Contrary to widely held opinion, the name "beauceron" does not mean that the breed originated in the Beauce region of France, any more than the name "Briard" specifies Brie as that sheepdog's place of origin.
Both of these dogs - one short-haired, the other long-haired- belong to an ancient family of shepherd dogs once found throughout France. Although separate breeds, each of long and purebred lineage, the Beauceron and Briard were considered virtually the same breed until the late 1800s when a commission of scientists and veterinarians differentiated between them.
The Beauceron is mainly found in Europe where, during the last century, it was responsible for containing sheep within pastures and for herding them along roads. Since only two dogs were necessary to control 200 to 300 sheep, they were indispensable on farms where manpower was limited. Today, the Beauceron's job as a sheepdog is limited to escorting flocks from one place to another.
The dog's hunting instincts are increasingly valued, however. With its quick reflexes, readiness to attack, and deep-seated mistrust of strangers, it is an ideal guard dog. Not even another dog should stray in its territory - the Beauceron will attack it without hesitation.
This French sheep-herder moves quickly and with grace. Over the time, he became a veritable grab bag of roles: sheepdog, guard, guide dog, and military assistant. He weighs about 66-85 pounds.
Photo courtesy of hundund.de
Beaucerons are calm, dependable and eager to learn, carrying out commands with perfection. They are comparable with German shepherd dogs in utility, possessing the grace and smooth lines of the Doberman Pinscher. The Beauce is a good guard dog. Good-natured with all members of his family, one will usually be a favorite. Beaucerons have respect for the person who takes time and effort to train and work with them. However, because of its independent disposition, some owners might find it difficult to control, and it does not easily accept changes of hand. Some Beaucerons, if poorly handled or unloved, can prove extremely dangerous, and no amount of discipline or affection can condition this dog to accept city life. Yet if raised at the same time as the master's children, a Beauceron can prove to be an affectionate and protective pet.
The Double Dew Claw. The dew claw is the fifth toe of the dog. Located onthe inside of the paw, its position corresponds to that of the human thumb. As a general rule, there is always a dew claw on each foreleg. Some dogs may not appear on dog shows unless their dew claws have been removed. By contrast, the Beauceron has a double dew claw on its hind legs, or six toes in all. Characteristic of the breed, these dew claws must never be removed if the dog is to be shown.
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