The Beauceron: French Herding Breed

The Beauceron is a very ancient breed which hasused as a herding dog for many centuries in a land
been used for centuries in France as a herding dogwhere there were no fences, consequently he could
and guardian of the flock. Other names for the dogeasily travel many miles in a day keeping his flock
are Berger de Beauce (Shepherd of the Beauce) orrounded up. This is a breed that has changed very
Bas Rouge (Red Stockings). The descriptive name oflittle through the centuries and it is said that all
"red stockings" describes the typical coloring of thecorrectly built Beauceron should posses this extended
dog, it must have red on all four legs and elsewheretrot and the stamina to keep it up for a long period
as described in the breed standard written by theof time.The Beauceron is similar in appearance to the
Beauceron Club of America: " the markings are: dotsDoberman, although heavier and larger. There are
above the eyes; on the sides of the muzzle, fadingsome who believe that the Beauceron was used in
off on the cheeks, never reaching the underside ofthe bloodlines of the Doberman. The Beauceron has
the ears; two spots on the chest are preferred to aall the characteristics of an all purpose working dog,
breastplate; on the throat; under the tail; on the legshe is highly loyal and focuses well on his training and
the markings extend from the feet to the pasterns,what is required of him. He has been used as a
progressively lessening, though never covering moremessenger dog during both World Wars, he is still in
than 1/3 of the leg, rising slightly higher on the insideuse by the military and also serves as a police dog
of the leg".The Beauceron is not well known outsideand drug dog. He has found great service as a
of France, although it has increased in popularity intracking dog and a search and rescue dog, he is
the United States where there is an activeenjoyed by his human admirers in all the areas of
Beauceron club which has made strides in getting theobedience and utility. Just some of the activities in
dog entered into the Miscellaneous class of thewhich Beauceron owners have participated with their
American kennel Club.The Beauceron in the show ringdogs include: skijoring, sled pulling and weight pulling,
is a dog that is judged not only on structure but alsoscent detection, agility, Schutzhund and Ring sport.
on his unique movement known as the extendedThis is a dog that will happily apply himself to
trot which can cover a great deal of ground fluidlyanything that is asked of him and is an intelligent dog
and smoothly. This trot is known as the "Beauceronwith a willingness to please. He has a strong sense of
trot" and is much admired and is the sign of a wellguardianship and protectiveness but should never be
balanced working/herding ability. The Beauceron wasaggressive without cause.