Beauceron

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Beaucerons are powerful, loyal dogs. See this guide for more Beauceron facts and breed information.

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 TanGreyBlack And TanHarlequin
Blue Ribbon

Best For

The Beauceron is best for experienced and active pet parents who love outdoor adventures. They can do well with kids when socialized, but they do best as the only dog in the home.

Beauceron Traits

Beauceron Temperament

This high-energy, intelligent dog loves to get out and adventure with an active family. As a friendly and regal guardian, 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. (HELLO! HOW ARE YOU? WE’RE SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE!) However, Beaucerons are protective of their families and can be effective guard dogs when needed.

Their high levels 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.

  • Snagging Dewclaws: Double dewclaws are standard for this breed, but they can sometimes snag and be an issue. Talk to your veterinarian about whether removing the extra dewclaws would be beneficial if you don’t plan to participate in dog shows.
  • Bloat: Because of their deeper chest shape, Beaucerons may be susceptible to bloat, also called twisted stomach or gastric dilation-volvulus. This can become very serious very fast, so you’ll want to see a veterinarian right away. Symptoms include salivating, trying to throw up without success, pacing, breathing rapidly or acting distressed. One way to help prevent bloat is by using slow feeders or scatter feeding to help slow down how quickly they eat. Surgery that also stitches the stomach lining to the wall cavity can also help to prevent bloat.
  • Hip Dysplasia: Larger dogs like Beaucerons are more prone to hip dysplasia, which is when the ball of the hip joint pops out of the socket and can make it painful for your dog. Look for a breeder who tests for this issue. It’s not typically preventable, but your veterinarian can recommend treatments, like physical therapy and weight management, that can improve your dog’s quality of life.
  • Bone Cancer: Bone cancer is another health issue that Beaucerons may have, which is an issue many larger breeds face. Chemotherapy can be a treatment, if caught early enough.
  • Allergies: Beaucerons may also be prone to certain allergies. Most commonly, they are beef, milk, chicken, eggs or cereal-based allergies to wheat, corn or soy. Your veterinarian can help you know which allergy symptoms to watch for and what to eliminate from their diet.
  • Heart and Eye Issues: Beaucerons can be prone to having heart and eye issues, so look for breeders who screen for these. Taking your dog in for yearly vet appointments that include eye and heart checkups can help detect any issues early when they’re easier to treat.

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.

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.

Are Beaucerons aggressive?

Despite their strength and intimidating size, Beaucerons are not considered aggressive. However, they might run up to strangers in excitement because of their high energy levels, and some people might mistake this as being aggressive. But as long as they’re socialized early in life, they’re typically great dogs who are really friendly.

Do Beaucerons make good guard dogs?

Yes, Beaucerons can 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:

  • Beauceron-German Shepherd mix (Beauceron German Shepherd)
  • Beauceron-Rottweiler mix (Beauceron Rottweiler)
  • Beauceron-Doberman mix (Beauceron Doberman Pinscher)
  • Beauceron-Labrador mix (Beaucador)
  • Beauceron-Border Collie mix (Beauceron Border Collie)
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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.

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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