
It is best to give Beauceron puppies large-breed puppy formula till they are one year old. Then you can transition them to a large-breed adult formula. You can give them a senior diet when they have reached six to seven years of age.
You need to give them multiple meals a day to prevent bloating. Or, it is best to consult a veterinarian and get a diet chart from them. The amount you give them depends on their size, age, activity, and various other factors.
They are prone to bloating and gastric dilation if they don’t chew their food properly or eat too fast. This can be fatal to them. Monitor their weight and consult with a vet about their nutritional needs. This will prevent them from getting overweight and reduce health risks.
7. Grooming & Care
This dog breed has a double coat, but needs minimal grooming. You can brush them regularly and bathe them once every three to four months.
Do Beaucerons shed a lot? They shed the most during fall and spring, but very little during the rest of the year. However, ensure that you trim their nails once every month to prevent splitting and to keep them tidy.
Make sure you take care of the hind double dewclaws. Take care of their oral hygiene as well. Brush their teeth atleast twice every week. Keep a check on their ears and clean them during their weekly grooming session, and look for any signs of ear infection.
Are Beaucerons expensive?
Yes, Beaucerons are quite expensive. If you are looking for a purebred one, its cost will range from $1,200 to $1,500, approximately. The price can increase significantly.
Their large size, specific care requirements, and working dog heritage further contribute to their long-term expenses.
How much are Beauceron puppies? Beauceron puppies from a reputable breeder can cost around $1,200 to $3,500. The price varies depending on the location and the breeder’s quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
When discussing the Beaucerons, these are some of the common questions people ask.
This is an ancient breed, but the exact breeds that were created to make this one are unknown. Although they were once linked to the long-haired Briard, this assumption was later dismissed.
They are a purebred dog, even though they are often mistaken for a mixed breed like a Rottweiler or German Shepherd because of their similarities in appearance and colour.
Yes, they are a relatively rare breed, especially outside of France. They are gaining popularity outside of France, but they are still rare.
No, there is not much of a size difference between the two. They are similar in size, but Beaucerons are heavier and muscular than Dobermans because of their thick double coat, whereas Dobermans are leaner.
Beaucerons have cropped ears because of tradition, working purposes that are related to their history as guard and herding dogs. This prevents injury from predators and improves their ability to hear commands or threats.
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