Berger Picard
The French dog Berger Picard or Berger de Picardie is a herding and cattle dog with a long history and the breed has become famous thanks to several film appearances. The fluffy four-legged friend with the striking appearance has a strong character and is sometimes considered a little stubborn. But anyone who can build a good relationship with a Berger Picard will find a loyal friend for the whole family.
Content: Berger Picard
- profile
- Special features
- Nutrition
- Health and care
- Origin & History
- The right accessories
- Conclusion
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Berger Picard - Profile
- Character: Independent, intelligent, self-confident
- Size: Large
- Height: 55-65cm
- Weight: approx. 25-40 kg
- Life expectancy: 12-13 years
- Coat type: Medium length hair
- Color white
- FCI Group: Shepherd Dogs – Cattle Dogs
Berger Picard - Special characteristics
The Berger Picard is a dog with a strong character and a striking appearance. Its shaggy coat gives it a wild, but friendly and alert appearance. Its large, pointed ears stand upright and its dark eyes appear intelligent. The Berger Picard was originally a herding and sheepdog that guided and protected herds of animals. It is therefore naturally alert and reliable. It is also known as the French Shepherd Dog.
With a height of 55 to 65 cm at the withers and a weight of 23 to 32 kg, the Berger Picard is about the size of a German shepherd, but its coat is significantly longer. The shaggy, medium-length coat is robust and dense, often referred to as a goat's coat. It offers protection from various weather conditions and can be grey, fawn, grey-black or have a bluish sheen.
Although the Berger Picard can often be suspicious and aloof towards strangers, within his family he is a lovable four-legged friend and a sensitive and reliable protector, especially for children. He loves his people, but is not overly affectionate, rather he is independent.
The Berger Picard is an independent dog and can be perceived as stubborn. He often questions tasks and needs consistent training, which requires patience and perseverance. A dog school can help with training. If training is approached correctly, the Berger Picard will become a loyal and loving companion who can also shine in rescue and police operations.
Berger Picard - What should be considered regarding nutrition?
The Berger Picard is considered a healthy breed of dog with few intolerances. Due to their activity, they are not prone to obesity . Therefore, their diet does not require any special requirements, but should be balanced and contain all the important nutrients. A balanced diet with a high proportion of meat and vegetables, as well as omega fatty acids and a low proportion of grains is important.
The choice of food should also take into account the age, health and level of activity. Conventional wet or dry food as well as BARF or frozen food are suitable. Regular feeding with the same food is advisable, as too much variety is not good for most dogs.
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Berger Picard - Health and Care
Although the Berger Picard's coat is robust, it still requires regular care. It does not usually mat and can be easily brushed. Bathing should only take place every eight to ten weeks, as too frequent bathing with dog shampoo can affect the dog's skin flora.
In addition to grooming, the eyes, ears, teeth and claws also need to be cared for regularly. The claws are an indicator of sufficient exercise, as they normally wear down on their own if kept in a species-appropriate manner.
Although the Berger Picard is considered a healthy breed, a veterinarian should be visited regularly to discuss vaccinations and protective measures against parasites such as ticks or worms.
Berger Picard - Origin & History
The Berger Picard originates from the historical region of Picardy in the north of France. It is considered one of the oldest French dog breeds, but its exact origin is not certain. It is believed that it descends from Celtic dogs from the 9th century BC.
The first breeding attempts were made in the 19th century, but World War I halted these efforts. It was only after the war that the first breed standard was created and the breed became more widely known in France. However, the effects of World War II almost led to the extinction of the breed.
A man named Cotte saved the breed by searching for remaining Berger Picard dogs and continuing to breed them. Today, the Berger Picard is still a rare breed, but it has made friends outside of France and has even made appearances in movies.
Berger Picard - The right accessories
The basic equipment for keeping a Berger Picard includes a collar, harness, leash, food and water bowl, and a dog bed . If you drive a car, you will also need a dog transport box and a muzzle for train journeys. Invest in high-quality accessories, as they must withstand the elements and a strong dog.
In summer, the Berger Picard can easily be sheared to help him cope with the heat. A dog groomer or clippers can provide the right haircut. Toys are important to keep the dog occupied, and dog agility sports are particularly recommended.
Conclusion
The Berger Picard is a special dog with a unique character and striking appearance. It is well suited to active people with a large family and children. Training requires patience and experience, but with the right approach it will become a loyal and loving companion. Berger Picards are also successful in professional areas such as rescue and protection services.
