The Berger de Picard is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog, slightly longer
than tall, with a distinctive rough coat, erect ears, and a natural tail that
normally reaches to the hock and is carried with a slight J-curve at the
tip. The Berger de 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.
Characteristics
Britain has fewer predators and its sheep are less tame than in France.
While British sheep traditionally lived outdoors in enclosed pastures,
French sheep were usually grazed in an open pasture each day and
returned each evening to a stable or enclosure. These differences resulted
in significant variations in the temperament and herding style of British and
French dogs.
The Berger de Picard shares many characteristics with the Briard, the
Beauceron, and the other continental herding breeds. Because of the
French practice of grazing in unenclosed areas, often adjoining land
planted with crops, the Berger de Picard developed a herding style
referred to as "boundary" or "tending." This contrasts with the "fetching"
style of the British herding dogs.
Because of the increased threat of predators, French shepherds preferred
a herding dog with a strong protective instinct that has led many of the
more well-known continental herding breeds into police work.
Temperament
The Berger de Picard is a lively, energetic, affectionate dog that is still
primarily used in France for herding. Their intelligence and protective
instincts make them suitable as guard dogs as well. They are excellent
family companions and very good with children.
History
The Berger de Picard, named for the Picardie region in northeast France, is
one of the oldest French breeds of sheep-herding dogs. Some scholars
believe the breed was introduced by the Celts, while others claim it is
descended from dogs of Asian tribes who invaded Europe in the Middle
Ages. Some experts insist that this breed is related to the more
well-known Briard and Beauceron, while others suppose it shares a
common origin with Dutch And Belgian Shepherds. Although the Berger de
Picard made an appearance at the first French dog show in 1863, the
breed's rustic appearance did not lead to popularity as a show dog. The
two World Wars nearly caused the extinction of the Berger de Picard and
it is still rare, even in France.
Origin
France
Utilization
Working sheep-herding dog
Classification
Sheepdogs and Cattledogs
Size
Large
Height
60 to 65 cm for the male and 55 to 60 cm for the female.
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