Beauceron breed guide

Faithful, gentle and obedient by AKC's tags, the Beauceron is highly intelligent, loyal and strongly devoted to its owners. It is not for novice owners, who might end up owned by the dog.

Socialization and obedience training are a must and the breed does not respond well to harsh methods, particularly physical correction. AKC calls for firm, fair, consistent training.

Beaucerons live 10 to 12 years. Large, deep-chested dogs may be susceptible to bloat, a sudden life-threatening stomach condition, so owners should learn the symptoms.

Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems and allergies.

The short dense double coat takes a rough waterproof outer layer over a soft undercoat. It does not need a lot of grooming, but it sheds a lot and even more twice a year in shedding season.

A powerful, athletic, intelligent breed, the Beauceron needs lots of physical and mental challenges and a variety of outdoor locations and types of exercise each day. AKC says it suits an experienced, active owner.

The Beauceron, also called the Berger de Beauce or the Bas Rouge, is a French shepherd named for the vast agricultural region southwest of Paris. Developed in the late Middle Ages, it has played many roles: soldier, bodyguard, rescuer, competitor, companion, prankster and peerless mover of livestock.

Beauceron and Briard were the names of two groups of French shepherd dogs identified in the 19th century.