Physical and Temperamental Traits of the Beauceron
The origins of the Beauceron dog breed lie in the province of Beauceron, from which it precisely derives its name. This is an area south of Paris, and the first specimens seem to have appeared in the area between the 17th and 19th centuries. Remains found in some areas from the French Jura suggest that it is descended from a very ancient breed: the Peatlands dog; its ancestors are also thought to include the Great Dane.
Lovers of this dog breed also call him “bas rouge” meaning red socks, referring to the typical color of his paws. He was selected as a guard dog for sheep flocks, but when flocks became fewer and fewer, the need for herding dogs was always decreasing, nevertheless this dog was reinvented as a guard, protection and assistance dog.
In France it is also popular as a police dog. Like all herding dogs it needs a lot of exercise and also a purpose, namely a job. A sporting activity also strengthens its character and balance. It is one of the best known and appreciated breeds in France while it is not well known in the rest of the world.
Character of the Beauceron dog breed
The Beauceron dog is a perfect guardian that is affectionate and defends its owner. It does not have an aggressive temperament, but it is not afraid of anything and is very attentive to everything around it. He becomes attached to the whole family but tends to bond inextricably with only one member of the family.
He is a brave and balanced dog, also endowed with great responsibility and initiative. It does not bark much, only when necessary. He has a strong territorial instinct so he is wary of strangers, while within his human pack he is friendly, cheerful and even playful. It is not a dog suitable for apartment life, needing to run in open spaces, so its ideal is a house with a garden where it spends several hours a day.
He also lives well with other animals if habituated as a child, indeed he considers them part of his pack and if small to defend. It is not very easy to train a dog of this breed because it has a very strong temperament that requires a person of character as a guide, someone who has a firm pulse and consistency.
In fact, its trust has to be won, but once a good understanding is established with its human leader, it always obeys him without reservation. It is not suitable for elderly or sedentary people as it needs movement several times a day. It is not afraid of cold weather as its thick coat protects it, and it is not much afraid of heat either but needs plenty of water and shade to rest in very hot weather.
Appearance of the Beuce dog breed
The Beuce is large in size, the male reaching 70 centimeters at the withers and weighing about 50 kilograms, the female usually a little less. It is a solid, sturdy dog, well built and muscular without being heavy. It has a refined, though rustic appearance; it is also very agile with good reflexes.
The hind legs have a double crampon, distinctive to the breed, the chest is broad and the back is straight. The tail is long and attached low to form a kind of hook. The head is long but still proportionate to the body. Skull flat or slightly rounded, with little median groove. Stop slightly raised. Muzzle not arched.Ears are short and eyes are round and dark in color.
The coat can be found in two ways: either black with fiery red markings in the limbs and spots that are always fiery red above the eyes on the low sides of the muzzle, on the chest, at the throat and under the tail. Or the variety called harlequin which has the characteristic of having a three-color coat namely black, gray and fire. The coat coat is short with very fine, dense and wadded undercoat.
Care and health of the Beuce dog breed
The Beuce Dog is a sturdy, strong and healthy dog. But common to many large dog species it may have hip or elbow dysplasia, stomach dilation and torsion syndrome, and even progressive retinal atrophy.
It is not very long-lived; its life expectancy ranges from 10 to 12 years. As for coat care its coat simply needs some brushing especially during the shedding period. As for feeding, the Beuce needs to eat twice a day and the meal should be complete and balanced as it is a very lively dog and consumes a lot of energy throughout the day.
