Beauceron is a French sheepdog well-known for its bravery and loyalty. Although it is not a very popular dog breed as a family pet, it is still very much used in Europe as a guard dog for the farm and farm animals.

Beaucerons come in three types of colors, they are medium-large dogs, they are intelligent, hardworking, and very loyal to their family members, although not necessarily overly affectionate. This is all standard information on this breed…

But, did you know these 6 facts about them? 

1. Double Dewclaws 

One of the first things to recognize about a Beauceron is that they don’t have one but two sets of dewclaws on their hind legs. That is a must if you plan on registering your dog with an American Kennel Club (the AKC) or the Royal Kennel Club. 

The double dewclaws are an extra “thumb” on each rear leg. They are well-distinguished from the rest of the leg and they have a formed claw. It looks like an extra finger on a paw. You can see it in the picture below.

Of course, there are Beaucerons without the dewclaws and there’s nothing wrong with them. But, if you want to be a part of Kennel Clubs, your dog has to have it.

Some farmers remove these extra thumbs to avoid injuries on their working Beaucerons, especially if they are located in rural areas without easy access to help if something goes wrong.

2. World War I And II Hero

These dogs were on the front lines with their fellow human soldiers during WWI and WWII. The army used the Beaucerons because of their bravery, intelligence, and trainability. They were (and still are) muscular, fast, and capable of working for many hours a day.

Beauceron dogs worked as medics’ dogs, carrying necessary first-aid equipment or water to the injured far beyond the front lines. They were search and rescue dogs and faithful companions comforting people around them in those horrible times. They died with their humans and went cold, hungry, and miserable through the horrors on the front lines.

3. The 9/11 Rescue Hero

Their bravery continued after World War I and II. A Beauceron named O’Cara Bleue de St Sacrement (picture Number 1) or just Cara, was awarded a reward by the AKC called Heroic Service Reward – something rarely given. 

Cara was one of the dogs to look tirelessly with search and rescue teams and volunteers for people under the rubbles of a collapsed building after that horrifying event. She had a camera around her neck and she would venture through small openings to look for any survivors.

Her handler, Mike Forsythe, and his wife, Jody, are Canine Search Specialists for FEMA Florida Task Force II and Florida Special Response Team-A, Inc.

The same duo, Cara and Mike set the record of Highest man/dog parachute deployment in 2011 by jumping from 30,100 feet. Cara was wearing tactical body armor and had oxygen for the jump. (photo number 2)

4. Three Names

For a long time, people not too familiar with the breed and its standards thought Beauceron, the Berger de Beauce, and Bas Rouge were three different dogs. However, as you’ve guessed it – it’s the same dog breed.

The first name is what we all know this breed the best. But, the last two names are often used in France and neighboring countries. The most interesting name is Bas Rouge, which translates from French to English as “Red Stockings”. It’s because of their squirrel-red markings on all four paws.

There you go. You might have thought you had a Beauceron, but no, you had a Bas Rouge all along!

5. Colette’s favorite

Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette or just Colette was a French writer, journalist, actress, and even a mime. And, one thing she had in common with you, a Beauceron enthusiast, is that she loved this dog breed!

She calls a Beauceron dog  “the country gentleman”. She even wrote, “ [Beaucerons are]…affectionate, playful, superb with children, absolutely and deeply attached to their masters. But at the same time, there is something mysterious about a Beauceron. They are like some people who don’t talk much but have a strong presence. They have a dimension, a depth, I have not found in other dogs.”

We can agree, this perfectly describes Beaucerons today too.

6. Used to create Doberman Pinscher

If you ever mistake a Doberman Pinscher for a Beauceron and vice versa, it is alright. Especially if we’re talking about Dobermans without cropped ears and tails. They are similar and the reason is that the Beauceron is one of the breeds used to create Dobermans.

If you look at photo A, the similarities are obvious! However, look at picture B. Now, we see the differences in body muscularity, fur, and posture. There is also a color difference.

Beaucerons can come in harlequin color, while it is not a Doberman’s color. However, Dobbies can be white (or albino), and Beaucerons are not known to have such coloration (or lack of). 

So, next time you see a Beauceron, make sure to check if it is a Doberman. Look at its hind legs – does it have double dewclaws?

Final Thoughts 

While they are not the most popular dog breed in the world, Beaucerons once ruled the European dog workforce. It was a time of sturdy sheepdogs that could defend the herd and work for hours.

These qualities made them great army dogs, and today police and search and rescue dogs. One thing is certain, they are not the best choice for city life or for families that don’t have time to give them proper physical activity every day.

Bas Rogue, Beauceron, or the Berger de Beauce need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Joke aside (it is one dog with three names), they are great if you have an active lifestyle or live outside the city jungle.

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