Berger Picard
Breed Summary
The Berger Picard’s are medium-sized, sturdily built & well-muscled dog, slightly longer than tall with a tousled yet elegant appearance. Their ears are distinctive and naturally erect, eyebrows are thick, and a tail reaching to the hock and ending in a J-hook. They are well-known for their smile. Their movement is free and easy, efficient, and tireless to allow them to work all day on the farm and in the fields.
Country of Origin: France
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 144 of 196
AKC Classification: Herding Group
UKC Classification: Herding
Exercise Requirements: ˃40 minutes
Height: Female: 21.5-23.5 inches.; Male: 23.5-25.5 inches
Weight: Female: 50-70 lbs.; Male: 50-70 lbs
Physical traits: Medium-sized, Muscular, Long
Coat: Length: Long
Characteristics: Thick and tough, well-suited to inclement weather
Colors: Light fawn, dark fawn, gray, gray with black, blue-gray, gray red, and brindle.
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Personality traits/Temperament: Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant
Energy Level: Veru energetic
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: Moderate
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: Moderate
Health
Berger Picards are a healthy breed. Their life expectancy is 12 to 13 years. Hip and eye problems are the most common issues with this breed. Common eye problem includes progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, etc. Some dogs can develop itchy skin conditions where baths with a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner is recommended. Flea control is also essential. A responsible breeder will have hips certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or by PennHip with the results posted at the OFA database. Eyes will be certified for hereditary diseases through the OFA as well (previously through the Canine Eye Research Foundation) and results should also be published on the OFA database.
Nutrition
The Berger Picard should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared. Add a high-quality dog multivitamin to complete the nutritional circle. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). They are athletic, active canines, so be mindful that your dog is getting enough good nutrition to meet his needs. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so monitor your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Don’t give human foods that are not safe for them. Consult with your veterinarian for further advice.
Training
As with all breeds, early socialization and puppy training classes are a must for Berger Picard. Early training prevents the development of unpleasant habits. They have a stubborn streak, but they are very intelligent and eager to please, so training is usually fairly easy. They are more likely to respond to praise and affection than to food and are unlikely to respond to harsh training methods.
Exercise
The Berger Picard is very active and athletic, with plenty of stamina and drive. These active dogs require at least an hour of exercise every day. Use paw balm daily to protect their feet. Boredom can develop destructive behavior to them. They love to play and be active with you. They have plenty of endurance and love to go for long walks or hikes, but pretty much any activity will be fun for your Berger Picard. The Berger Picard can compete in agility trials, tracking, obedience, showmanship, Schutzhund, flyball, lure coursing, French ring sport, and herding events.
Fun Fact
Berger Picards can be seen in three current movies, “Because of Winn Dixie,” “Daniel and the Superdogs,” and “Are We Done Yet?”
References
1. American Kennel Club. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.akc.org/
2. Dog Breeds | Hill’s Pet. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/breeds
3. List of Dog Breeds | Petfinder. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/
4. All Dog Breeds - Complete List of Dog Profiles. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/profiles
5. Dog Breeds | Types of Dogs | Purina. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds
