Berger Picard

The Berger Picard, also commonly known as Picardy Shepherd, is a medium-large breed that originated in Picardy, France.

Berger Picard Breed overview

The Berger Picard is a highly affectionate and energetic breed that requires an active and engaged owner. They love to play and interact with their family, and thrive on daily physical activity and exercise. They are an intelligent and trainable breed that can excel in a variety of working roles. Although they can be reserved with strangers, they are generally friendly and get along well with children and other dogs. Proper socialization and training can help to ensure their well-being and happiness in a variety of living situations.

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What To Expect When Caring For a Berger Picard

Nutrition

The Berger Picard should be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. It's important to watch their weight, as they can be prone to obesity if overfed or not given enough exercise.

They enjoy food, so it's important to establish a regular feeding schedule to prevent overeating. Treats should be given in moderation, and should not exceed more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.

Exercise

The Berger Picard is a high energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and activity to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, runs, and outdoor play time are essential for their physical and mental well-being.

They excel in various dog sports such as agility, obedience, and herding competitions, and benefit from regular training sessions to keep their minds sharp.

Training

The Berger Picard is an intelligent and highly trainable breed, but they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and consistent training methods work best for this breed.

Early socialization is important to prevent any aggressive tendencies from developing. They should be exposed to different people, animals, and environments to help them adjust to a variety of situations.

The breed responds well to rewards-based training methods and excels in various dog sports such as agility, obedience, and herding competitions.

Grooming

The Berger Picard has a unique coat that requires minimal grooming. They only need to be brushed once a week to keep their coat looking great.

Bathing should be done on an as-needed basis, as too-frequent bathing can strip their coat of natural oils. Nails should be trimmed once a month, and ears should be checked regularly for any signs of infection.

Health

The Berger Picard is a generally healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and allergies.

It's important to work with a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding stock to help reduce the risk of genetic health issues.

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Berger Picard Traits & Characteristics

The Berger Picard typically stands 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 50 to 70 pounds. They have a square-shaped head with a defined stop and a long muzzle. Their ears are high-set and naturally erect. Their coat is typically rough and tousled, and can come in various shades of fawn, gray, or brindle.

The breed has a muscular and athletic build, with a deep chest and long, straight legs. They have a high energy level and benefit from regular exercise and plenty of outdoor activity. They excel in various sports such as herding, agility, and obedience competitions.

The Berger Picard is an intelligent and highly trainable breed, but they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and consistent training methods work best for this breed.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Berger Picard is a highly affectionate breed. They love to interact with their family and will happily cuddle with their owners on the couch. In fact, they can become quite attached to their loved ones and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The Berger Picard gets along well with children; however, as with any breed, it is important to supervise interactions between dogs and children. They are a playful and energetic breed that will happily engage in games and activities with kids.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The Berger Picard is generally friendly towards other dogs and enjoys socializing with their furry friends. However, they can be quite territorial and may exhibit some aggression towards other dogs if they feel their space is being invaded.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The Berger Picard can be reserved or wary with strangers, but are generally friendly. Early socialization can help to ensure they are comfortable with new people and situations.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

The Berger Picard is a highly active and playful breed. They love to engage in games and activities with their family and are great exercise partners.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The Berger Picard is a highly alert breed that can make an excellent watchdog. They are naturally cautious and observant, making them great at detecting intruders or potential threats.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

The Berger Picard is moderately adaptable to new situations. They can become stressed or anxious when presented with too much change; however, with proper socialization, they can adjust well to new people, places, and experiences.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The Berger Picard has a moderate shedding level, meaning they will shed some hair throughout the year. Regular brushing can help to control shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Berger Picard has a wiry, double coat that requires moderate grooming. They shed seasonally and will require some trimming to keep their coat looking its best. Regular brushing and bathing can help to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The Berger Picard is a dry-mouthed breed and generally does not drool much.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

The Berger Picard is a medium-sized breed, with an average weight ranging from 50-70 pounds and an average height of 20-24 inches at the shoulder.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The Berger Picard is a high-energy breed that requires daily exercise and activity. They are great partners for hiking, running, or other outdoor activities.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The Berger Picard is a high-energy breed that requires daily physical activity and exercise. They enjoy running, hiking, and playing games, making them great exercise partners.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

The Berger Picard is a highly trainable breed that excels in a variety of working roles, including herding, search and rescue, and therapy work.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Although not traditionally a hunting breed, the Berger Picard does have a moderate hunting drive and can excel in scent work or tracking activities.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

The Berger Picard is a highly energetic and vigorous breed. They require daily exercise and frequent play to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

The Berger Picard is generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and allergies. Regular veterinary care, including check-ups and vaccinations, is recommended to maintain their overall health and well-being.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The Berger Picard is an active breed that can usually maintain a healthy weight with proper exercise and diet. However, they can be prone to obesity if they are not provided with enough physical activity and are overfed.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The Berger Picard has a thick, double coat that provides protection from cold weather. They can tolerate cooler temperatures well, but may require extra warmth during extreme cold snaps.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The Berger Picard can tolerate warm weather, but may require extra cooling and hydration during hot summer months. It is important to ensure they have access to plenty of shade and fresh water when outside in warm weather.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The Berger Picard is a high-energy breed that may not be suitable for apartment living. They require a large amount of physical activity and space to play and run.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The Berger Picard can have a moderate tendency to wander or roam. They can become distracted by interesting sights, scents, or sounds, so it is important to keep them on a leash or within a securely fenced area.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

The Berger Picard can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise, tend to work best with this breed.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The Berger Picard can become anxious or destructive when left alone for too long. They thrive on human companionship and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

The Berger Picard will bark when they feel it is necessary, but are generally quiet. They can become excessive barkers when left alone for too long or if they become anxious.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The Berger Picard is a highly intelligent breed that requires moderate mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and other mental exercises can help to keep their minds active and engaged.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

The Berger Picard is an intelligent breed that can respond well to novice owners. However, they can exhibit some stubbornness and may require some patience and persistence when it comes to training.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The Berger Picard is an intelligent and trainable breed. They enjoy pleasing their owners and will respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Berger Picard is a highly affectionate breed. They love to interact with their family and will happily cuddle with their owners on the couch. In fact, they can become quite attached to their loved ones and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The Berger Picard gets along well with children; however, as with any breed, it is important to supervise interactions between dogs and children. They are a playful and energetic breed that will happily engage in games and activities with kids.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The Berger Picard is generally friendly towards other dogs and enjoys socializing with their furry friends. However, they can be quite territorial and may exhibit some aggression towards other dogs if they feel their space is being invaded.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

The Berger Picard can be reserved or wary with strangers, but are generally friendly. Early socialization can help to ensure they are comfortable with new people and situations.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

The Berger Picard is a highly active and playful breed. They love to engage in games and activities with their family and are great exercise partners.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The Berger Picard is a highly alert breed that can make an excellent watchdog. They are naturally cautious and observant, making them great at detecting intruders or potential threats.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

The Berger Picard is moderately adaptable to new situations. They can become stressed or anxious when presented with too much change; however, with proper socialization, they can adjust well to new people, places, and experiences.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The Berger Picard has a moderate shedding level, meaning they will shed some hair throughout the year. Regular brushing can help to control shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Berger Picard has a wiry, double coat that requires moderate grooming. They shed seasonally and will require some trimming to keep their coat looking its best. Regular brushing and bathing can help to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

The Berger Picard is a dry-mouthed breed and generally does not drool much.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

The Berger Picard is a medium-sized breed, with an average weight ranging from 50-70 pounds and an average height of 20-24 inches at the shoulder.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The Berger Picard is a high-energy breed that requires daily exercise and activity. They are great partners for hiking, running, or other outdoor activities.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Berger Picard is a high-energy breed that requires daily physical activity and exercise. They enjoy running, hiking, and playing games, making them great exercise partners.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

The Berger Picard is a highly trainable breed that excels in a variety of working roles, including herding, search and rescue, and therapy work.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Although not traditionally a hunting breed, the Berger Picard does have a moderate hunting drive and can excel in scent work or tracking activities.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

The Berger Picard is a highly energetic and vigorous breed. They require daily exercise and frequent play to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

The Berger Picard is generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and allergies. Regular veterinary care, including check-ups and vaccinations, is recommended to maintain their overall health and well-being.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

The Berger Picard is an active breed that can usually maintain a healthy weight with proper exercise and diet. However, they can be prone to obesity if they are not provided with enough physical activity and are overfed.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

The Berger Picard has a thick, double coat that provides protection from cold weather. They can tolerate cooler temperatures well, but may require extra warmth during extreme cold snaps.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

The Berger Picard can tolerate warm weather, but may require extra cooling and hydration during hot summer months. It is important to ensure they have access to plenty of shade and fresh water when outside in warm weather.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

The Berger Picard is a high-energy breed that may not be suitable for apartment living. They require a large amount of physical activity and space to play and run.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

The Berger Picard can have a moderate tendency to wander or roam. They can become distracted by interesting sights, scents, or sounds, so it is important to keep them on a leash or within a securely fenced area.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

The Berger Picard can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise, tend to work best with this breed.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

The Berger Picard can become anxious or destructive when left alone for too long. They thrive on human companionship and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

The Berger Picard will bark when they feel it is necessary, but are generally quiet. They can become excessive barkers when left alone for too long or if they become anxious.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

The Berger Picard is a highly intelligent breed that requires moderate mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and other mental exercises can help to keep their minds active and engaged.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

The Berger Picard is an intelligent breed that can respond well to novice owners. However, they can exhibit some stubbornness and may require some patience and persistence when it comes to training.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The Berger Picard is an intelligent and trainable breed. They enjoy pleasing their owners and will respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

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History of the Berger Picard

The origins of the Berger Picard breed can be traced back to the 9th century, where they were used as herding dogs by farmers in the Picardy region of France. They were also used during World War I and World War II as messenger and detection dogs. In the mid-20th century, the breed faced near extinction due to the effects of war, but passionate breed enthusiasts worked hard to revive the breed. Today, the Berger Picard has gained popularity as a loyal and versatile companion and working dog.

Berger Picard Puppies

Berger Picard puppies are known for their cute and playful nature. They require proper socialization and training to help them grow into well-behaved adult dogs.

Early socialization is important to prevent any aggressive tendencies from developing. The puppies should be exposed to different people, animals, and environments to help them adjust to a variety of situations.

Potty training can take some time with this breed, and crate training is highly recommended. Like many breeds, it's important to establish a daily routine for feeding, exercise, and training.