Berger Picard
One of the oldest French sheepdogs, nearly lost when both world wars swept its home region. Rough coated, tall eared, and it has a sense of humour about work.
Photo by Lil Shepherd, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Berger Picard is a French herding dog from Picardy, and it is one of the oldest French sheepdogs. It nearly disappeared twice, in both World Wars, since Picardy was fought over in each, and it was rebuilt from very small numbers.
The look is distinctive: a harsh crisp coat, a light beard, and tall upright ears that give it a permanently curious expression.
Temperament
Lively, sensitive and independent. Picards are affectionate with their families and reserved with strangers, and they have a strong sense of what is fair.
They are intelligent and stubborn, and they respond to training that makes sense to them. Harsh handling produces refusal rather than compliance. They are also known for being slow to mature, taking two to three years.
Care and grooming
The harsh crisp coat needs brushing every couple of weeks and hand stripping twice a year. It sheds lightly and it should not be clipped.
Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy occur, and PRA has a DNA test. The narrow founding population is worth asking a breeder about. Twelve to thirteen years is normal.
Living and exercise
Ninety minutes to two hours a day plus mental work. They enjoy herding, agility and tracking.
They do best in an active household with space, and they are a poor fit for a flat with two short walks. The breed remains rare outside France.
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