Berger Picard

also known as Berger de Picardie, Picardy Shepherd, Picardy Sheepdog

Pros History


The Berger Picard, also known as the Picardy Sheepdog, is a unique and ancient breed with a rich and colorful history. These hardy and versatile dogs have played an important role in the lives of the farmers and herders of the Picardy region in France and have a past that spans centuries. The breed's name, "Berger Picard," is derived from its origins as a herding dog, with "berger" meaning "shepherd" in French, and "Picard" referring to the region of Picardy where the breed originated.

The breed was first recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) in France in 1925 and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2007. The breed's popularity as a companion dog and a working dog has risen in recent years. The Berger Picard is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability, making it a great companion and a versatile working dog. They excel in herding, agility, obedience, and therapy work. They are also known for their distinctive rough, wiry coat, which requires regular grooming to maintain its natural texture.

But the breed's history is not limited to its past as a herding dog. These dogs were also used in World War I as messenger dogs, and later as search and rescue dogs. Their determination and loyalty to their handlers made them invaluable assets on the battlefield. Their role in World War I was crucial, as they were able to navigate through the dangerous and chaotic conditions of the trenches to deliver important messages that could change the course of the war. The breed's courage, endurance and ability to adapt to harsh conditions made them ideal for this type of work.

After the war, the breed's popularity declined, and their numbers dropped significantly. However, their contributions to the war effort were not forgotten, and the breed's legacy lived on through their descendants. Today, the Berger Picard is still used as a working dog, not only in herding but also in search and rescue, therapy, and as a companion dog.

Breed Information


Type

Is Berger Picard a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Berger Picard name? How do you say Berger Picards?

bur-ger pee-kar

Purpose

What were Berger Picards originally used for?

Herding livestock

Lifespan

How Long Do Berger Picards Live? What is average life expectancy for a Berger Picard? How long can Berger Picards live?

12-15 years

The average Berger Picard lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Berger Picard Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Berger Picard?

What is the average height of a Berger Picard? How big is a Purebred Berger Picard height? Berger Picard dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 22-26 inches (55.9 - 66 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm)
Female 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Berger Picard? How much should Berger Picards weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 51-71 pounds (23 - 32 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg)
Female 51-71 pounds (23 - 32 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Berger Picards get fat easily?

The Berger Picard is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Berger Picards Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Berger Picard is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Berger Picard personality? What are Berger Picard dogs best known for?

Assertive
Intelligent
Mellow
Energetic
Lively
Stubborn

Shedding Level

Are Berger Picards heavy shedders? How Much Does a Berger Picard Shed?

Berger Picard dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Berger Picard. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Berger Picard dog?

Berger Picards are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Berger Picard is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Berger Picards come from?

France

Ancestry

What are Berger Picards descended from?

Sheepdog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Berger Picard breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Berger Picards first bred? How old is the Berger Picard breed?

800 AD

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Berger Picard?

Herding

Berger Picard Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Berger Picard eyes?

Hazel
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Berger Picard nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Berger Picard coat be naturally?

Fawn
Gray

Coat Length

How long is a Berger Picards coat?

The coat of a Berger Picard falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Berger Picard Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Berger Picard?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Berger Picard have in a litter? How many puppies can a Berger Picard have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Berger Picard can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Berger Picard dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Berger Picard Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Berger Picards have a lot of health problems?

The Berger Picard is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Berger Picard?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Berger Picards?

Collie Eye Anomaly

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Berger Picard breed?

Eye
Hips
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Berger Picard Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Berger Picards have a lot of energy?

Berger Picards are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Berger Picards need socialization? How social are Berger Picards?

Berger Picards have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Berger Picards get?

The Berger Picard needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Berger Picard have? Do Berger Picards sleep a lot?

Berger Picards are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Berger Picard drool a lot?

The Berger Picard is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Berger Picards tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Berger Picards exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Berger Picards mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Berger Picard running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Berger Picard dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Berger Picard? How much energy does a Berger Picard have?

Medium

Berger Picards are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Berger Picard walk each week? How many miles should a Berger Picard walk every week?

5 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Berger Picard, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Berger Picard should exercise a day? How much activity does a Berger Picard need?

45 minutes

In general most Berger Picards usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Berger Picard?

The Berger Picard is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Berger Picard?

Monthly

In general Berger Picard should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Berger Picards?

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Berger Picard eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 51-71 pound (23 - 32 kg) Berger Picard feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Berger Picard Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Berger Picard is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Berger Picard Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Berger Picard is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Berger Picard Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Berger Picard?

Berger Picards has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Berger Picard is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Berger Picard dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Berger Picard dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Berger Picard do well in apartments? Are Berger Picards good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Berger Picard in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Berger Picards living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Berger Picards good with kids? Are Berger Picards good around children?

A Berger Picards typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Berger Picards good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Berger Picards good with cats? How friendly Berger Picards are toward cats?

Berger Picards are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Berger Picard dogs get along with other dogs? Are Berger Picards OK with other dogs?

Berger Picards are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Berger Picard dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Berger Picards friendly with strangers?

Berger Picards are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Berger Picards are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Berger Picards will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Berger Picards like to play? Are Berger Picards playful?

Berger Picards are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Berger Picard for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Berger Picard easily trained?

Berger Picard dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligence
    Berger Picards are known for their intelligence and trainability.
  • Affectionate
    These dogs are known to be affectionate with their owners and make great companions.
  • Active
    Berger Picards have a lot of energy and require regular exercise.
  • Independent
    They are independent dogs that do not require constant attention.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    The non-hypoallergenic nature of Berger Picards can lead to allergic reactions in people prone to allergies.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Berger Picards may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    The Berger Picard breed is better suited for living outdoors.