Origin and Historical Significance

The Berger Picard, also known as the Picardy Shepherd, has its roots in the Picardy region of France, a region with a rich history that dates back to the 9th century when the Franks brought the breed to northern France and the Pas de Calais. This ancient French herding dog played a crucial role in the region's agricultural activities, herding both sheep and cattle. Despite its rustic appearance and valuable work ethic, the Berger Picard did not gain popularity as a show dog until much later in its history.

In 2018, a groundbreaking genetic study provided insights into the breed's ancestry, revealing that the Berger Picard, along with the German Shepherd Dog and five Italian herding breeds, descended from a broadly distributed European herding dog prior to 1859. This discovery highlights the breed's ancient lineage and its role in the development of other herding breeds. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognized the Berger Picard in 1955, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) followed suit, accepting the breed into the herding group on July 1, 2015.

Today, the Berger Picard remains a rare breed, with approximately 3,500 dogs in France, around 500 in Germany, and roughly 400 in the United States and Canada. Dedicated clubs such as the Berger Picard Club of America and the Berger Picard Club Canada work tirelessly to promote and protect the breed, ensuring its continued existence and recognition.

Physical Description

The Berger Picard is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog with a distinctive, slightly longer than tall build that contributes to its elegant and tousled appearance. Their ears are naturally erect, high-set, and wide at the base, which adds to their regal look. The breed is also characterized by thick eyebrows that do not completely shield their dark, almond-shaped eyes, which are a key feature of their expression. A natural tail that reaches to the hock and is carried with a slight J-curve at the tip is another defining trait of the Berger Picard.

Their weather-proof coat is a standout feature, consisting of a harsh and crisp texture that is not excessively long, with a minimal undercoat. The coat colors are typically fawn or brindle, with a wide range of shade variations that can include shades of beige, gold, and brindle with black tips.

Temperament and Behavior

The Berger Picard is an intelligent, loyal, energetic, and alert dog with a lively and observant nature. They are known for their sensitive and assertive disposition, which makes them highly responsive to obedience training. This breed is generally easygoing and mellow, but they can be reserved towards strangers, emphasizing the importance of extensive socialization during the first two years of their lives to ensure they are well-rounded and friendly.

With their high energy levels and strong herding instincts, Picards are energetic and hardworking, alert, and typically not excessive barkers. Some individuals may exhibit picky eating habits, and the breed is known for its developed sense of humor, which endears them to many. In their native land and beyond, they have proven to be effective as both sheep and cattle herders, showcasing their natural talent and work ethic.

Health Considerations

While the Berger Picard is generally a healthy breed, it is prone to certain medical conditions. Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are known issues that can affect the breed. To maintain the health of the breed, eyes are certified for hereditary diseases through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and the results are published on the OFA database, providing transparency and a means for potential owners to assess the health of the breed.

The Berger Picard has an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, which is typical for a medium-sized dog.

Exercise and Activities

Due to their high energy levels and strong herding instincts, Berger Picards excel in various dog sports and activities. These include agility trials, tracking, obedience, showmanship, Schutzhund, flyball, lure coursing, French ring sport, and herding events. Their trainability and natural instincts can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests, and they can be trained to compete in herding trials if desired, showcasing their versatility and adaptability.

Living with a Berger Picard

Living with a Berger Picard requires a commitment to their exercise needs and socialization efforts. These dogs are best suited for families with older children or those willing to invest time in training and socialization. Given their high energy levels and strong herding instincts, a Berger Picard may not be the best choice for a first-time dog owner who may not have the resources or experience to meet their needs.

The Berger Picard is not considered hypoallergenic, so potential owners with allergies should consider this carefully before bringing one into their home.

Buying a Berger Picard

• Ensure the breeder is a member of a recognized kennel club or breed club, such as the Berger Picard Club of America or the Berger Picard Club Canada.
• Ask for health clearances, including OFA certifications for hips and eyes, to ensure the puppy's good health and reduce the risk of genetic disorders.
• Observe the puppy's temperament and behavior during your visit to the breeder's facility to gauge their suitability for your lifestyle.
• Ask about the breeder's experience and commitment to the breed, as this reflects their dedication to the breed's health and welfare.

Understanding the costs associated with owning a Berger Picard, including food, veterinary care, and grooming, is also important for responsible pet ownership. This breed requires a significant investment of time, money, and energy, but for those willing to commit, the rewards can be great.