General Information

Dog NameBerger Picard
Other NamesBerger de Picardy
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeShepherd
GroupHerding
ExtinctYes

Physical And Size

Min Life Span12
Max Life Span13
Min Ideal Weight for male24
Max Ideal Weight for male26
Min Ideal Weight for female22
Max Ideal Weight for male26

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentLoyal, Observant, Comical
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyLow
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Apartment FriendlyMedium
Senior Citizens FriendlyMedium
Service DogMedium
Search and Rescue DogMedium
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginFrance
Nicknames and Other NamesPicard, Picardy Sheepdog,
Picardy Sheepdog, Berger de Picardie
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeShepherd
GroupHerding Group
Bred ForHerding cattle
SizeMedium-Sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, CKC, UKC
Life Span12-13 Years
Ideal Weight50-60 pounds (male and female)
Ideal HeightMale: 24-26 inches
Female: 22-24 inches
Fur TypeMedium and rough
Common ColorsFawn, Brindle
MarkingsWhite markings, Brindle
AvailabilityAvailable
AchievementsCast in many movies
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToBelgian Laekenois

The Berger Picard is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog. They are slightly longer than tall, with erect ears and a distinctive rough coat, and a natural tail that reaches to the hock and is carried with a slight J-curve at the tip.

Berger Picards have a well-developed sense of humor which makes them an excellent companion and very effective herder for both sheep and cattle in their native country or elsewhere.

Origin Of Berger Picards

The Berger Picard is one of the oldest French Sheepdog breeds who got its name from the Picardie region in northeast France. The dogs were brought to northern France at about 400 BC.

A Berger Picard appeared at the first dog show in France in 1863 and there he competed in categories with other breeds. They started to recognized as separate breed in 1898, and the French Shepherd club officially recognized them in 1925.

After the World War I, II this breeds were nearly extinct, because of the food rations as they were refusing to feed large dogs. But again in 1950 this breed was re-established through a successful mating.

Picards got featured in a few movies notably in Because of Winn-Dixie in 2005 and shortly after the movie premiere, the Berger Picard Club of America was formed.

In 2007, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed and assigned it to the Herding Group in July 2015.

Are Picard Safe With Kids?

Picards are known to be fine with children and other pets, and they enjoy playing with children. They also thrive on spending time with family members and make great watch dogs.

But still, your dog and child need to be supervise by an adult when together. This instruction is not only for Picard but with all dogs. They wouldn’t hurt your kids intentionally, but may hurt them accidentally.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuRiJrpBBem/

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

Picards are herding dogs with such an active and energetic personality. Picards are blessed with lots of energy and stamina. They can be an excellent companion for joggers and hikers.

Picards are extremely intelligent dogs which make them easy to communicate with humans on a unique level.

Due to their smartness they learn new tricks very quickly.

In spite of their smartness, they tend to be stubborn at times which can make training him a chore.

Trainabilty

Training a Picard would be easy if he listens to you, but at times they tend to be stubborn which can make training him your job.

While dealing with a Picard, you need to be firm and kind and must remember that harsh training will not do well.

Instead of rebuking him for not doing well or doing something wrong, you can apply positive reinforce, and rewards for doing well. It will help you a lot.

Socialization at young age is must or else they grow up to become hostile and disturbing towards new people or animals they do not know.

Facts

Known Facts About Picard are:

  • The other name of Berger Picard is Picardy Shepherd
  • In 2016, a Berger Picard named Gabby became the first Picard to be honored as the “best in breed” at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
  • Picards have made an appearance in popular movies including“Daniel and the Superdogs,” “Are We Done Yet?” and “Because of Winn-Dixie.”

Health

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesElbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia,
Cataracts, Obesity, Bloat,
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Retinal Dysplasia
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza,
Kennel Cough, Canine Coronavirus
SheddingModerate
DroolingLow
GroomingEasy and Average Grooming
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsCrude Protein: 29%
Fat: 5%
Muntivitamins
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid

Picards are healthy dogs with an average life span of 12-13 years. Some common health issues that appears to effect this breed are:

  • Cataracts
  • progressive retinal atrophy,
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Entropion

Color Patterns

Berger Picard are found three different color, they are –

  • Brindle
  • Fawn
  • Grey

Puppies

Picard Pups need to be train as soon as possible
Berger Picard Pups Playing
Image Via Eleveur Berger Picard

If you are willing to own a Picard pup ,then you have to spend $2000 – $2500 USD for them.

Which dogs are they similar too?

Dogs similar to Berger Picard are:

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