Berger Picard
Your Complete Guide to the Berger Picard
Berger Picard History: An Ancient Herder of Picardy
The Berger Picard, or Picardy Shepherd, is believed to be one of the oldest herding breeds in France, with origins possibly dating back to Celtic dogs brought to Gaul in the 9th century. They hail from the Picardy region in northeastern France, where they were valued for centuries by farmers and shepherds for their ability to herd and guard livestock, primarily sheep but also cattle. Their rugged, weatherproof coat and hardy constitution made them well-suited to the often damp and windy conditions of the region.
Despite their ancient lineage, the Berger Picard faced near extinction twice, first due to the World Wars which devastated their native region, and later due to the decline of traditional shepherding practices. Dedicated breed enthusiasts in France worked diligently to preserve and revive these unique dogs. They were first officially recognized in France in 1925. While still relatively rare compared to many other breeds, particularly outside of Europe, the Berger Picard has gained a devoted following worldwide for its distinctive appearance, intelligence, and spirited character. The American Kennel Club recognized the Berger Picard in 2015.
Berger Picard Temperament: Lively, Intelligent, and Observantly Loyal
The Berger Picard is known for its lively, intelligent, and observant temperament. They are good-natured and playful with their families, forming strong bonds and displaying deep loyalty. They possess a charming, often humorous, personality and enjoy being involved in family activities. While affectionate with their own people, Picards are typically reserved and can be wary of strangers, a trait stemming from their historical role as guardians. This makes them excellent watchdogs that will readily alert their owners to anything unusual.
Their intelligence is often paired with an independent streak and a sensitive nature. They are not typically aggressive but require extensive early socialization to build confidence and ensure they are well-adjusted around new people and situations. Berger Picards are energetic and thrive when they have a “job” to do or are engaged in regular activities with their owners. They can be good with children they are raised with, but interactions should always be supervised. They may also get along with other dogs if properly socialized, though some can be assertive.
Grooming Your Berger Picard: Maintaining the Rustic Shag
The Berger Picard has a distinctive crisp, shaggy double coat that is harsh to the touch and weather-resistant. The coat is about 2-3 inches long all over the body and gives them a naturally tousled, rustic appearance. They also sport characteristic shaggy eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache, which contribute to their unique expression.
Grooming needs are moderate. While their coat is designed to be somewhat self-maintaining and should not be overly sculpted, regular brushing once or twice a week with a pin brush or slicker brush, followed by a comb, is necessary to remove loose dead hair, prevent tangles from becoming serious mats, and distribute skin oils. They are considered average shedders. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat naturally repels dirt. Over-bathing can strip the natural oils and soften the desired harsh texture. The hair around their eyes and ears should be kept clean. Regular nail trims and dental care are also important grooming tasks.
Berger Picard Exercise: An Active Mind in an Agile Body
Berger Picards are energetic and agile dogs that require a good amount of daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. They were bred for active work on farms and thrive when they have an outlet for their energy and intelligence. Aim for at least an hour of activity per day, which should include more than just leisurely leash walks.
Good exercise options for a Berger Picard include:
- Brisk daily walks, jogging, or hiking.
- Off-leash playtime in a large, securely fenced area where they can run and explore.
- Interactive games like fetch or frisbee.
- Canine sports: Their intelligence and agility make them well-suited for herding trials, agility, obedience, rally, or tracking.
Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and learning new tricks is also crucial to keep this intelligent breed from becoming bored, which can lead to undesirable behaviors. They enjoy being with their people, so activities you can do together are ideal.
Common Berger Picard Health Issues
The Berger Picard is generally considered a hardy and healthy breed, having been developed as a working dog in a rustic environment. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Due to their relative rarity, comprehensive data on health predispositions may be less extensive than for more common breeds. Potential health concerns include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many medium to large breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
- Eye Conditions: Such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. Eye certification is recommended for breeding stock.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV):** While not as high risk as some giant deep-chested breeds, it’s a consideration for any medium to large dog.
- Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland.
Choosing a reputable breeder who is transparent about the health of their lines and performs relevant health screenings (such as hips and eyes) on their breeding dogs is very important. Regular veterinary check-ups, a quality diet, and appropriate exercise will contribute to a Berger Picard’s long-term health.
Training Your Berger Picard: Engaging a Clever and Spirited Herder
Training a Berger Picard requires an owner who appreciates their intelligence, sensitivity, and sometimes independent or stubborn streak. They are smart and learn quickly but need training to be engaging, positive, and consistent. They were bred to think for themselves while herding, so they may not always offer instant obedience if they don’t understand the purpose or if training is harsh.
Key aspects of training a Berger Picard include:
- Early and Ongoing Socialization: This is crucial to temper their natural reserve with strangers and to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, confident adults. Expose them to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and environments.
- Positive Reinforcement: They thrive on reward-based training using treats, praise, play, and affection. Harsh methods or corrections can damage their confidence and willingness to cooperate.
- Keep it Fun and Varied: Their intelligence means they can get bored easily with repetition. Incorporate games and new challenges into training.
- Consistent and Fair Leadership: They need clear rules and boundaries, established with kindness and consistency.
- Channeling Herding Instincts: If not used for herding, activities like Treibball, advanced obedience, or agility can provide an excellent outlet for their natural drives and intelligence.
Puppy socialization classes and continued training with an experienced trainer who understands herding breeds are highly recommended. They are generally best suited for owners who have some dog experience.
Berger Picard (Picardy Shepherd) FAQs
Q: Are Berger Picards good family dogs?
A: Yes, Berger Picards can be excellent family dogs for active families who understand their needs. They are typically loyal, good-natured, and playful with children they are raised with. However, their herding instincts might lead them to try and “herd” young children, and their reserve with strangers means early socialization is key.
Q: Do Berger Picards shed a lot?
A: Berger Picards are considered moderate shedders. Their shaggy, crisp double coat will shed, especially seasonally, but regular brushing can help manage this effectively.
Q: What makes the Berger Picard’s coat unique?
A: Their coat is crisp, harsh, and tousled, not overly long but shaggy, providing a weatherproof barrier. It feels rough to the touch and should look naturally unkempt rather than meticulously sculpted. They also have distinctive shaggy eyebrows, beard, and mustache.
Q: Are Berger Picards easy to train?
A: They are intelligent and learn quickly, but their independent streak and sensitivity mean they require patient, consistent, and positive training methods. They are not typically recommended for novice owners who might struggle with their sometimes strong-willed nature if not properly motivated.