The history of the origin of the Beauceron, the external standard, the behavior of the dog and its health, advice on care, training, interesting facts. Purchasing a puppy. They are often confused with Dobermans, Shepherds and even Rottweilers. And all because this breed is little known outside the country where it comes from. Yes, she is similar to other dogs, but the qualities that are inherent in her give her superiority over other species.
You will not find such dogs in the city. This animal was created to tirelessly serve for the good of man. No other herding dog can work so well. Moreover, all this is performed quietly and harmoniously. They combine the qualities of not only a shepherd, but also an excellent guard. They understand the owner from a half-gesture.
The history of the origin of the Beauceron breed
The Bose River Valley is considered the birthplace of the French Shepherd Dogs - the Beauceron. They are versatile dogs. During the two world wars, they were widely used in the army and police. They worked as signalmen, mine detectives, bloodhounds and orderlies. We guarded warehouses and positions, rescued people. Still, the first profession of these dogs is a shepherd. They are the best canines for the job. They are very skillful with livestock.
The name of the breed is "Boseron", which means - a resident of the Bose region. It was chosen in 1886 by a commission commissioned to draw up an official standard for the Bose Sheepdog and the Bree Sheepdog. Dogs are one of the oldest breeds. The first written mention dates back to 1587. In 1863, zoologist Pierre Megnil subdivided the Plains Sheepdog into two varieties: long-haired and short-haired. Now, unfortunately, there is no longer a species with long hair. These two breeds correspond to the modern shepherd from the province of Bose and its closest relative, the shepherd from the province of Bree.
In the same year, the first Parisian dog show took place, organized during the universal show. It featured thirteen wolf-like canines with short hair and tan markings. This was their first "publication". Although these dogs were very different from the modern type. They had a sharper muzzle, a much stiffer and longer coat with a thick undercoat, and reddish-brown markings were already present above the eyes, on the muzzle and lower limbs. This is why the breeders called them "bas rouges" - red stockings. This nickname can still be found in some French provinces.
In 1894, in his treatise "Breeds of Dogs", Count Enrique Belat described the Beauceron and placed illustrations depicting them. From the end of the 19th to the middle of the 20th centuries, the number of these dogs in France increased greatly. In 1911, the Beauceron Friends Club was formed. And in 1927, Mr. Siraden wrote a monograph about the breed, which to this day is considered the bible about French shepherds.
After the end of the Second World War, a group of French breeders decided to get serious about breeding Beauceron. Their number began to increase sharply. They are common and loved in their homeland. In France, more than three thousand puppies are born every year. The species is gradually finding recognition in other countries. Of course, we can hardly expect an "explosion" of the rock in the near future. Because its rustic appearance is not that attractive. But the owners of the breed compare their dogs with expensive French wine. Just as the taste of wine is appreciated with each new sip, so the merits of these animals are manifested not overnight, but day after day.
Beauceron external standard
A dog with strong bones and muscles. The height at the withers is 85–70 cm for males, 61–68 cm for bitches. The character is even, bold, without an indication of fearfulness or hostility.
- Head - proportional to the body. Its length is equal to 2/5 of the height of the dog at the withers. The skull is even and slightly raised, rounded on all sides, with a slight frontal furrow. The occipital protuberance is pronounced. A beautiful, harmonious head, well sculpted.
- Muzzle elongated, neither tapering nor sharp. The transition from forehead to muzzle is gradual. The ratio of the skull to the muzzle is the same. The bridge of the nose, when viewed in profile, is parallel to the frontal axis. Lips with dark pigmentation. The teeth are powerful and white. Scissor bite with 42 correctly positioned teeth.
- Nose. The nose is well developed and in proportion to the muzzle, black. In profile, in line with the bridge of the nose.
- Eyes. Evenly colored in dark chestnut color. Round, slightly elongated. A clear, welcoming look. We will not allow a timid or not hard look.
- Ears beaucerons are highly placed. If cropped, then stand upright. Ears that are not cropped are flat and short. In length equal to half the length of the skull.
- Neck - mesomorphic muscles. The transition to the shoulder blades is smooth. The withers are clearly visible.
- Frame powerful sturdy, well built. It should not be elongated or shortened anywhere. The length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks is greater than the length of the dog's body by 1–1.5 cm in the male, and 1.5–2 cm in the bitch. The chest is well developed. The shoulder blades are oblique. The back line is straight. The loin is wide and tucked. The croup is slightly sloping.
- Tail. The uncropped tail should run down to the hocks. The hair on the tail is slightly longer than on the whole body.
- Extremities. The forelegs and hind legs should stand strictly upright when viewed from all sides. The hock joint is strong, not strongly inclined towards the foot, forming an open angle with the limb. For herding dogs, gait is very important. It should be light, free, with a head protruding forward.
- Paws - strong, round, with black nails, firm but elastic sole. On the inner side of the hind legs, there are double toes, which are clearly separated from each other, and are located very close to the feet.
- Coat short throughout the body with a thick undercoat, slightly longer on the tail.
- Color. Black, red or harlequino. Two-tone (black and red): thick black coat color, with red stockings, and the same markings above the eyes, on the side of the muzzle, on the neck, on the chest, under the tail, on the joints to the soles. In the harlequin, the coat is colored gray and black, in equal proportions, or more black, spotted. The markings above the eyes are the same as those of two-tone dogs. This is a very rare color. In France, only 100 puppies are born per year for 3, 5000 Beaucerons.
Characteristic features of the behavior of beauceron
People in these dogs value loyalty very much. The Beaucers instantly know what you want from them. They can be asked to do whatever they want. They are very smart and efficient. Loyal friends, excellent workers, beautiful dogs. The look is proud. In motion he looks like a wolf. And his black fur, combined with a penetrating gaze, is awe-inspiring.
People unfamiliar with the breed judge only by its appearance and spread rumors about its aggressiveness and bloodthirstiness. How fair these decisions are, you can judge for yourself by watching the "bloodthirsty" dogs quietly walking next to their owner in crowded places, not paying attention to the hustle and bustle. They are not interested in active children, cyclists and other animals. The happiness of the Beauceron is to be close to the owner.
To better understand their temper, let us turn to the history of the breed. Shepherd dogs appeared to work next to a person, obey him, love, and in addition, live in the neighborhood with other animals, to protect them by drowning out the instinct of a predator. In a shepherd dog, even at the genetic level, there is no aggressiveness. She can manifest herself only when protecting those whom she loves, in this case becoming a formidable, impetuous, and fearless adversary.
When everything is calm, beauceron is a great friend of both big and small. He is benevolent towards his relatives, and can live quietly next to individuals of the same sex, which is extremely rare in the canine world. Respectfully treats strangers. Once the dog is convinced of your good intentions, distrust gives way to friendly distance. As for kindness, he does not show tenderness to everyone in a row.
Beauceron is not bought for affection. His devotion belongs only to his family, of which he considers himself a part. In fact, it cannot be called a one-man dog. He is attached to all the relatives who live with him under the same roof. He differs from other dogs in that he will never put up with a change of owner, even if the new family will treat him well, he will not stop feeling sad about his former home.
Since it has a tendency to unquestioning obedience, it is very easy to teach. But this is not a robot dog, it is important for him to get approval from the owner. We can say that the dog obeys in order to please the owner. Therefore, it is very important, during the training process, to praise and pet the dog after each executed command, which stimulates to work even better. This also applies to her teaching the rules of family conduct.
Puppies can make mistakes in training, but adults understand everything perfectly. It is curious that with children they behave in a loose and disobedient manner, and vice versa with adults. This manifestation is understandable to those who are familiar with ethology - the science of the manifestation of animals. Any puppy, especially of the wolf-like type, is in search of the leader of a strong pack from whom he will learn life's deeds. He will respect him, but he can never be guided by someone who behaves like a puppy. A little beauceron trusts only an adult, which manifests itself in love and respect. He receives only affection from children, and there can be no question of obedience.
Not being a pocket dog, he feels great in the apartment. He tries not to bother anyone, only asks not to reject their participation in family affairs. When the family listens to music, the beauceron freezes in awe-inspiring silence, even if he doesn't really like it. If you need to concentrate, he humbly sits at our feet. The only problem is that he tries to be in the center of the action.
As a diligent shepherd, the dog does not for a moment forget about its duties, and tirelessly follows you everywhere. As soon as he considers his duties fulfilled, he quietly settles down at your feet. True, the dog is not small in size, and you have to apply sports skills, stepping over the "living obstacle". But let's not blame him for his impressive size, because in the event of an attack, thanks to his power, we will remain unharmed.
Beauceron health description
He has excellent health and rarely gets sick. They have no predisposition to various hereditary diseases, since modern individuals are the result of very careful selection. The shepherds needed a reliable, tireless machine, resistant to any temperature. And without any problems related to health or character traits. The result was achieved by the ruthless culling of dogs, in the nature of which such mental deviations as cowardice or excessive aggressiveness were noticed.
As for the physical condition of the body, then in France they take the manifestations of dysplasia in dogs very seriously. Although it is almost never found in Beauceron, individuals intended for breeding must undergo an X-ray examination to identify the disease. This means that modern breeders treat selection as strictly as shepherds, who left only strong and courageous individuals for reproduction.
Beauceron care tips
- Wool. They are rarely bathed, if only they are heavily soiled with specialized products. Combed out every two weeks, more often during the molting period.
- Ears cleaned as needed.
- Eyes. They do not require special care.
- Teeth. They are taught to clean from puppyhood. This will relieve unpleasant diseases of the oral cavity.
- Claws cut off as it grows back with clippers.
- Feeding. Preferable premium food. Because they have a balanced composition. Thanks to this, your beauceron will always be in good shape. If you feed your pet natural food, then carefully select vitamins and minerals.
Beauceron training
It is important to remember that these animals are subject to a strict hierarchy. If you don’t show who is the leader and you don’t disciplined you to raise a puppy from childhood, then you will be in big trouble - especially with males.
In teaching the skills of a shepherd, it is important to know the basic rules. Basserons must orient the herd to the person. Not only do they have to manage not only the whole herd, but they also have to manage single individuals that fight off the flock. In no case should the dog bite animals. The vocabulary of commands for basson is simple: forward, right, left, drive, stop. The owner commands the pet using gestures. And the dog performs the commands without barking at all. It is very important. Because if he barks loudly, then with his voice he scares the wards animals. Of course they are good fellows and have great abilities by nature, but nevertheless a person teaches a dog this complex craft.
Cattle dogs are widely used in France. Their work is beautiful, reckless and spectacular. Where there is excitement, there is also a sporting element. Brilliant in French competitions. Such as "ring" and "body ring". In these tests, the referee will blow the whistle. The pet is required to fulfill them unquestioningly and is evaluated very strictly. There is one useful exercise that is not found in other competitions: the rejection of the bait. The rules of these competitions, in addition to obediences, are also protective tests, which differ from the usual ones, in which they only bite on the sleeve. Here they bite all parts of the human body, dressed in special clothes called "French costume". But the main thing for the Beauceron is to remain judicious and balanced. The speed of execution of the order is important. Delays are penalized.
Interesting facts about beauceron
The Beauceron feature is a forked dewclaw. As a rule, in many canines they are stopped. But in these dogs, and mastiff-like dogs, they are left, especially if they are forked. This is a direct indication of the antiquity of the breed. The French monk Rodzier wrote about this. At the beginning of the 18th century, his book on the use of dogs in agriculture was published in Paris. The publication was very popular. He argued that it was precisely such dogs, with dewclaws on their hind legs, that must be used to guard the herd. It should be noted that shepherd and guard dogs are completely different. Well, these dogs have mastered two professions at once.
Once upon a time, all Beauceron had their ears cropped. Why was it done? At first, the dogs protected the herd from any predators, and when they entered into open confrontation with them, the ears could be injured. For a long time, when dangerous predators practically disappeared in their homeland, the ears of the Beauceron were cut off out of habit. Now the European Union prohibits doing this.
Buying a Beauceron puppy
As we know, by the standard, the beauceron should have a balanced character. Therefore, when breeding, very high demands are placed on this aspect. The standard is very harsh on their behavioral characteristics. It is noteworthy that the overwhelming number of beacerons correspond to these parameters, but it is still better to buy a puppy in a kennel.
The best nurseries are located in France. The approximate price for a puppy of this breed will be in the range from $ 200 to $ 1000.
It is important to remember: you cannot take a puppy of this breed for a sample, so that later, if you don’t like it, give it back. Because, these are very gregarious animals that are attached to the family as to their flock, and it will be difficult for them to endure separation from their relatives.
More on Beauceron in this Planet of Dogs issue:
