Let's talk Beauce Sheep Dogs
To those in the know, the Beauce Sheep Dog – Beauceron in their native France – is a devoted companion, a hardy worker, and a sensitive sort in all the right ways. Their jet-black coat dappled with rust markings and their lively, alert outlook makes the Beauce Sheep Dog a handsome dog as well but it’s their level-headed manner that seals the deal. With their herding legacy, the Beauce Sheep Dog has the intelligence to observe quietly or dive into the thick of things when the time is right.Official name: Beauce Sheep Dog
Other names: Beauceron, Beauce Dog, Bas Rouge
Origins: France
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * |
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| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone? * | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age: | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age: | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age: | From 8 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Beauce Sheep Dogs
1. Jumps for joy
Having too much enthusiasm is usually not a bad thing. However, the Beauce Sheep Dog is sometimes a little too exuberant. They can at times jump up to share their bliss, even gently mouthing people or objects to do so as well. Early and firm training will help curb the behaviour and steer their joy in another direction.
2. À la mode
In true French fashion, Beauce Sheep Dogs are known for a stylish attribute: They’re called by the name “Bas Rouge”, or “red stockings”, for the underpads of their paws that are reddish in colour. In reality, their physical makeup is no different than other canines, only tinged with a slight hue. It’s just one more facet which makes them stand out from the crowd. P.S. A Beauce Sheep Dog did appear in a 1995 Vogue editorial alongside a model wearing Chanel.
History of the breed
France’s vast agricultural industries didn’t get where they are without the aid of trusted herding dogs, and primary among them is the Beauce Sheep Dog. The breed hails from the Beauce, a vast region southwest of Paris where they were bred starting in the Middle Ages for use with livestock. They’re celebrated for being tireless workers and trusted sidekicks.
In 1896, French canine authorities donned the Beauce Sheep Dog with their official name and the one they go by in France, the Beauceron. The Club des Amis du Beauceron was then founded in 1922. Famed French writer Colette even owned a Beauce Sheep Dog, valuing them for their respectfulness and discretion.
Over the centuries, the dog has taken on other roles, notably in rescue work, competition, guarding, and assisting soldiers. In World War I, the Beauce Sheep Dog played a key role in trench warfare along the borders of France and Germany. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in 2007.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Beauce Sheep Dogs
1. Ears
Ears placed high, flat and short, falling on side of head.
2. Coat
Double weatherproof coat with hard outer coat, woolly undercoat, black with fawn markings or merle of grey, black, and tan.
3. Body
Very strong, muscled body, characteristic double dew claws.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Beauce Sheep Dog
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Caring for you Beauce Sheep Dog
Grooming, training and exercise tips
An almost wash-and-wear coat means that grooming the Beauce Sheep Dog is easy, but they do shed, most during spring and autumn when they will moult. Brushing them weekly with a natural bristle brush or rubber hound mitt will suffice, and baths should be taken every three to four months, or as-needed. Keep their nails trimmed and ears clean since they are inclined to pick up debris when out of doors.
A herding dog, the Beauce Sheep Dog is used to running and corralling so lots of exercise is right up their alley. The breed is also very keen on agility, tracking, and herding competitions where they can expend their natural-born energy.
The Beauce Sheep Dog is known to be easy to train. This is a dog who likes to please and will take commands easily; they must be given gently and clearly however as these are very intelligent dogs so owners will need to curb any instincts they have to be dominant. Like many breeds used to guard, Beauce Sheep Dogs can often be wary of strangers until properly introduced.
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All about Beauce Sheep Dogs
Although a joy to watch and be around, super energetic breeds are not always the best for new owners. The Beauce Sheep Dog is one of them as they are loaded with stamina and vitality. Even those humans who have the same may have trouble keeping up! As a dog who was bred to herd sheep and cattle over wide stretches, running for hours on end is a given for them. Make sure this is the dog for you before making a commitment.
The Beauce Sheep Dog is a purebred dog from the Beauce region in France, a vast area lying southwest of Paris. They are often mistaken for a mix between a Rottweiler and German Shepherd but they are all Beauce Sheep Dog all the time.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/