Basic Things You Should Know About The Beauceron

The Beauceron (also known as the "Beauce Sheep Dog" or "Red Stocking") is a herding breed of dog. They feature a short black coat with tan or grey markings. The breed first appeared in the 1500s. They were originally bred for herding and guarding sheep. These days they are popular as a herding or companionship dog. They can be recognized by their high intelligence, courage and demand for challenges. They are thought to originate from France and are a descendant of shared ancestors with another French breed in the Briard.

They are classified as a medium to large sized dog. The recommended male size is 25.5-27.5 inches high with a weight of 65-110 pounds, while the female size is 24-26.5 inches high with a weight of 65-85 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be courageous and loyal. They are typically suspicious with strangers, and this makes them suitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be highly intelligent, and ranks quite highly compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are good with children, which can make them fairly suitable as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as other dogs and cats when socialized. Grooming them is a simple task. They need occasional brushing every week (more in the shedding season), and full grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. They enjoy having a large yard to run around in, but won't always be suitable for apartment life.

Like most medium to large sized breeds, they are primarily shorter-lived with a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Their most severe health concern is hip dysplasia, and they are also susceptible to bloat and PRA. They enjoy hobbies like herding, swimming, agility and games of fetch. They have a high level of energy, which means they need long (with varying routes) walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Beauceron you need to be prepared to meet their high demand for leadership, exercise and mental stimulation. They are less suitable for those with a less active lifestyle, but highly suitable for active owners or those with a job for them. One of the best things about this breed is that it has a courageous and loyal nature that means it can make a great option for defending the home and family.

If you want to learn more Beauceron information and other related topics take a look at this page.