Beauceron: Your Complete Guide
The Beauceron is a large, athletic herding dog native to Central France. Despite their formidable appearance, they’re a gentle giant at heart and are known for their faithfulness, calm composure, and Sherlock Holmes-rivaling intelligence.
If you’re considering welcoming this big ol’ softie into your family, it’s important you familiarize yourself with their care needs. Although the Beauceron does make a wonderful companion, they aren’t the best fit for all living situations or lifestyles.
We’ll help you figure out whether the Beauceron is right for you by delving into their personality, care needs, health, and more below.
A Quick Look at the Beauceron
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 24 to 27.5 inches tall, weighing 70 to 110 pounds |
| Coat Type | Smooth, short double coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Loyal, gentle, energetic, and intelligent |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
What Is the History of Beaucerons?
The Beauceron, or “Berger de Beauce,” is a working dog whose origins can be traced back to the 1500s in Central France. They were initially selectively bred to hunt wild boar but were later used by farmers to herd and protect flocks.
Over the years, the Beauceron built a reputation for being one of the best all-purpose working dogs around, with their quick wits, endurance, and work drive enabling them to take on many different responsibilities. Today, they still maintain this reputation and have won over the hearts of pet lovers across the world. They were only recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2007, though the first official Beauceron breed club was formed back in 1911.
What Do Beaucerons Look Like?
The Beauceron is a large, well-muscled dog. From their powerful hindquarters and deep chest, to their eyes that convey an alert, self-assured expression, the Beauceron has all the traits of a robust working breed. They also have distinctive drop ears and carry their head up high.
The Beauceron has a short coat that comes in several colors and color combinations. The AKC officially recognizes the following colors:
- Black and tan
- Gray, black, and tan
- Black and rust
- Harlequin
The most common coat combination is black and tan, with the tan markings appearing on their muzzle and the underparts of their body, such as the chest and legs. Beaucerons also often have distinctive dot markings above their eyes.
What Size Is a Beauceron?
The Beauceron is considered a large breed, and it’s no surprise why: They reach up to 27.5 inches tall as adults and weigh between 70 and 110 pounds. Their exact size can depend on their genetics, health, and lifestyle, though males tend to be larger than females. In general, males stand 25.5 to 27.5 inches tall at the withers, while females stand 24 to 26.5 inches tall.
What Is a Beauceron’s Coat Type and Length?
The Beauceron is a double-coated breed, meaning their coat consists of an outer layer and an undercoat. The outer coat lies close to their body and is short, measuring 1/1/4 to 1/1/2 inches in length, and has a coarse, dense texture. The undercoat layer, which helps to protect them from the elements, is short, fine, and soft.
The Beauceron’s coat is also slightly smoother around their head, ears, and lower leg areas, but fluffier on their tail and at the back of their thighs.
What Is a Beauceron’s Temperament?
The Beauceron may look dominating, but beneath that powerful appearance is a gentle, even-tempered, oversized pup who is affectionate with their loved ones. Thanks to their history as an all-purpose working dog, they are also naturally alert, quick-witted, and lively. They have plenty of energy to spare and stamina to match, so they fare best with an owner who leads an active lifestyle.
The Beauceron is exceptionally loyal and intelligent, and they thrive when given a job to do. They are highly trainable, provided you can manage their physique, but they do have a sensitive side. They won’t respond well to harsh corrections, so make sure to stay calm, positive, and reassuring during training.
Are Beaucerons Good With Kids?
The Beauceron can be a great companion for kids. They’re even-tempered and patient, and their large size means they can tolerate rough handling and boisterous play well.
That said, they may not be the best fit for toddlers. While they are gentle, they are energetic, and they may accidentally knock over and injure toddlers during play. Beaucerons are also sensitive and don’t have the best tolerance for loud noises, which toddlers are renowned for.
Regardless of age, children should be taught how to engage with this breed safely and in a gentle, positive way. You should also make sure you supervise their interactions together closely.
Are Beaucerons Good With Other Animals?
In general, the Beauceron does typically get along well with other dogs similar in size and temperament. If you are considering housing a Beauceron with other dogs, make sure to socialize them together gradually to help them get accustomed to each other.
That said, be mindful that Beaucerons shouldn’t be housed with small animals. Their large physiques and excitable natures mean they can accidentally trample them. Beaucerons also tend to have high prey drives thanks to their working roots and may chase after small pets they perceive as prey.
Are Beaucerons Aggressive?
The Beauceron is a gentle, sensitive dog at heart and is rarely aggressive, though they can be protective over their loved ones. They may growl, snap, or bark to deter perceived threats if they feel their family is in danger.
As long as the Beauceron is socialized properly, this wariness will stay at a healthy level and won’t escalate to biting or other aggressive behaviors. Most Beaucerons are also eager to please and respond to training well.
Do Beaucerons Bark?
The Beauceron isn’t known for excessive barking, but they can get vocal when they’re playing and excited. They will also bark to alert their owner of potential dangers thanks to their guard dog lineage.
While Beaucerons aren’t particularly vocal dogs, their barks can be loud and powerful, so they may not be a good fit for neighborhoods with strict noise restrictions in place.
Are Beaucerons Affectionate?
As is the case for many large breeds, the Beauceron considers themselves an oversized lap dog. They form strong bonds, are exceptionally affectionate, and often follow their owner from room to room. They also love to cuddle and play, though as a working dog, they particularly thrive when they can perform tasks that please their owner.
Although Beaucerons are big softies with their loved ones, they are vigilant and wary around strangers. They will warm up gradually, however, particularly if treats and praise are involved.
Are Beaucerons Intelligent?
Beaucerons are exceptionally intelligent and alert dogs, and they’ll require plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day to stay content. They will appreciate activities that make use of their endless energy as well as their intelligence, such as agility training.
Are Beaucerons Energetic?
The Beauceron is an extremely energetic dog who fares best in a household that offers them ample space to stretch their legs freely and a large backyard where they can roam and play.
Most Beaucerons need at least two hours of exercise per day, in the form of two separate walks, and plenty of physically engaging playtime on top of this. They are also happiest when given a job to do. As a responsible owner, you should make every effort to provide them with this, where possible, whether in the form of herding, protection work, or dog sports.
Are Beaucerons Easy to Train?
The Beauceron is intelligent and eager to please, and they enjoy being given a job to do, especially one that challenges their brain and allows them to unleash their full potential.
With this in mind, the Beauceron tends to be easy to train despite their large build. Just be mindful that they are extremely sensitive to harsh corrections and will need to be trained with patience and kindness.
Reward-based training measures work best because they encourage your Beauceron in a positive, reassuring way while strengthening your shared bond. They also help to keep your Beauceron motivated throughout their training journey.
With the right support, Beaucerons can pick up complex commands effortlessly and are excellent candidates for agility training and other dog sports. They also thrive as working dogs and many Beaucerons excel in roles such as herding, protection, and search and rescue.
Are Beaucerons Good Watchdogs?
Beaucerons can make wonderful watchdogs because they’re alert, brave, and protective of those they form close ties with. While gentle at heart, their powerful, large appearance and intimidating bark are also incredibly effective at deterring potential threats.
That said, it’s important to socialize your Beauceron properly to ensure their wariness is kept in moderation. Otherwise, they may start to see a threat in everything and become stressed and overwhelmed, putting both themselves and others at risk.
Are Beaucerons Good Service Dogs?
Beaucerons can make good candidates for service work. They’re alert, faithful, and able to pick up advanced commands and perform them consistently and reliably.
The Beauceron’s strong build also means no task is too much to handle for them, whether that’s pulling a wheelchair or administering deep pressure therapy. They particularly thrive at protection tasks, such as crowd control, and their large size can offer a sense of security that very few breeds can match.
Beaucerons can also serve as emotional support animals as they are affectionate and attentive to their owners’ needs. That said, Beaucerons can be challenging to look after. They should always be paired with owners who can properly manage their size and meet their demanding exercise requirements.
How to Care for a Beauceron?
The Beauceron is a large, captivating breed with plenty of love to give, though they do need to receive proper care to thrive and be happy. They need at least two hours of exercise each day and plenty of opportunities to play, explore, and stretch their legs. They also need consistent, regular training to keep their brain mentally fit.
As a responsible pet owner, you should also familiarize yourself with the Beauceron’s grooming needs, dietary needs, and potential health concerns. We’ll touch on this more below.
Do You Need to Groom a Beauceron?
Despite the appearance of their thick coat, and what the fluff around the house may lead you to think, the Beauceron doesn’t have particularly demanding grooming needs. Their coat stays relatively tangle-free and isn’t particularly prone to stubborn mats.
In general, you should aim to groom your Beauceron once a week or daily during seasonal changes, when they blow their coat. Use a medium-bristled brush for smoothing over the top coat and a de-shedding tool to dislodge stubborn undercoat fur. As well as brushing, you should also wash them every four to eight weeks or whenever they are noticeably dirty, and ensure their nails are kept well-trimmed.
Beaucerons can be susceptible to ear infections because of their drop ear shape and active lifestyle. Make sure to examine their ears closely every week and clean their ears with a dog-friendly cleaning solution every two to four weeks.
Do Beaucerons Shed?
The Beauceron’s short, dense double coat sheds moderately throughout the year, with periods of heavy shedding when they blow their fur in the spring and fall. Due to how much they shed, this breed is not recommended for people with fur or dander sensitivities.
What Health Problems Do Beaucerons Have?
As is the case for every breed, Beaucerons are prone to certain health complications because of their genetics. If you’re considering adopting this breed, it’s important to become aware of these health issues so you can watch out for symptoms if they arise and catch them early.
Some of the most common health problems seen in the breed include:
- Hip dysplasia: When the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to symptoms such as lameness, a distinctive bunny-hopping gait, and reluctance to climb stairs or run.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Also known as bloat, this condition occurs when a dog’s stomach fills up with excessive gas or liquid and subsequently twists. Symptoms include a tight, swollen abdomen, dry retching, and signs of distress like panting. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that can cause death in a matter of hours — Beaucerons showing signs of bloat should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): When the heart becomes enlarged and can’t pump blood properly, leading to symptoms such as a racing heart rate, lethargy, breathing difficulties, appetite loss, lethargy, and collapse. While there is no cure, detecting this disease early can help slow down the progression and manage symptoms.
Regular vet visits, in addition to monitoring your dog closely for changes in behavior or physical health, can help catch potential health concerns before they become severe.
How Long Do Beaucerons Live?
In general, you can expect a Beauceron to live for ten to twelve years, though many can live up to fifteen years if they have good genetics, receive proper care, and don’t experience any underlying health complications. Ensuring you meet the Beauceron’s care needs and taking them to regular vet checkups will help them lead a long, comfortable, and happy life.
What Should a Beauceron Eat?
You should ensure you feed your Beauceron a diet that’s formulated for their specific needs and size. While every dog’s nutritional needs will vary, Beauceron generally fare best on high-quality kibble that’s rich in protein. A high protein content will help them maintain lean muscle mass and give them the energy they need to lead an active lifestyle.
As a rough guideline, most Beaucerons need around 2.5 to 3 cups of food per day, split across two to three separate meals. Since these dogs are particularly prone to bloat, you should also take measures to reduce potential stressors at meal times and avoid exercising them immediately before and after they eat.
Is a Beauceron the Right Dog for Me?
The Beauceron is a loyal, protective, and loving large dog breed, and they’re becoming increasingly more popular across the United States thanks to these endearing traits.
While the Beauceron can make an excellent companion, they aren’t the right fit for every home and lifestyle. They can be difficult to manage due to their large size and high exercise needs and fare best with people who can dedicate plenty of time to their care.
A Beauceron may be an ideal companion for you if you lead an active lifestyle, have a spacious backyard or access to an area where they can roam freely, and are willing to train a dog daily. They particularly thrive with a family that can give them a job to do and challenge their brain.
If you lead a more laid-back lifestyle or aren’t comfortable with managing the Beauceron’s size and care requirements, you may want to consider other breeds. The Beauceron also may not be the best fit for families with small pets or young children.