| Height: | Sizes 22-28 inches |
| Weight: | 50 – 70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12-14 years |
| Colors: | Fawn brindle |
| Compatible with: | Dog owners who are active families |
| Temperament: | Independent, intelligent, sensitive, powerful, athletic |
The French Berger Picard is a great pet, but only if you can keep up. These dogs are very energetic, and they don’t make good pets for couch potatoes.
It can also be difficult to find one. You’ll be rewarded with a loyal, affectionate, and stubborn companion.
This guide will tell you everything you need to about these dog breeds.
Berger Picard Puppies
These adorable dogs are often bought impulsively by people who don’t consider the sacrifices that come with owning them.
This breed is not for those who are not active. They don’t like to sit all day. They’re also a lot of fun to exercise, and they love to play. You’ll enjoy playing with these dogs in the park or the woods if you are an outdoorsy person.
You shouldn’t be discouraged from adopting one, but it’s important to know what you are getting yourself into before bringing one home. You can cuddle with them on the couch, but first, you will have to run with them for a few hours.
Three little-known facts about the Berger Picard
1. It’s Not Easy to Pronounce
You might pronounce the name of the breed the way you would demand a Big Mac for a certain “Star Trek” captain. Although people may know what you are talking about (assuming they have heard of the breed), this is not the correct pronunciation.
The name should be pronounced as follows: bare-ZHAY pEE-CARR. These farm dogs may have a name that sounds pretentious, but they are not arrogant.
2. World War One: Bad luck in the war
Many breeds have almost disappeared from the earth as a result WWII. But the Berger Picard nearly vanished during both World Wars.
This breed is from Picardy, a region in France that was the scene of some of WWI’s most brutal battles. The normally idyllic farmland became a bloodbath.
The focus of people was on other things, rather than breeding dogs.
3. Breed numbers have never recovered fully
This breed is not on the verge of extinction but it’s still in danger. There are only about 3,500 in France and a few hundred more in other countries. Most notably in Germany.
There are efforts to increase their population. However, this is a very specialized breed and it’s unlikely they will ever be popular. There will probably never be more than 1,000 Berger Picards on the planet at any given time. But there should always be a few.
Temperament and Intelligence of Berger Picard
Berger Picards are no exception. Herding dogs tend to be intelligent and independent. These animals are emotionally complex, as it turns out.
It is possible that they can be very needy and require a lot of companionship from humans. They can also be very headstrong. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions because they will demand your attention, but then ignore your commands.
It is surprising that they can be so sensitive for an animal of such independence. It is important to be cautious when you interact and talk with them.
But they’re also incredibly intelligent and can learn new commands very quickly. It’s less about teaching them something than it is about navigating the emotional minefields of their minds to get them to follow through.
This intelligence can also get them in trouble because they can be mischievous when they don’t exercise enough every day.
What breeds are good for families?
Berger Picards can be very laidback and sweet when they feel comfortable around their family. Although they are not good at being babysitters, they enjoy playing with kids.
Berger Picards does not make an exception. Never leave children alone with any dog. They’re more likely to trample on a child while playing in the yard than to bite.
You may want to think twice before bringing one into your home, especially if you entertain guests often. The reserved nature of the dog won’t necessarily result in aggression, but it could snap when a guest wants to pet the pup.
Berger Picards are very social. These dogs will not necessarily be aggressive, but they may become skittish or fearful if they aren’t properly socialized.
They are dogs that only have one owner and form a strong bond with them. This can mean that the dog will bond only with one person and ignore others in the home. It’s therefore important that all members of the family are involved in the training and play with the dog.
Can this breed get along with other pets?
Berger Picards don’t tend to be aggressive towards other dogs. However, that doesn’t mean they’re a good match for households with multiple dogs.
It is best to avoid them around dogs who have been violent in the past because their sensitive nature can cause them to suffer serious injuries when they are subjected to aggression. One fight can cause them to become fearful of other dogs for the rest of their lives.
Berger Picards are also known to maintain eye contact. Dogs see this as an aggressive or challenging gesture. They can cause trouble when other dogs are fine.
Even if your Berger Picard is friendly and well-behaved, you should still be cautious when introducing it to other dogs. Protect your dog at all costs. You don’t know what other dogs are going to do.
It’s better if you raise them with cats. They’re tolerant. They’re more likely to try and herd the cats than to attack them. But that could be unpleasant for both.
What to know when owning a Berger Picard
Berger Picards can be very rare and you might not know how to care for one when you bring it home. In many ways, they are similar to other dogs, but you still need to know a few things before adopting.
Food & Diet Requirements
Berger Picards are energetic animals that require a high-quality diet to keep them going.
The ideal would be a high-protein kibble. Protein burns slower than carbohydrates, so it will keep them energized throughout the day. This will keep them from gaining too much weight. Obesity is bad for these dogs.
Make sure the ingredients are of good quality. Avoid fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy. Also, avoid any food that contains animal by-products. These products are made of cheap meats that were rejected by other companies. You don’t want to give them to your dog.
These dogs can eat a lot, given how active they are. You should still strictly control the portion sizes because you don’t wish to see them gain weight.
You can feed puppies up to four meals a day until they reach adulthood. The meals can then be reduced by half and the dog can have just one meal as they age, especially if the dog is less active.
Exercise
Berger Picards require a lot of exercises. Berger Picards are used to running all day on farms, keeping livestock in order, so they need a good walk.
Plan to spend as much time outside with them as possible. They will need vigorous exercise for at least one hour a day. They’ll become bored if they don’t receive enough stimulation. Bored Berger Picards will tear up any valuable items you may have around.
They thrive best when they are given plenty of space to move around. However, they can also be happy in a city setting. It’s up to you to ensure that they receive all of the stimulation they require.
As they are incredibly intelligent, they also require plenty of mental stimulation. It’s good to invest in puzzle toys, but training them daily is the best way to keep their brains active.
These dogs are amazing athletes and have been successful in canine events like agility trials and flyball.
Training
These dogs are intelligent and can learn new commands easily, but they also have a stubborn streak that makes it difficult to get through to them. These dogs are intelligent enough to learn new commands quickly, but stubbornness can be a problem.
They can be particularly difficult to deal with because they are so sensitive. It may be tempting to yell at them or punish them in some other way, but this will only cause them to withdraw from you. Use positive reinforcement whenever possible.
If you earn their respect, then they will do anything you ask. If you don’t earn their respect, they will ignore you and do what they want.
Don’t hesitate to ask for professional help if you aren’t sure you can handle the job. They should, however, teach you how to properly train your dog, rather than do it themselves. Dogs tend to form a bond with the person who is training them.
It is important to socialize as much as you train. It is important to expose your child to as many new situations and people as you can.
Grooming
Your Berger Picard coat will not require much maintenance. You can brush them only once or twice a week because they have a coarse coat.
It’s important to not skip it completely, however, because its tangled nature can lead to tangles. It’s not necessary to trim or cut it.
It’s rare that they need to be bathed. After all, they’re used to playing on farms and don’t require pampering. Soap will only strip their furs of essential oils.
You should brush their teeth regularly and clean out the ears of your pet with a damp towel once or twice a week.
You will not need to trim your Berger Picard’s nails if you allow them to roam outside. They will wear their nails down by themselves. If you don’t, then trim their nails as needed, which is usually once or twice a month.
Health Conditions
Berger Picards are generally healthy dogs. They don’t have many genetic conditions. Their rarity, however, means that there isn’t as much information available about their health as other breeds.
Breeders screen their dogs before they sell them. The breeders also submit blood samples for a DNA repository, allowing researchers to learn more.
There is no guarantee that any of these conditions will affect your dog. Take the following information with a pinch of salt, as they may suffer from other diseases that are not listed.
Minor Conditions
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Serious Conditions
- Hip dysplasia
Male vs. Male vs.
Berger Picards males and females are very similar, except that males tend to be larger. They will both be very energetic and sensitive.
Women may be more mature and independent than men, but not by much. You shouldn’t notice much of a difference between the two.
Final Thoughts
The Berger Picard is a great pet for anyone who needs a loyal companion.
They are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal but can also be stubborn. They may therefore be better suited to experienced owners.
They are beautiful dogs that will bring joy to your life.