The Picardy Shepherd or Picardy Shepherd is a breed of sheepdog of French origin, classified in group I of the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). It is a little known breed, but much loved by all those who adopt one. Do you want to know why? We will explain it to you in this PlanèteAnimal breed file in which we will talk in detail about the Picardy Shepherd: its origins, characteristics, character and upbringing!
Origin
- Europe
- France
FCI Nomenclature
- Group I
Physical Characteristics
- Rustic
- Muscular
- Lying
- Short ears
Size
- Average
Height
- 55-70
Adult Weight
- 25-45
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- High
Character
- Balanced
- Society
- Very loyal
- Smart
- Active
- Affectionate
Ideal for
- Children
- Apartment
- House
- Walking
- Shepherd
- The guard
- Sports
Recommendations
- Harness
Recommended climate
- Cold
Hair type
- Medium
- Smooth
- Hard
- Big
- Dry
Origin of the Picard Shepherd
It is considered a particularly old breed and although its name refers to the Picardy region in northern France, it is uncertain whether it is endemic to this region.Despite this, we know that this dog is distributed throughout Europe and its characteristics match many of the most common herding-type dogs in this region.
The first known specimens participated in an exhibition in 1863, competing in the same category as Briards and Beaucerons. Years later, from 1898, the breed enjoyed growing success and much later, in 1922, the first official standard was written by Paul Megnin. However, it was only officially and definitively recognized in 1925.
" With the start of the Second World War, breeders abandoned the breeding of the Picardy shepherd. Once the war was over, it was very difficult to find typical examples of the breed, and for this reason the Breed Club did not officially recognize the Berger Picard. This is how a dog fancier, Robert Montenot, founded the Club des Amis du Berger Picard (CABP) in 1955."
Finally, in 1959, the breed was definitively recognized and the official standard was written by Mr J.C. Larive, in collaboration with Mr. R. Triquet.
Characteristics of the Picard shepherd
The Picardy Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that measures between 60 and 65 cm. at the withers in males and between 55 and 60 cm. at the withers in females. He has a pleasant but strong appearance, with a particularly friendly face. Its ears, in the shape of a spitz, its well distinguished black nose and its balanced body are remarkable. The proportions of the dog should be 5-8% longer than tall. The facial coat should not cover the eye and it should be around 4cm long. The eyes are dark.
The tail is long and its coat, provided with medium-long coarse hairs, must be rough to the touch. It has a very fine and dense undercoat, ideal for protecting itself from the cold. The outer coat is 5-6cm long and can be fawn, brindle fawn, fawn with a dark or gray outer coat.A small white spot on the chest is allowed, but never large spots.
Character of the Picard Shepherd
The Berger de Picardie is distinguished by its balanced, obedient and intelligent character. It is also a very sociable dog, both with people and with other animals, but this will obviously depend on its socialization process, which we will discuss in the next section. Due to its past (and present in some areas) as a herding dog, the Picard Shepherd is generally a very loyal and protective dog, especially with children, with whom it has a wonderful relationship.
Picardy shepherd care
The Picardy Shepherd needs regular maintenance of its coat, so it should be brushed about 2 to 3 times a week, increasing this frequency during the moulting period. Bathing should be done when the dog is dirty or every 1-2 months.We will use specific products and accessories for dogs, never shampoo for human use.
We will also offer them quality food, whether based on kibble, BARF diet or other homemade diets, but remember that homemade food is not synonymous with leftovers and that it should always be prescribed by a veterinarian to avoid nutritional deficiencies. We recommend that you consult a veterinarian if you have any doubts about this.
Finally, it should be noted that the Picardy Shepherd is a very active dog, so he will need regular exercise. It can be stimulated very well with simple games, such as Fetch and Fetch Ball, or introduced to more complex sports, such as agility for dogs. Remember, however, that regular impact sports can cause damage to the dog's body, so more frequent veterinary checks are advised.
Education of the Picardy Shepherd
As we have already said, the Picard shepherd is a particularly intelligent dog, so he will have no difficulty in being educated and trained. We will begin this section by talking about puppy socialization, a particularly important process that begins at 3 weeks and ends at 3 months, during which the dog must learn to behave with all kinds of people, animals and people. environments. It is therefore essential not to separate the unvaccinated puppy from its mother and siblings before an optimal age (2 to 3 months) and to avoid any negative experience.
The puppy must learn at this time to relieve itself in the newspaper and to manage the bite. It is also important at this stage to stimulate your mind with a variety of games and activities, and to always do so in a positive and very progressive way.
Later, when the puppy is up to date with his first vaccinations, we can teach him to urinate in the street and, when he begins to mature, we will introduce him to the basic commands of the canine obedience, essential for its safety and for correct communication with you, its guardian.When he reaches the youthful stage, our dog can be introduced to more complex canine exercises and skills. And as an adult, we can introduce him to dog sports.
He alth of the Picardy shepherd
There is little information regarding inherited diseases that the breed may suffer from, however, mention should be made of hip dysplasia, common in medium to large sized sheepdogs, and some eye problems. To prevent and detect them at an early stage, it is advisable to make regular visits to the veterinarian, every 6 to 12 months maximum, as well as to strictly respect the dog vaccination schedule and to regularly administer wormers.
The life expectancy of the Berger Picard is around 12 to 13 years.
Pictures of Berger Picard or Berger de Picardie
