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Dog Breeds
Berger Picard Dog Breed.
Berger Picard training, care, history, temperament, and characteristics
Group: Herding
Weight: 50 - 70 pounds
Height: 21 ½ - 26 inches
Life Expectancy: 13 - 14 years
Size of Litters: Average 2 - 10 puppies
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History
Hailing from France, the Berger Picard is a very old shepherd breed with roots dating back to 800 A.D. It very possibly may be the oldest of all French shepherds. The Berger Picard is named for an area of northeastern France known as Picardie. Despite its rich history, this breed is lucky to be alive today. After World War I and II, the Berger Picard nearly disappeared entirely. Today, although no longer on the brink of extinction, this breed is still considered very rare. Only about 3,000 Berger Picards remain in France and approximately 350 in Germany. They are rarely seen outside these two countries. Undeniably, the most famous example of this breed is the canine in the title role of the movie "Because of Wynn Dixie". The character was actually played by three different Berger Picards, all of whom the film's trainer brought to the United States from Europe.
Characteristics
With its rustic, scruffy appearance, the Berger Picard is often mistaken for a mixed breed dog. Its mutt-like, charming looks include a trademark smiling expression, thick eyebrows and very large, pointed ears. Its wiry coat comes in a variety of colors, including gray, fawn and all shades in between.
Temperament
The Berger Picard is known for its gentle, laid-back demeanor. Like the famous Wynn Dixie dog, this breed has a natural affinity toward children. Even with its sweet personality, the Picardy Shepherd does have a bit of a stubborn streak. Oftentimes, the dog demonstrates this trait at mealtime, as it can be a notoriously picky eater. The Berger Picard thrives on human attention and does not like to be left alone. This loyal, affectionate dog can often be quite boisterous and enjoys having a job to do.
Care
With its tousled, shaggy coat, the Berger Picard requires very little grooming. The coarse hair rarely mats and only needs brushing about once a month or so. Bathing is done only when necessary. The Picardy Shepherd is a low-shedder and, pleasantly, does not have a strong doggy odor. In all, it is easy to maintain this breed's appealing, windswept appearance. Of more concern is the Berger Picard's need for exercise. Bred to work the fields alongside a shepherd, this dog is very athletic and prefers to exercise in the company of its guardian. Take your Picardy Shepherd for long walks, jogging or swimming. They love to run alongside bicycles and romp and play, so long as their "humans" are not far off. For more detailed info, take a look at the Berger Picard Grooming page.
Training
The Berger Picard is very voice sensitive and responds well when trained with cheerfully given commands. Beware this breed's stubborn streak, which can be frustrating at times during training. Consistence and patience are key with this dog. It a highly intelligent dog and should come along well with an owner devoted to training a lifelong companion. The Berger Picard enjoys participating in fun canine activities such as tracking, agility and flyball.
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