Beauceron

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  • Photo of a Beauceron
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  • Photo of a Beauceron
  • Photo of a Beauceron
  • Photo of a Beauceron
  • Photo of a Beauceron
  • Photo of a Beauceron
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:

10 to 12 years

Size:

Large

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Medium

Temperament:

IntelligentAdventure-LovingFriendly

Coat Color:

Black And RustBlack And TanGray Black And TanHarlequin
Blue Ribbon

Best For

Beaucerons, loyal and energetic, thrive on adventure. They need plenty of exercise and do best in homes with experienced pet parents who can provide firm leadership and ample space for their active lifestyle.

Beauceron Traits

Beauceron Temperament

This high-energy, intelligent dog loves to get out and adventure with an active family. As a friendly and regal pup, Beaucerons can adapt well to children if they’re socialized from the time they’re a puppy. To be extra safe with kids, you’ll want to set up playpens and baby gates and close doors when needed, since the dogs can be pretty strong. Plus, they’re herders, so they may try to herd smaller children. And of course, monitor their interactions when they’re together, to ensure everyone—dogs and tiny, young humans alike—respect each others’ boundaries.

Although they look intimidating, Beaucerons are not aggressive. When they do run up to people, it’s to greet them enthusiastically. However, Beaucerons can be trained to be effective guard dogs when needed.

Their high level of intelligence makes them easy to train, but those smarts can also lead them to feel stressed or anxious if they don’t get enough mental stimulationand it also can mean they can be comedians and get into a lot of funny antics.

Beaucerons have a strong prey drive, so they may not be the best pet for homes with cats or small dogs. But early socialization can certainly help with other dogs and cats in the home. But even around other dogs, you’ll want to supervise them, since they can be a little bossy when they play.

Because of their intelligence, large size and high energy levels, they may not be the best choice for first-time pet parents. But experienced pet parents who have previous experience training dogs may find a Beauceron to be a loyal companion for life.

How to Care for a Beauceron

The Beauceron breed doesn’t need a lot of grooming, but they do need a lot of exercise. So while brushing and bathing won’t take up a lot of your time, you will need to take them out for adventures at least a couple of times every day. Beaucerons also do best with early socialization so they can adapt well to encounters with other pets and strangers.

Beauceron Health

Beaucerons have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years and are considered a healthy breed. You can help them have the fullest possible lifespan by looking out for these health issues.

  • Bloat: Because of their deep chest shape, Beaucerons may be susceptible to bloat, also called twisted stomach or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV). This condition is life-threatening, so you’ll want to see a veterinarian immediately if your pet develops symptoms suspicious of bloat. Symptoms include salivating, trying to throw up without success (dry heaving or retching), pacing, breathing rapidly or acting distressed. One way to help prevent bloat is by using slow feeders and not exercising after eating. However, genetics likely play a factor and if other dogs in the family line have bloated, your pup may be at increased risk. The treatment is emergency surgery but a preventative version of this surgery to tack the stomach to the body well can sometimes help prevent bloat from occurring and is often performed at a young dog’s spay or neuter. Ask your vet about preventative gastropexy.
  • Hip Dysplasia: Larger dogs like Beaucerons are more prone to hip dysplasia, which is when the ball of the hip joint is loose and does not fit well into the socket. This can be painful and result in limping. While there is not a genetic screening test for hip dysplasia in dogs, it is genetic and dogs with the condition should not be used for breeding. Treatments may include weight management, joint supplements, pain medication or, in severe cases, surgery.
  • Allergies: Beaucerons may also be prone to certain allergies such as seasonal or food allergies. If your pup is extra itchy, talk to your vet about allergy testing or available medications. For severe allergies, a veterinary dermatologist may be consulted.
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM is a hereditary heart condition common among large breed dogs. It occurs when the heart becomes enlarged resulting in weak and thin heart muscle. Symptoms may include trouble breathing, cough, exercise intolerance, weakness or fainting/collapse. If you have any concerns about your pet’s heart, please see a veterinarian immediately. There is a genetic screening test so ask your breeder. Treatment is typically medications.
  • Eye Issues: Beauceron dogs may be prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited disorder that eventually results in loss of vision for dogs. There is a genetic screening test so be sure to ask your breeder. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PRA, but dogs who lose their vision can still have excellent quality of life.
  • Canine Copper-Associated Hepatitis: This is a rare condition in which copper accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage to the liver. Testing typically includes bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound and liver biopsy to diagnose this disease, and treatment will likely include medications and prescription diet.

Beauceron History

The Beauceron’s origin dates back to France in the Middle Ages. In fact, the oldest manuscript referencing the Beauceron is a Renaissance manuscript from 1578 by French naturalist M.Buffon.

One of two French sheepdogs, the Beauceron is also known as Berger de Beauce or the Bas Rouge. In 1896, the two breeds of French shepherd dogs were officially classified. The French shepherd dog with shorter hair was named the Beauceron and the dog with long coat was named the Briard.

Throughout their history, the Beauceron has had many roles. They were used in World War I in trench warfare, as messenger dogs for the French army, and to herd and guard livestock including sheep and cattle. They’ve even served as police dogs.

The Beauceron was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2007 and assigned to the Herding group. (Herding breeds share an instinctual ability to control the movement of other animals.) The dog is more well known in France, while in the United States, the breed is sometimes mistaken for Doberman Pinschers.

So where is the best place to find Beauceron puppies today? You can find a list of reputable Beauceron breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. Depending on the breeder, expect the Beauceron average cost to be anywhere from $1,000 to more than $2,000, depending on health and temperament screenings and pedigree papers. You can also reach out to rescue organizations or local animal shelters about adopting a Beauceron puppy, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

How do you pronounce Beauceron?

Beauceron is French and is pronounced bow-sehr-AHN.

Do Beaucerons shed?

Despite having short hair, Beaucerons can still shed quite a bit, especially in the spring when they’re losing their winter coat. They need to be brushed a few times a week, but don’t have many grooming needs beyond that.

Do Beaucerons make good guard dogs?

Yes, Beaucerons can be trained to make excellent guard dogs because of their intelligence, size and strength. In fact, they are commonly used as police dogs or in search and rescue operations.

What are the most common Beauceron mixes?

The most common Beauceron mixes are:

Note: These are not purebred dogs but mixed breeds.

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Top Takeaways

The Beauceron is a loyal, regal dog who thrives in a home with a large yard they can run and play in. However, if you’re willing to take your dog for a couple of long walks a day, they’ll be happy in a smaller home, too. This playful dog won’t do so well with cats, but a Beauceron who’s socialized early can be a good family pet.

Expert input provided by veterinarian Sara Ochoa, DVM, who is a consultant for DogLab, and positive-reinforcement dog trainer Ali Smith, who trained with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and is the founder of Rebarkable.

Breed characteristic ratings provided by veterinarian Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado; dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.

The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.

Search for Adoptable Beaucerons Near You

Top Beauceron Names

These are the top Beauceron names as chosen by Chewy's pet parents!

Female Names

  • Roux
  • Remi
  • Sage
  • Sophie
  • Lady
  • Saturn
  • Maggie
  • Sina
  • Luna
  • Eko

Male Names

  • Ronan
  • Luther
  • Rye
  • Ty
  • Baxter
  • Uno
  • Rowan
  • Cash
  • Bumi
  • Ronin