Beauceron

The Beauceron is a large dog that weighs between 75-110 lbs. Their height ranges between 24" to 27 ½". Loyal, protective and territorial, the Beauceron makes an excellent watchdog that will ward off any intruders or those that they perceive as a threat to their family and home.

Its standard colouring is black and tan (referred to in French as "rouge ecureil", squirrel-red) or tan and grey (harlequin). Other colours, such as the once prevalent tawny, grey or grey/black, are now banned by the breed standard. The outer coat is harsh while the undercoat is soft and silky. It comes in black with distinct tan markings and in a less common harlequin coat with patches of gray, black and tan. The harlequin coats should have more black than gray with no white. In the black and tan dogs the tan markings appear in two dots above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, fading off to the cheeks, but do not reach the underside of the ears. Also on the throat,, under the tail and on the legs and the chest. Tan markings on the chest should appear as two spots but a chest plate is acceptable.

Although most breeds may or may not have dewclaws (many owners of other breeds remove dewclaws, especially if the dog is used for field and hunting), an important feature of the Beauceron is the double dewclaw. A beauceron must have double dewclaws, which form well separated “thumbs” with nails on each rear leg, anything less will result in disqualification. 

Although the Beauceron is not currently recognized by the AKC, an application for recognition has been filed. Acceptable colors for Beaucerons include black and tan or tri-color (black, tan and grey). They are double coated with a medium length, dense, coarse and straight outer coat and a dense undercoat. Their coat is easy to care for and requires minimal grooming.

This large, energetic dog is extremely protective of family and territory. They can be aggressive with animals they don't know or strangers. However, when raised with other dogs, pets and children from puppyhood they can do well. Because of their size, they are recommended for older, well behaved children. When taken outside, they should be in a secured yard. They can be calm with their family, but are an overall energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise, play and time to run. Early training is recommended as they can have a stubborn streak. Once trained, they will follow their master's commands. With a strong herding instinct, they have a tendency to herd family and other pets. They like to be with family.

Dating back to 16th century France, the Beauceron was bred to herd sheep. They are also known as Berger de Beuce and Bas Rouge (Red Stocking) for the markings on their legs. They were used during WWI and WWII to detect land mines and find the wounded. Their high trainability makes them excellent at this job as well as in police work. The Beauceron has a natural guarding instinct and has also traditionally been used as a guard dog and watchdog.

With such a high instinct to protect their home and family, the Beauceron makes an excellent guard dog. Homes that can appreciate their loyalty and protective drive are essential. They are also very energetic and work well with families that enjoy outside activity.