Berger Picard Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

22-31 kg

Height

54-64 cm

Lifespan

12-13 years

Jump To

About the Berger Picard

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

What is the history & origin of the Berger Picard?

The origin of the Berger Picard definitely dates back to ancient times, but its history is widely disputed by historians. It has existed in France since at least the middle ages, but its exact background remains unclear.

Some believe it to have emerged as a mix between a German Shephard and several different Italian herding dogs, including a Lupino del Gigante and a Bergamasco Shepherd. Others claim it is linked to the dogs brought over to France by the Central European Celts. There is another belief according to which it was introduced as far back as the 9th century by the Franks.

One thing that many agree on is that the Beger Picard was the first-ever French sheepdog, although this, too, cannot be confirmed. The name comes from Picardy, which remains a major agricultural region of Northern France.

Alongside the likes of Beaucerons and Briards, the Berger Picard emerged as one of the main choices for livestock farmers. Its popularity culminated in 1863 when it made its first appearance at a French dog show.

Like several other dogs, the existence of the Berger Picard was threatened during the World Wars. Luckily, lovers of the breed managed to preserve it, and remained a somewhat popular breed, though only in France.

The Beger Picard was at last introduced to the rest of the world in 2005, thanks to the family movie Because of Winn-Dixie. This film starred a Berger Picard and it inspired dog breeder Betsy Richards to found the Berger Picard Club of America that same. In 2015, the breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club.

What is a Berger Picard breed?

The Berger Picard is a highly active herding dog who can easily adapt to become your family pet, as long as you can provide it with adequate exercise to make up for it!

Not only are they said to be France’s oldest herding dog, but the Berger Picard could potentially be the oldest herding dog in the whole world! The breed has a timeless sense of humour and loves to goof around to make their owners laugh.

Muscular and yet sleek, the Berger Picard has a fantastic build, can run incredibly fast, and demonstrate superb agility. Its shaggy coat comes in either brindle or fawn, while its pointed ears, kind eyes, and thick, bushy eyebrows complete its incredibly handsome look.

One of their traits is an incredible talent for eye contact, giving you plenty of opportunities to gaze into its striking eyes!

Who is a Berger Picard best for?

Berger Picards love a high-energy household, which would suggest they’re best suited for families. However, they may be dangerous to have around young children, as erratic movement can trigger a herding response from them. Families with older kids, who know how to be responsible around a Berger Picard, would, therefore, be a good match.

Their size mixed with their energy makes them pretty boisterous around the house, so they should only be taken on by families who can manage it. They’re also too big and too energetic for apartments – they need plenty of space to run around and burn out their energy.

They are best suited for families who can be committed to walking them for at least 45 minutes per day, either over two smaller walks or one big one.

Berger Picard Grooming & Shedding

In winter and summer, Berger Picards require only minimal grooming about once a month. Both of its two coats don’t require any trimming and only need to be combed once per month to remove dead hair.

However, in the shedding season, which falls during both the spring and autumn, Berger Picard’s produce much more excess hair and requires combing at least once every week. In terms of other maintenance responsibilities, it is recommended that you brush a Berger Picard’s teeth daily, clean and clip their nails once a month, and regularly clean their ears.

Do Berger Picards bark a lot?

It’s in a Berger Picard’s nature to naturally bark whenever they clock a passing human, dog, or cat – this is to be expected from any herding dog. It’s unlikely that your Berger Picard will bark unprovoked as they’ll only bark when they perceive something that is potentially threatening. For this reason, they make good guard dogs.

The extent of their barking can be lessened but unlikely to be totally cut out, which is worth considering if you live on a street with lots of neighbours.

What is the average weight & height of a Berger Picard dog?

A Berger Picard is a medium dog – both in breed size and in length. Its height can be anywhere between 54 and 64cm. A proper diet will see this pup weighing somewhere between 22kg and 31kg.

Are Berger Picards easy to train?

Picard training can be easy, as long as you’ve got patience and a lot of energy. You need patience as this dog can show a slightly stubborn streak – particularly if you’re teaching them new things outside of puppyhood. You also need the energy to provide them with plenty of positivity and affection for when they do perform a command correctly.

Like several breeds in the herding group, Berger Picards do not respond well to treat rewards and especially not verbal punishments. You need to work primarily on praising them physically.

In terms of what you can train this dog to do, from puppyhood you can work on socialisation with other dogs, agility training, house training, hiking training, and other tricks and commands. They’re highly intelligent dogs and can respond well to commands and pick up patterns easily.

How do Berger Picards behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Having been trained as French herding dogs, Berger Picards are highly observant and a big part of their personality revolves around picking up on their owner’s emotions. Deeply personal, almost human bonds can therefore be formed between an owner and a Berger Picard.

They know when you’re happy and when you’re sad and are particularly distressed when they know you’re angry with them. When you’re sad, it almost feels like your Berger Picard is going out of its way to make you laugh, by cracking a smile or cocking its head to the side.

As much as they love their owners, they also enjoy running around and exercising on their own, and can display a strong sense of independence – as long as you are not leaving them alone completely.

They know how to bounce their excitement off older kids, who make the best playmates for them, as they’re likely the only ones who can match their energy!

Does the Berger Picard have any common health issues?

Berger Picards are considered to be a very healthy breed that is only disposed to developing a few health problems. These health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and some eye-related problems, including canine multifocal retinopathy and progressive retinal atrophy.

As with all dog breeds, it’s important to get these healthy dogs regularly checked by a vet.

What is the lifespan of a Berger Picard?

A Berger Picard has a life expectancy of 12-13 years.

How much does a Berger Picard need to be fed?

Feeding a Berger Picard depends on its age, size, and weight. Dry dog food works pretty well for a Berger Picard, as long as their daily feed is split into two separate meals.

How much can you expect to pay for a Berger Picard in Australia?

Berger Picards remain a rare breed, with few registered breeders around the world, and only a limited amount found in France. In France, they sell for the equivalent of $2,800 to $3,500 in AUD.

Berger Picard FAQs

Is a Berger Picard ideal for a first-time dog owner?

If you’re willing to put in the time to exercise, Berger Picards could be a good idea for first-time dog owners. Their loveable personality could make you fall in love with dogs for good, which would make the training, walking, and feeding part easy!