Berger Picard
Meet the Berger Picard from northern France. These dogs are well known for their shaggy yet classy look. Paired with pointed ears and an always-smiling face, these pups are easy to love. They’re known for their lively personalities that add a bit of life into any room they’re in.
Breed Profile
Height
22 – 26
Inches
Weight
51 – 71
Pounds
Life Span
12 – 24
Years
Health
health
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
What is it?
A disorder that negatively affects the dog's hip joints.
Clinical Signs
Symptoms of CHD become present around 6 months of age and include limping, refusal to exercise or play, or leg lameness.
Treatment
Proper diet and exercise paired with the watchful eye of your licensed veterinarian will greatly help your Berger Picard.
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Lively
The Berger Picard loves to play and interact with their owners.
Intelligent
The breed is very smart and easy to train.
Assertive
These dogs love to put themselves out there and never shy away from a challenge.
Lifetime Care
Coat
Although their weatherproof coat looks wiry, it’s not as rough to the touch as you’d expect.
Colors
The Berger Picard comes in the colors fawn and brindle. Plus, there’s a wide range of shades between these two colors.
Hypoallergenic
No.
Grooming
These dogs are low-maintenance and need minimal grooming.
Training
Thanks to their intelligence, the Berger Picard is easy to train and ready to learn.
Berger Picard Breed Information
The Berger Picard, also known as the Picardy Shepherd, is a rare breed that originated in north-eastern France. These trendsetting dogs basically invented the shabby-chic look with their shaggy-chic coats. They have medium-sized muscular bodies and pointed ears. One of the most charming attributes these pups have is the big smile they always seem to wear.
This breed is known for its high intelligence and quick learning attitude. They are lively and exciting to have around the home. With a working history, they can be assertive and ready to get what they want. Yet, they’re sensitive and aware of their surroundings and their owners’ feelings. The Berger Picard is a true friend.
Berger Picard Dog: Introduction to the Breed
Before introducing a new pet into your home, it’s important for you to do your research. Think about your family and your lifestyle. Ask yourself what you want your new furry friend’s personality to be like and what you hope to avoid. Thanks to the Berger Picard’s happy-go-lucky personality, they would be a great fit into most homes. Here’s what you need to know before bringing one into your family.
Berger Picard dogs are:
Quiet
Picky
Sometimes shy
Are you looking for a pooch who won’t keep you up all night howling at the moon? The Berger Picard is right for you with their quiet and relaxed temperaments.
Don’t be fooled by the Berger Picard’s shaggy look. These dogs expect to be treated like royalty, especially in the kitchen. They are known for being picky eaters. If they don’t seem to be eating enough, be sure to try different dog foods until you find the perfect one for their refined pallet.
Just because your Berger Picard is friendly and outgoing with you and your family doesn’t mean they’ll act the same when a guest comes to visit. This breed is known to be somewhat shy around strangers. One way to combat this is to socialize them often during their first two years.
What are the Origins of the Berger Picard?
The Berger Picard comes from the Picardy region of north-eastern France. The word “Berger” means “Shepherd” in French, which is why the dog is also sometimes called the Picardy Shepherd.
Their lineage dates to 1859 when a popular shepherding dog was used to create several new breeds including dogs like the German Shepherd. This is also why many people believe the Berger Picard could be closely related to the Beauceron, another French breed.
The once-popular dogs became nearly extinct during the two World Wars due to their location in France. They are still a rare breed that many Berger Picard groups work to protect.
Does the Berger Picard look familiar to you? This dog breed can be recognized from their big Hollywood break in the movie Because of Winn Dixie where three Berger Picards were brought to the U.S. from France to play the lovable role of Winn Dixie.
What are the Risks for the Berger Picard?
The great news is that the Berger Picard breed suffers from very few health issues. In general, they are very healthy dogs. One thing that some pups in this breed can struggle with is Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). This is a painful joint problem that affects many dogs and is genetically passed down through generations of Berger Picard dogs. Thankfully, it can be managed with the proper care.
Before buying your Berger Picard, talk with your breeder about testing done on the parent dogs. Because Canine Hip Dysplasia is an inherited disease, the breeder should be testing the parents before the mating process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, visit, and talk to past buyers about the health of their Berger Picard.
Other Berger Picard health problems include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Although these dogs may not be prone to many illnesses, it’s crucial for you to work to help prevent problems that can arise from improper care of your dog such as fleas and ticks. Regular vet check-ups, grooming, diet, and exercise will all play a role in keeping your Berger Picard happy and healthy.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Spruce Pets