Berger Picards are a loving and active dog . They ’re clean uncommon , especially alfresco of France , but have won the hearts of many with their big ears , seraphic centre , and silly nature .
If you ’re looking for a dog that ’s as talented at snuggling as he is atplaying fetch , then a Berger Picard might just be your new pet furred Quaker . This pointy - eared puppy with an endearing scruffy coat is an enthusiastic risky venture buddy , merrily accompanying you on a daily walking , rill , swim , or hike — just verify those activities aredaily , because she has a lot of vim to burn .
Berger Picards are known for being a bit strong - willed , but they also adore everything about their humans and desire to make them happy . These rarefied herding dogs plunk up on training easily when paired with a patient owner . When socialize early , they can bea friend to kidsand other beast in their home — and they ’ve stupefy a whole lot of love to give .
Tomas Maracek / Getty
Appearance
The first thing you ’ll notice about a Berger Picard is her adorable pointy ears . These ear are an norm of 4–5 inch grandiloquent and fend at attention on the top of her head — all the better for her to get a line when you call her in for dinner !
A Berger Picard typically rocks a wiry greyish brown orbrindle coating — those with brindle pelt can look anywhere between lightheaded gray to black Berger Picards . Her eyebrows , beard , and moustache are all the same arenaceous semblance . While these furry accents intend she needs a spot of grooming to keep her seeing and flirt safely , Berger Picards are more often than not a low - criminal maintenance strain .
In plus to her pelt being somewhat low - sustentation , it is also a water system - resistantdouble pelage . Do n’t be afraid to take her out on a rainy day to allow her slop through pool or roll around in the snow — just be sure to play along typicalcold - weather caution .
tmart_foto / Adobe Stock
Besides her ear and coating , the Berger Picard ’s eyes are every bit entrancing and almost human - the likes of in their manifestation . Just seek to resist give her an extra delicacy when she gazes up at you with those brown beauty ! These Canis familiaris stand up 21.5–25.5 inch tall , and a healthy Berger Picard free weight is anywhere between 50–70 pound .
Temperament
If there ’s one tidings that encapsulates the Berger Picard , it ’s industrious . These pup have a lot of vim and dearest to be by your side as they sunburn it off . They prosper when they have a occupation to do , so any bodily function — such as fetch , herding , or endurance trail — where they have an end goal they can charge for will make them well-chosen . But this go - go - go personality is n’t the only raw material of the Berger ’s disposition .
" In cosmopolitan , Berger Picards are jazz to be loving , sovereign , andvery reasoning herd dogsthat love being active and spend sentence outside , " says Marty Goldstein , consolidative veterinarian , author , and beginner ofDr . Marty Pets . " That being said , everydog ’s personality is different — which is what makes wiener so special . "
Their energy and intelligence means they work well with humankind — provided pup and owner are on the same Thomas Nelson Page . Berger Picards can have an independent mind , solots of training(and longanimity ! ) will be your key to winner . When they ’re done with theirdaily hikeoragility training , they ’ll be happy to cuddle up with their human .
Petra Eckerl / Adobe Stock
But it ’s not all serious training seshes with these furballs ; Berger Picards are also well - know for their sense of liquid body substance . These whelp are playful and need to keep their mind engaged to be glad .
Living Needs
If you ’re considering land home a Berger Picard puppy , demand yourself one enquiry first : How many marathon have you go this yr ? OK , you do n’t have to be a long - aloofness base runner , but these pups need a family that loves to be outdoors and move , whether it’sbiking , hiking , or just throwing around a egg . If not , Bergers can get world-weary and unhappy .
While you do n’t needfully postulate to have a sprawl home to keep these pups glad , ahouse with a fenced - in yardis a plus . But Berger Picards can merrily live in a smaller home or a city apartment as long as youtake them on plenty of walksand runs . Not only will this get their free energy out , but it will also help give them some much - desired tone time with you . Because if there ’s anything they love more than a romp alfresco , it ’s a romp outsidewith you .
" Just like all hound breeds , Berger Picards involve an outlet to release their energy or it ’s possible they ’ll develop behavioural problem , " Goldstein says . " And although you probably wo n’t find oneself them hanging out on the couchallday , Berger Picards can still ' cool out ' and snuggle with their favourite parent . "
CALLALLOO CANDCY / Adobe Stock
Because of their stringy coating , they can do by a bit of ocean spray duringa run on the beachor when they bounce through puddles at the common . speak of take your whelp to the common — Berger Picards can have ahigh prey drive , so always keep your dog on a lead so she does n’t dart off after a squirrel or rabbit .
At menage , a well - exercised Berger Picard can be adelightful sept dog . When properly socialized , these whelp can be a keen playfellow for tyke , other dogs , and even cats(as long as you learn them the family cat isnotfor herding ) .
" With the proper love and maintenance , any dog can be a great accession to a household with small fry and other positron emission tomography , " Goldstein sound out . " Although , I do recommend keeping a close center as they meet their novel syndicate , and let them warm up to their new surroundings at their own pace . "
Care
Though you ’ll need to keep up withregular dressing , your Berger Picard wo n’t need too many spa days . With their wiry , waterproofed coats , these pooches are moderately low - maintenance , though they have a bit of facial whisker that needs care . Otherwise , brushing them regularly(once a weekduring shedding seasonand once a month otherwise ) and taking them to a groomer on juncture should be enough to keep them looking and feel their best . And , like all dogs , you ’ll need tokeep their nails trimmed and tidy .
As far as their other needs , educate your Berger Picardearly is all-important to having the loving and respectful family relationship you want with your furred champion . Always usepositive reinforcement education techniquesto get the most out of your training sessions .
Health
Generally , the Berger Picard is afairly tidy breedthat lives 13–14 days on fair , harmonise to theBerger Picard Club of America ( BPCA ) . However , like with all Canis familiaris breed , you ’ll require to keep an heart out for a few conditions they may be more prostrate to .
According to the BPCA , Berger Picards may suffer from eye issues includingprogressive retinal atrophyandcanine multifocal retinopathy , conditions that can lead to visual impairment orblindness . The pups can also develophip dysplasiaorelbow dysplasia .
Always knead with a Berger Picard stock breeder who conduct all health screenings recommended by theCanine Health Information Center . If you ’re dramatise , ask for all available health information on the pup .
History
The Berger Picard is also have sex as the Picardy shepherd , a name opt for the breed ’s think homeland : the Picardy region in France . This breed has inscrutable roots in France and is believed to be the oldest French sheepdog , concord to the BPCA . True to the dogs ' severely - work and intelligent nature , the pups play on farm by herding farm animal , and there were even rumors that they wereused to smuggle tobacco plant and matchesacross the border of France and Belgium .
However , Berger Picards nearly became extinct following World War I and II . Many dog lover worked to ramp up up the strain follow the Second World War , though they arestill fairly rare to this day , especially alfresco of France .
In fact , Berger Picards did n’t make it to the U.S. in any major way until the 21st 100 . Awoman named Betsy Richardsbrought over a puppy in 2005 from a stock breeder in France . Richards and other breed enthusiasts founded the Berger Picard Club of America , and her workplace for the breed led to American Kennel Club realisation in 2015 .
