Breed Standard
Head: Long (2/5 of height), chiseled, with a flat skull. Stop not pronounced. Slightly convex forehead. Muzzle neither straight nor pointed.
Ears: Set on high. Naturally drop, short and flat, but not close against the head. Carried erect if cropped.
Eyes: Round, dark color. Frank regard.
Body: Solid, powerful, well-developed and muscled, but not heavy. Muscular neck. Broad, deep chest. Straight back. Croup barely sloped. Broad loin.
Tail: Carried straight down reaching the hocks and forming a slight J-hook. Slightly bushy.
Hair: Flat on the head. Heavy and dense, lying close to the body (3 to 4 cm long). Slight fringing on thighs and along underline. Very short, fine, dense, soft undercoat preferably of slate color.
Coat: - Black and tan (bi-color), Berger de Beauce (most common). Glossy black. Tan is squirrel red. Tan markings: spots above the eyes, on sides of muzzle, throat, and under the tail. Tan extends down legs to feet and wrists (coloration pattern forms a "sock" whence the name Berger de Beauce, or Red Socks).- Harlequin: Gray, black, and tan (tri-color): even amounts of gray and black in spots with the same characteristic tan spots.
Size: Dog: 65 to 70 cm. (25.6-27.5 in).Bitch: 61 to 68 cm (24-26.7 in).
Weight: 27 to 37 kg. (60-82.8 lb).
History
The Berger de Beauce is descended from the "Plains Dogs" that guarded the flocks near Paris. At the end of the 19th century, the short-haired "Plains Dogs" were named Beauce Shepherds; long-haired varieties were named Briards. E. Boulet (best known for his Griffons) introduced the breed and helped set up the French Shepherd Club in 1896. In 1911, the Friends of the Beauce Shepherd Club was founded. The name "Berger de Beauce" was given to the Beauce Shepherd because of the tan markings on its legs, that look like socks (bas). Breed selection has vacillated between working dogs, show dogs, dogs bred to compete in guard and defense events. Nevertheless, the Berger de Beauce is above all a herder. Very popular in France, this breed is almost unknown in other countries, except Belgium.
Behavior
The Beauce Shepherd is known in France as a guard dog, a helper around the farm (herding sheep or cattle), and/or a ring sport dog (primarily protection training). This athletic, healthy and long-lived breed has been bred to be intelligent, calm, gentle, and fearless. Adults are typically suspicious of strangers and are excellent natural guard dogs. On the other hand, they typically take their cue from their handlers when it comes to greeting strangers, and are neither sharp nor shy. They do best when raised within the family but they can sleep outside, the better to act as guards. They have a double smooth coat that is short. They are eager learners and can be trained to a high level. However, their physical and mental development is slow relative to other similar breeds (e.g. German and other large shepherds): they are not mentally or physically mature until the age of about three years, so their training should not be rushed. Several five or ten minute play/training exercises per day in the early years can achieve better results than long or rigorous training sessions.
Function
This breed is forthright, courageous, fast, hardy, and alert, and has amazing dissuasive powers. He is wary with strangers and not easily won over.This dog is loyal to his owner and gentle with children. He bonds to the entire family, but guarded when strangers are present. Owners are warned that this breed openly exerts its dominance over other male dogs. His well-developed sense of smell is used to sniff out truffles. A wise breed, he is forthright, dynamic, and courageous when working, yet is obedient and easy to handle.
This hardy "country gentleman" needs space to run and is not suited to apartment living. Do not leave him leashed; he cannot tolerate being closed in. This dog needs firm training, discipline, and lots of exercise to burn off energy. He matures late. Two to three brushings per month are sufficient. Dewclaws must be trimmed regularly.
Health
The Beauce Shepherd is generally a healthy, hardy breed. Some lines are prone to bloat and like any breed over 40 pounds, Beauce Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia. Ninety-five percent of all breeders in the U.S. breed only hip certified stock.
