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BeauceronJanell Munsch and Debbie Skinner
Size: 26" - 29" tall (shoulder) |
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BeauceronJanell Munsch and Debbie Skinner
Size: 26" - 29" tall (shoulder) |
The Beauceron is a distinctly French breed of herding dog. Though almost unknown outside of France, the Beauceron has a long history. It is a very old breed developed solely in France with no foreign crosses. The Beauceron is a dog of the Lupoid type. The earliest record found so far of what is thought to be this breed dates back to a renaissance manuscript of 1578. In 1809, the abbey Rozier reported plain dogs guarding flocks and herds. In 1863, Pierre Megnin differentiated with precision two types of these sheepdogs: one with a long coat, which became known as the Berger de Brie, the other with a short coat, now known as the Berger de Beauce, or Beauceron.Like other sheepdog breeds, the Beauceron is easily trained to assume tasks other than the care of flock or herd. These dogs are used by the French Police and Army in much the same manner as German Shepherds are used in North America. The calmness of the breed, and its ability to follow commands without hesitation has been well illustrated during both major wars in Europe.
"The personality of a rustic gentleman" that the great Collette ascribed to the Beauceron still exists; however, the Beauceron has been adapted to various environments that our century offers. As a companion dog integrated into the family, it refines its manners and humors. As a watchdog guarding private property, businesses and warehouses, it expresses all of its vigilance and discipline. With very little preparation, it will be a highly productive sport dog. Its love for its master illustrates perfectly the saying, "Like master, like dog".
The following information about the Beauceron's temperament has been directly translated from the French book, "Le chien de Berger de Beauc", written by Marice Luquet. It is the most comprehensive book written about the breed. Luquet says, "The Beauceron's intelligence is manifested in its good and rapid comprehension of its master's desires. Beaucerons are noted for their excellent memories and their ancestral instinct to guard all the persons and property of their home. Their principle qualities are obedience, vigilance, calmness, courage, hardiness and patience. They are without doubt one of the most intelligent of breeds."
Despite their forbidding appearance, Beaucerons are tolerant by nature and do well in family situations. They are gentle with children and older people. This is especially true of dogs which have grown up in these situations. It must be noted that they are a large breed and a three month old puppy can weigh 40lbs, which could prove overwhelming to a small child.
They tend to be one person dogs. In a family, they often will choose one person in particular as their master. This may not be the person you might intend. However, they are obedient dogs, and will obey commands from all members of the family if trained to do so. Beaucerons are sociable with other dogs they know, but they are territorial and will not tolerate an intruder. They get along well with cats if introduced at an early age.
Beaucerons require a strong master, not in the physical sense, but rather a disciplined person who can take the time and patience required to properly train such a dog. to do well.
The males can reach 70 centimeters at the shoulder. The average height is 67 centimeters, or 27.5 inches. They often weigh more than 100 lbs. The female is slightly smaller with more a more feminine look. Double dew claws are found on both hind legs. Ears are held high on the head. The official French FCI breed standard allows for the uncropped ear. In this case one-third of the ear must be held erect. However, the FCI Standard states if they are of equal quality, the dog with cropped ears will be preferred over that with uncropped ears. FrenchColors are much like those of the Dobermann Pincher; Black with rust stockings. Merle is also found with the mix being in the black. The eye color on the breed must always be dark brown, never lighter than dark hazel even if the accents are light tan.
The BEAUCERON CLUB OF AMERICA sponsors this rare breed in the United States by offering a Code of Ethics Registry, Manditory Breeding Guideline Requirements (Breed Survey & Hip Certifications), COE Breeders, Breed Educational Programs, Breed Rescue and Membership that includes a subscription to the BCA Newsletter.
Beauceron Club of America
P.O. Box 442
Aguanga, CA 92536.
http://www.prodogs.com/kcn/beauceron/home.htmThe BCA Breed Rescue
http://www.cheta.net/connect/canine/rescue/bcarescue.htmRon & Debbie Skinner
email: beauce1@pe.net
Les Ombres Valeureux Beaucerons & Malinois
http://www.pe.net/~beauce1/index.htmlJanelle Misty Munsch
email: malinois@gwtc.net
Croix du Amour Beaucerons & Malinois
http://www.gwtc.net/~malinois/malinois.html