How big do Berger Picard dogs get?

What does a Berger Picard dog look like?

The Berger Picard is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog, slightly longer than tall. The natural tail normally reaches to the hock and is carried with a slight J-curve at the tip. The coat is harsh and crisp to the touch, and about 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) long all over the body.

What kind of health problems do Berger Picard dogs have?

Most purebred dogs are prone to developing certain hereditary conditions. A few known health concerns in the Berger Picard include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, a degenerative eye disease) and some other eye diseases.

Is the Berger Picard the oldest breed of sheepdog?

The Berger Picard is an ancient breed that has existed in the Picardy region in northern France since the Middle Ages. Some people believe the Berger Picard is the oldest of the French sheepdogs. The Berger Picard is possibly related to two other French herding breeds: the Briard and the Beauceron.

Can a Berger Picard dog live in an apartment?

And due to their rarity, it can be difficult to find a breeder. The Berger Picard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is not important how big the yard is, as long as the dog gets enough exercise during the day.

What kind of coat does a Picard Sheepdog have?

Coat Color: Fawn (tan) or brindle (light or dark base coat color with contrasting stripes) The Berger Picard is an ancient breed that has existed in the Picardy region in northern France since the Middle Ages. Some people believe the Berger Picard is the oldest of the French sheepdogs.

How can you tell a Berger Picard from a male?

About the Berger Picard. You can spot a Berger Picard a mile away thanks to his erect ears standing 4 to 5 inches high, a wavy fawn or brindle coat, and a strong tail that tapers to a distinctive J-hook. Males stand as high as 26 inches, and females as low as 21 inches.

What is a Berger Picard sheep?

The Berger Picard is an ancient breed developed by the farmers and sheep herders of the Picardy region of northern France. They are medium-sized, sturdily built & well-muscled without being bulky, slightly longer than tall, with distinctive erect natural ears, wiry coat of moderate length, and a tail reaching to the hock and ending in a J-hook.

What kind of dog is Berger Picard?

The Berger Picard is a herder with a heart of gold and true intellect. These smart dogs are loyal and athletic companions. Easily recognized by their erect ears, this well-built dog excels in canine sports and all activities that challenge him mentally and physically.

What kind of dog is the Berger Picard?

Bred centuries ago to herd sheep on farms and in the fields, the Berger Picard is an active, medium-sized breed that belongs to the herding group. While North American moviegoers saw these smart, scruffy-looking dogs in the film, “Because of Winn Dixie,” the Picards are hard to find in the U.S. and attract attention when they make an appearance.

What kind of history does a Berger have?

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND. Berger is French for “shepherd” and Picardy is the region in northern France where these dogs originated. The breed’s ancestors were sheep herding dogs who were brought to northern France and the Pas de Calais during the second Celtic invasion of Gaul around 400 B.C.

What is the average lifespan of a Berger Picard?

The Picard, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years, is prone to eye disorders including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which is similar to macular degeneration in humans, according to the Berger Picard Club of America. Owners should make sure to schedule the dogs for an eye examination.

When did the first Picardy Shepherd come out?

Although they are referred to as Picardy Shepherds, there is not enough evidence to conclude that they existed only in the Picardy region at that time. A Picard appeared at the first dog show in France in 1863 and competed in categories with other breeds.

What kind of dog is a Berger Picard?

The Berger Picard is an ancient breed that has existed in the Picardy region in northern France since the Middle Ages. Some people believe the Berger Picard is the oldest of the French sheepdogs.

Is a Picard a smart dog?

Picards are intelligent dogs who learn quickly, but they can be stubborn. They tend to be sensitive to harsh communication, so positive reinforcement training is recommended. Picards also need to be trained and socialized; otherwise they may be cautious and unfriendly to strangers.

How do you take care of a Berger Picard?

Moderate Maintenance: The Berger Picard is a low maintenance dog. The rough, tousled coat can mat if not brushed on a regular basis (once every other week) but the coat does not require special care to yield its rustic appearance. Bathing is rarely done. Their fur should never be trimmed except possibly hand-stripping the ears.

Are Picards good with cows?

The breed also has a well-developed sense of humor, making them an endearing companion, and they continue to be used very effectively as both sheep and cattle herder in their native land and elsewhere. Like many herding breeds, Picards require human companionship and lots of it.

What are the characteristics of a Berger Picard?

The Berger Picard should be evaluated as a working sheep-herding dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work. The Berger Picard’s attributes include a lively, intelligent personality and a sensitive and assertive disposition that responds quickly to obedience training.

What are the characteristics of a Berger Picard dog?

Key Characteristics Height: 21.5–25.5 inches The Berger Picard (Picard or Picardy Shepherd) is a rare and ancient breed from the Picardy region of northern France. These medium-sized dogs have large ears that naturally stand high and curved, low-hanging tails.

What kind of coat does a short coated dog have?

Owners of dogs with long coats, but who don’t show their dogs, often opt to crop the fur short into a puppy cut for ease of care. Short coated dog breeds are generally smooth coated. Their fur is naturally short, lays close to the body, and is often glossy.

How much does a Berger Picard puppy cost?

Being among the rarest domesticated dog breeds in the world, a Berger Picard puppy will range in cost anywhere from $2,000-$2,500! And due to their rarity, it can be difficult to find a breeder.

What is the average height of a Berger Picard?

Height: 21.5–25.5 inches The Berger Picard (Picard or Picardy Shepherd) is a rare and ancient breed from the Picardy region of northern France. These medium-sized dogs have large ears that naturally stand high and curved, low-hanging tails.

What is a Picardy Sheepdog?

The Picardy Sheepdog, aka Berger Picard, is a rare French pastoral breed, long used to herd and protect flocks of sheep in northern France and other parts of Europe. An engaging and intelligent character, it is very devoted to its people, and is often considered one of the “velcro” breeds, almost glued to its owners throughout the day.