Beauceron is the French sheepdog known for its bravery. They are aloof and intelligent and never back down from a threat.
If these are the traits you are looking for in your new guard dog, then this breed is the right one for you.
However, there are some problems, social traits, and training musts we have to go through before you say “yes” to a Beauceron.
Beauceron Breed Overview and Key Facts
Beauceron Size and Weight
Perfect Beauceron (according to the AKC standards) is a proportional, tall dog with a powerful and muscular body.
- Male Height: 25 to 27.5 inches
- Male Weight: 70 to 110 pounds
- Female Height: 24 to 26.5 inches
- Female Weight: 70 to 110 pounds
Females and males are usually the same weight. Males can be slightly heavier than females, but on the other hand, females can be longer than males.
In general, the size difference between a male and a female is not too obvious.
Both sexes are proportionate which means they are tall but not too heavy.
Coat Colors, Markings and Grooming Needs
Beaucerons are most recognizable in their black and tan coat color variation. Also, they have so-called ‘red stockings’ or tan coloration on their legs.
Other than black and tan, other colors that can be registered are:
- Gray black and tan
- Black and rust
- Harlequin
These are all standard breed colors. As for the black color, it should be dark black and very pure and the tan part should be “squirrel-red”. Tan markings are present on:
- All legs (paws and going upward – never more than one-third of the leg)
- Dots above the eyes
- Sides of the muzzle
- Fading off on the cheeks
- Under the tail
- On the chest (as a plate or dots)
Let’s get things straight – Beaucerons shed a lot. Not just during the shedding seasons but throughout the year. The good thing is that they don’t require much for proper grooming. All you need is a good Brush such as a Bamboo Hand Brush and daily brushing.
Beaucreons have a double short coat with the outer one being waterproof. You can use a hand glove for the daily removal of loose and dead hair.
I use a simple rubber hand glove for my pets. It is easy to use, easy to clean, and pets love it.
A fun fact about grooming a Beauceron is taking care of their double dewclaw on the rear legs. That is a breed’s trademark and all Baucerons have it. All you have to do is declaw it to avoid injuries.
Beauceron Temperament and Personality Traits
Generally speaking, Beaucerons go well with other dogs. They are not overly sociable and open to other dogs, but they aren’t too reserved either.
That goes to children as well. They are not aggressive but they do need a lot of socialization from a young age. It is very important to expose them to various situations during the day and night as well as to as many people as possible.
This will make sure they are not overreactive to strangers and that they learn early on how to behave around children.
Also, there have been some reports of same-sex aggression. That’s something to watch out for if you have another dog at home or you plan on bringing one.
Training and Socialization Tips for Beaucerons
If you plan on having a Beauceron it is very important to start the training and socialization when they are just puppies. Why? Because they are intelligent and naturally confident dogs that will easily become alpha dogs if you let them.
Beauceron is a very smart dog. The AKC compares them to Border Collies’s brain in a 100-pound body. So, yes, they are quite intelligent which makes them both desirable as guard dogs and quite a problem when it comes to training.
Expose them to as many different situations during the day and night for proper socialization. They also need leash training and obedience training. Now, don’t get disheartened by the amount of training it takes to have a calm and well-behaved Beaucreon.
Think of it as a precaution we take so that both the dog and others around him are safe. You don’t want a guard dog that will jump and attack anyone that passes by.
Keep in mind that they are not easily trained. Beauerons are smart and willful dogs and will try to outsmart you in any way possible. So you will have to keep it interesting and give them new tasks to keep them occupied and stimulated.
Exercise Requirements and Activity Levels
As with any active dog breed, no matter the size, a dog can be a happy dog in any environment and living quarters as long as they get their daily amount of exercise.
So, yes, you can have a Beauceron even if you live in an apartment downtown, but you will need to take your dog on daily walks and runarounds in the park.
These are active dogs and they need a lot of exercise. Also, it would be great if you could afford the time to go on hikes or longer walks in nature where they can run and explore freely.
How Much Should a Beauceron Eat?
Feeding your dog depends on the amount of exercise, age, and health. If you give your Beaucreon enough daily exercise and you tire them up, they will need more food. On the other hand, if you have an old Beacureon that can’t run as much as before, they won’t need the same amount of food as when they were young pups.
So, in general, an adult healthy Beauceron needs 2 and a half cups of kibble daily split into two meals. Preferably, one meal in the morning and the other one in the evening.
It is important not to let them eat too fast to avoid bloat.
Beauceron Health Issues and Lifespan Expectations
Just like any other dog breed, Beaucreons can have some health issues. The common issues are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems (progressive retinal atrophy)
- Heart problems (dilated cardiomyopathy)
- Bloat
All these problems except the bloat can be minimized or completely avoided through responsible breeding programs. They include regular health screening programs for all breeding dogs to avoid transferring these health issues to their offspring.
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Is a Beauceron Right for You? Owner Advice
It might sound like having a Beauceron is a handful. However, if you go properly through the training and socialization programs, you will be rewarded with one of the most loyal and loving guarding dogs.
Once socialized properly, they are gentle and faithful companions.
But, there are two more things to pay attention to:
- They need lots of exercise
- They bark
There is no shame in admitting a specific dog breed is too much at the moment. It is better to think through your decision because a dog is not just a toy or a tool you need for a while. They are our best friends and they need us their entire lives.
