Berger Picard

The Berger Picard (pronounced ‘Ber-zhay Pee-carr’) is a dog breed derived from old European Shepherds and originates from the Picardy region in Northern France. They are a medium sized breed with a rustic charm and a wise, expressive gaze that hints at its deep intelligence and alertness. Coupled with its wiry coat, these features not only define its look but also reflect its hardy nature.

They are traditionally a herding breed, and it is in this role and as that of a companion that they remain popular today, having never really taken off as a breed for show. In France, they are adored as national treasures, yet they remain a rare breed even in their homeland. In recent years they have gained a modest following in other parts of the world, and rightly so, with their amiable temperament and talented skills.

Watching a Berger Picard in action, whether herding or participating in agility sports, is truly remarkable. They display a focused intensity during work, which contrasts vividly with their playful and spirited nature during leisure.

Kennel clubs around the world recognise the hardy breed as part of the herding group, including:

• The American Kennel Club (AKC),
• The Kennel Club (KC) in the UK,
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) which is the International Federation of Kennel Clubs, 
• Société Centrale Canine (SCC) which is the French Kennel Club

History Of The Berger Picard

The origins of the Berger Picard are quite a hot and contested topic, and we’ll cover this more below. What we do know, is that these dogs are traditionally herding dogs from the Picardy region in Northern France. Either this breed directly, or older variations have been a fixture in French pastoral life for centuries, primarily used for herding sheep and cattle.

The breed did make an appearance in the very first French dog show in 1863, but it didn’t gain much popularity in show. It’s skills perhaps more attractive than its rugged and wiry frame. 

Despite its long history, the Berger Picard came close to extinction during both World Wars due to the devastation caused in its native region. Populations were really battered in the North, particularly the agricultural lands around the Somme, and the threat of extinction was high. 

It was only through the dedicated efforts of breed enthusiasts in the late 20th century that the Berger Picard was preserved and gradually regained popularity. They are still to this day however, a rare breed, with international populations very low, particularly outside of Europe. 

For some perspective, there were only around 400 of these dogs registered by the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs in 2014, while there are around 3500 estimated to exist in France.

More recently, the Berger Picard has had it’s share of the limelight, appearing in several films at home and internationally since the turn of the 21st Century. 

Breed Origin

There are many theories on the origins of the Berger Picard. Some claims trace the origins back to the arrival of the Celts in France around 800 AD. Another suggest the breed originated from the Pas de Calais, a dog brought to Northern France by the Franks, a little later into the 9th Century. Other claims suggest it has a common ancestor with the more well-known Briard and Beauceron breeds, or with similar Dutch and Belgian Shepherd dogs. 

A genetic study carried out in 2018 however, gives us the firmest hints to the Picard’s origins to date. This study revealed that many of the Euopean Shepherd dogs including the Italian breeds, the German Shepherd and the Berger Picard all share common ancestry with an ancient European herding breed that was widely distributed around the continent, around 1859. You can see then, that the origins are pretty well contested, but it is likely that even if the more recent origins turn out to be right, that their bloodline goes back very far in their native France. 

Quick Facts

• Resilient and Hard Working – The Berger Picard is well-suited for active, outdoor lifestyles, reflecting its history as a durable working dog. The breed is known for its hardiness, and does well in environments that challenge both mind and body. It needs to be kept busy to be happy, to feel purposeful and useful.

• Loyal and Devoted – Berger Picards are deeply loyal to their families, forming strong, lasting bonds. They can display an endearing devotion but are not overly affectionate. They are often very protective of their home and loved ones.

• Naturally Intelligent and Willful – This breed is respected for its intelligence and quick learning ability, which can sometimes be accompanied by a willful streak. Their smart, self-reliant traits need consistent, patient training to channel their energies positively. This is essential, or as with all very intelligent breeds, their frustration will turn to naughty behaviour.

• Friendly Yet Watchful – While the Berger Picard is friendly and sociable, it is also watchful and can be cautious around strangers, making it an excellent watchdog. Whether guarding, herding or playing, they take whatever they are doing seriously, and they love a challenge. 

Characteristics Of The Berger Picard

Though a rare breed, the Berger Picard has a few names and nicknames that you may hear. The sometimes go by ‘Berger de Picardie’ or ‘Picardy Sheepdog’, but more commonly their name is shortened simply to the ‘Picard’. It’s a fairly recognizable breed, with a distinctive muscly frame and wiry coat.  

Berger Picard puppies are typically born in litters of between five to eight, but as low as two or as many as 10 are not unheard of. As with all breeds, the early weeks are crucial for their development. During this time they learn vital social and behavioral skills from their mother and littermates, and should not be separated from them too early. Puppies are usually ready to join their new homes at around eight weeks of age.

When it comes to purchasing a Berger Picard from a reputable breeder, potential owners can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $2500 in the USA, depending on a variety of factors. In the UK they will usually sell for no less than £1000, but as a rare breed this can fluctuate much higher with demand and you may need to go on a waiting list with a breeder.

Appearance

The Berger Picard is medium-sized, sturdy and muscular. In terms of size, they stand about 21.5 to 25.5 inches at the shoulder and males are generally slightly larger than females. Across the sexes they typically weigh between 50 to 70 pounds and have a physique that is slightly longer than it is tall.

The coat covers the body uniformly, including the face. Here, it forms expressive eyebrows and a characteristic beard that brings attention to their keen, intelligent gaze. Despite the coat’s rough texture, it does not weigh the Picard down; instead, it equips them well for the outdoor activities they excel in. Other notable features include high-set, erect ears, a notoriously charming smile and a long, smooth j-tipped tail.

Coat

Their distinctive coat is one of their most notable features — wiry and dense, giving them a rustic, but somewhat noble appearance. The fur is slightly wavy with enough length to provide protection against harsh weather. It’s quite an easy coat to care for too, only needing minimal grooming.

Color

Typically, the coat comes in shades of fawn or brindle, and these are the breed standards as described by the American Kennel Club. Sometimes they have white markings or brindle markings and both are acceptable in the breed standard.

Temperament

Known for its spirited independence and intelligence, the Picard is enthusiastic and quick to learn. It does display a notable self-reliance though and this can add a layer of challenge to training. Like the border or bearded collie, it is very intelligent and it’s independent, problem solving talents served it well in the past. An experienced owner will be able to work with the dog to manage their stubbornness positively.

The Berger Picard also brings together an interesting mix of steadfast loyalty and charm. A fine set of traits that make it an excellent companion. It will guard your home or your herd with its life, and if not put to work it is best suited to both for families and individuals who lead active lives. 

As a working dog, it is formidable. It’s serious nature may appear standoffish with strangers or visitors, but it’s a loyal softy underneath for it’s family. It is not overly affectionate or ‘needy’ but you do have to provide lots of mental and physical exercise.

Lifespan

This breed has a healthy life expectancy of around 12-14 years and it’s a fairly hardy breed. Their bodies can take a fair amount of stress, and their working background perhaps contributes to their spirited vitality.

Known Health Issues

Though generally healthy, the Berger Picard, like all dogs, can be prone to specific genetic health issues. Key conditions to be aware of include:

Hip Dysplasia: This condition involves the malformation of the hip joint, which can cause pain and arthritis, potentially leading to mobility issues. Hip dysplasia is influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

• Treatment: Options may include anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle adjustments such as weight management, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic condition that leads to the degeneration of the retina, eventually causing blindness. It affects dogs at various ages and progresses until the dog loses sight completely.

• Treatment: There is no cure for PRA, but affected dogs can often live comfortably with adjustments to their environment to accommodate their changing vision.

Prospective Berger Picard owners should request health clearances from breeders, including Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification for hips and a current eye examination from a certified ophthalmologist, ideally registered with the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) or its equivalent. This documentation helps ensure the breeding parents have been screened for these conditions. Potentially reducing the risk of passing them on to puppies. A reputable breeder should be able to provide these.

Daily Life

Food and Diet

Berger Picards thrive on a balanced diet tailored to their needs as a medium-sized, highly active breed. They typically do well on high-quality dry kibble that is rich in protein to support their lean muscle mass. The quantity of food should be adjusted based on the dog’s age, weight, and activity level, but generally, an adult Berger Picard should consume about 2.5 to 3 cups of dry food per day, divided into at least two meals.

For Berger Picard puppies, who are more active and still growing, the frequency of meals should be higher—typically three to four times a day. Portions should be carefully managed to avoid overfeeding. It’s important to monitor their growth and weight meticulously, as Berger Picards can be prone to gaining weight if their diet is not properly managed.

Exercise

If you’re wanting a couch companion then the Berger Picard is not for you. This dog was bred for long working days in the field. It has abundant stamina and energy and would be happy outside all day. But outside of a working role, that’s not going to be practical for most families. 

A typical exercise regimen for a Berger Picard should include at least one to two hours of activity per day. This can be broken down into several walks, combined with play sessions and opportunities for free running in a secure area. If you can take them along for activities like hiking or jogging, these are excellent ways to meet their athletic exercise needs. They also love a good game of fetch if you’re not into running yourself. For something a bit more fun, introduce them to sports such as agility, obedience, and herding trials. They do really well with these, and it’s a great bonding opportunity as well as an outlet for both physical and mental stimulation.

It’s not just physical exercise they need though, and plenty mental stimulation is a crucial part of the regimen for this intelligent breed. They love a good training session, puzzle toys, or games that challenge their problem-solving skills. Anything that can help keep their minds active and engaged will help you to keep them well behaved and stave off any stubbornness. Consistent, varied exercise routines are best.

Family Compatability

The Picard is known for forming strong bonds with all family members and does best in a home where it can be actively involved in day-to-day activities. With a natural inclination to protect, the Berger Picard makes a vigilant watchdog, alerting its family to unfamiliar occurrences without being overly aggressive. It is not an overly affectionate breed, but it does love its family and it is fiercely loyal. 

Their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation make them best suited for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. They would not do well however, in confined homes like apartments, or when left alone for long periods with little to do. This would be hell for them, and likely lead to some unhealthy, destructive behaviours. It would not be a good fit at all. 

Berger Picards do particularly well with children when they have been properly socialized from a young age. They also generally get along with other household pets, especially if raised with them. You need to keep an eye on their herding instincts though, as these may prompt them to herd smaller animals and children. A behavior that needs to be managed with consistent training.

Training

Training a Berger Picard requires consistency, patience, and an understanding of their intelligent yet independent nature. They are highly trainable and excel in various canine sports and activities, but they need and experienced trainer, not a novice owner. Their independent streak means that they might not always follow commands blindly. Instead, they respond best to training methods that involve positive reinforcement such as praise, treats and inventive play.

Picards learn quickly, but they need engaging and varied training routines to keep them interested. If bored, they will just switch off and pay attention to something of their own choosing that is more interesting instead. They do really well when they are challenged with new tasks and will bore easily with repetitive training exercises. Activities that involve both physical and mental engagement are ideal, such as agility courses, herding activities, or advanced obedience games.

Socializing

Socialization is key for the Berger Picard. It helps to mitigate any natural wariness of strangers and ensures the dog is well-adjusted and confident. But it is also critical for tempering their stubborn streak that comes from their intelligent and independent working nature. When started early, socialization training can help to temper this streak and produce a well rounded working dog or family pet.

Grooming

The Berger Picard’s coat is wiry and dense, which helps protect them from harsh weather conditions, but it also means they can be prone to matting if not properly cared for. This is only really a problem during shedding season, where they will need brushing every day. Outside of shedding season they have a really easy coat to care for. A weekly brush will be ample, but monthly would suffice. 

The natural oils in their coat keep it relatively clean, so bathing should be infrequent, only as needed to avoid stripping these oils and drying out their skin. Nails should also be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and cracking. 

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

With a nature that is as endearing as it is energetic, the Berger Picard makes a wonderful addition to active families or for anyone who appreciates a dog with both character and capability. Whether herding, competing, or simply jogging alongside their owner, the Berger Picard does everything with a heart full of enthusiasm and a bounding energy that is truly infectious.

They do however, need an experienced hand that can manage and control their stubborn streak and provide the ample mental stimulation that they need. A beautiful, energetic and intelligent dog, for an attentive owner with experience of herding breeds.

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