Everything You Need to Know About Berger Picard

Do you want to adopt a Berger Picard but are worried whether you will be able to cater to their needs and requirements? The Berger Picard is a rare dog breed hailing from the Picardy region of Northern France. It is a herding dog adept at herding in flat fields, mountainous areas, and all-weather situations. It has a shaggy coat, dark almond-shaped eyes, and a wedge-shaped head.

Due to its strong build, boundless energy, and agility, it can be an ideal companion for all kinds of sports, outdoor activities, and games. Whether you’re up for trekking, jogging, or swimming, Berger Picard dog can be the ideal companion for all your adventurous activities. It needs plenty of mental stimulation and exercise and, hence, is the perfect fit for people or families having an active lifestyle. You must train them to shape their personality and ensure they behave well.

With the right attention and care, Berger Picards will serve as loving partners for years to come!

All You Need to Know About Berger Picard

Let’s take a look at the characteristics, health issues, and needs of the Berger Picard to make your ownership experience seamless.

Berger Picard is also referred to as the Picardy Shepherd. This medium-sized herding dog has an energetic nature and is very protective of its owner. It is muscular and strong but not very bulky. This dog breed can live in all types of weather but prefers cold climates. The feature of this four-legged canine is its erect ears, which are around four to five inches tall. Their pointy, triangular ears enhance their auditory powers and grab the attention of passersby.

The head of the Berger Picard is of the same length as its neck. They have medium-sized oval-shaped eyes facing forward. Females mature faster and are more independent than the males. They need lots of exercise and physical activity and do not like staying ideal.

If you do not have an active lifestyle, you should not opt for them.

Height & Weight Comparison, Lifespan of Berger Picard

Six-month-old Berger Picard puppies could weigh 17 lbs, whereas a fully grown-up eighteen-month-old Berger Picard dog could weigh 51 lbs. Female Berger Picard dog weighs less than the male.

The lifespan of Berger Picard is twelve to thirteen years, depending on the kind of environment in which they grow and their daily diet. Female dogs are up to 21 inches tall, and males stand as high as 26 inches.

Berger Picard: Size, Characteristics & Health Guide

Berger Picard is one of the rarest and oldest French herding dogs. They are known for their loving nature, unmatched intelligence, and sturdy build. They stand out from the other dogs due to their slightly wavy, long, and wiry coats that form a mustache, eyebrows, and shaggy beard. Their dense, short undercoat offers insulation, keeping them warm during winter and cool in summertime. Because of their waterproof, wiry coat, you can take them out for their daily exercise or playtime, even when it’s raining.

Their coats are strong and thick and are of brindle or fawn colors. They have thick, sandy-colored eyebrows that do not cover their brown oval-shaped eyes. Their distinctive ears are about four to five inches long. Their tail is long and ends in a J-shaped hook. When herding, their tail carriage is used as a rudder, and when standing, their tail drops to the hock level, ending in a J-hook.

Berger Picard is also known for giving human-like expressions. They are good at making eye-to-eye contact and even smile at times. Besides their energetic personality, they also have a great sense of humor. They can make you laugh with their laughable gaze and hilarious expressions. Because of their energetic temperament, they can be an ideal companion for people with an active lifestyle. Whether you’re hiking, camping, swimming, or jogging, you can accompany Berger Picard dogs anywhere you want.

The more exercise and outside activities they indulge in, the happier they are. They are very loyal and protective towards their owner. If they sense any danger, they will do everything possible to protect their owner. Berger Picards are very intelligent and learn new tricks quickly. They are obedient and follow the instructions of the owner. But if they do not get to indulge in much physical activity, they may show tantrums and aggression.

2. Size

Male Berger Picard dogs stand at 23.5 to 25.5 inches, while females are somewhere around 22.5 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder. On average, both females and males weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, depending on their diet and the care they get from their owners.

3. Health Guide

Berger Picards is a healthy breed that can live up to 12 to 13 years, depending on the kind of care they get. To ensure these dogs are healthy, reputable, and trustworthy breeders, get them certified by eye and hip specialists. This gives assurance to people who’re buying these dogs that they’re free of inheritable issues. Once you bring them home, you will have to take care of their health and nutritional requirements.

Ensure you give them a safe and healthy environment so that they grow well. If you detect any unusual behavior like excessive barking or loss of enthusiasm and energy, you must get them checked by your veterinary doctor to detect any underlying issues. You should also schedule regular vet visits in a few months to monitor the health of your dog. Berger Picard puppies need great care and attention to grow well.

Give them around two to three cups of high-quality dog food daily to ensure they grow well and achieve their development goals. Whether commercially available or homemade, ensure the food you’re giving to your canine friend has enough nutrition and calories to support the active lifestyle of your dog.

Keep in mind the size and age of your dog while giving them food. Check their ears every week for signs of wax buildup and infections. It is also important to trim their nails regularly so they don’t crack or split easily. Brush their teeth regularly to maintain their hygiene.

Berger Picard Pros & Cons: What to Consider Before Adopting

If you have adopted a Berger Picard, find a good breeder. This is important to ensure that you get a dog that is free from diseases and is adaptable to the surroundings. A good breeder will help you find the right dog and have all the health certifications required to screen out potential health issues in the dog as much as possible.

They will also answer all the questions about the dog’s temperament, nutritional requirements, and health conditions. Look for breeders who are active in their local and national breed clubs. They should actively participate with their dogs in canine activities, like obedience, conformation showing, or other dog therapy programs. Such breeders sell the puppies with written contracts that they will take the dogs back if the owners cannot keep them at any time during their lives.

If a breeder says their dog is 100 percent healthy, you must not rely on them. You should also not buy Berger Picards from breeders who say that their puppies are isolated from the household for health reasons, as these kinds of dogs won’t socialize easily with your family or friends. A trustworthy and reputable breeder will be open and honest about health problems in the dog.

You should only adopt a Berger Picard if you lead an active lifestyle and can give time to your canine partner. Since these dogs are very energetic, you must aim for two hours of exercise or play time daily. If they don’t get to indulge in physical activities, they will become destructive and find ways to burn their pent-up energy in negative ways.

Let’s examine the pros and cons of adopting a Berger Picard.

Pros

Berger Picard dogs are the smartest in the world and are known for their high intelligence level. Due to their high intelligence, they excel in activities like advanced tricks, obedience, and agility.
Berger Picard dogs mix well with their owners and do everything possible to protect them. If these dogs sense danger, they will give up their lives to save their owners.
These herding breeds have a natural protective instinct, because of which they are even used as watchdogs. They provide a sense of security and alert you to potential threats.
If you lead an active lifestyle, these dogs can be your ideal partner. Because of their high energy level, they can keep up with vigorous activities like running, hiking, camping, and swimming.

Cons

The high energy level of the Berger Picards can be a huge challenge for people with a sedentary lifestyle. These dog breeds need regular mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. So if you don’t have an active lifestyle, you should not consider adopting them.
These dogs portray strong herding instincts, which can lead to behaviors like chasing moving objects, nipping at ankles, or herding other pets and children. You will have to train your dog to manage such behavior.
Berger Picards do not gel well with other animals or strangers and may even attack them if they sense danger. Early socialization is crucial to cope with this kind of behavior. Without proper socialization, they become overly anxious or protective.
These dog breeds may be prone to various health issues, like hip dysplasia, genetic conditions, and eye problems. So, you must be ready for potential health expenses.

Training Tips After Adoption

Start training them the day you bring them home, as they can easily pick up everything you teach them. You should not wait until they reach a certain age to start training them, or you will have to deal with a more headstrong dog, which will take time to understand your instructions.

If you train them from the start, they have a very good nature and loving temperament. As they grow up, they become aggressive and independent. Well-socialized and healthy Berger Picard puppies can provide you with endless support.

What Is the Berger Picard Personality Like?

Berger Picards are very intelligent and energetic. They can be an excellent choice for people who’re on the lookout for a dog who excels at competitive canine sports, quickly learns tricks, and can provide help with livestock.

These dogs are natural-born athletes ideal for long days of running to keep a herd of sheep in line. They also have high exercise needs and must indulge in physical activity for at least two hours daily. You can also train them easily and shape their personality as you like.

Since these dogs were bred for herding livestock, they are born leaders and like to take charge in every situation. They display dominant behaviors, which helps them lead the pack. They are also very affectionate, loving, and loyal and can go to any extent to protect their owner.

Berger Picard: Facts, Controversy, and Price

The average lifespan of Berger Picard is around twelve to thirteen years.
Their name has been derived from two French words: Berger, meaning shepherd, and Picard, basically denotes the Picardy region where this dog breed originated.
A Berger Picard, named Floyd, did a heroic act by saving the life of his owner. He assisted in the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, growing and forming in his owner’s armpit.
They have a very sharp memory and can identify someone even if they once interacted with them.
Berger Picard has been declared to be the rarest breed. There are only 3,500 dog breeds in France and 400 Berger Picards in Canada.
A female Berger Picard can give birth to up to 10 puppies in a litter.
The price of a new Berger Picard puppy will depend on the heritage and pedigree of the dog, the quality of the breeder, and the availability of the breed. You will have to pay somewhere around $2,000 for a typical household pet and more if you buy the dog from a high-quality breeder who prioritizes the well-being and health of the dog.

Most Common Berger Picard Health Issues

Berger Picard is a healthy dog breed but can suffer from a few health issues. Let’s take a look at a few of the common health issues they may have.

The most common health issue these furry animals suffer from is eye problems. As they age, they may develop progressive retinal atrophy. This is a very serious condition wherein your dog starts losing its sight with time and may even become blind. Another eye problem that is common among this dog breed is canine multifocal retinopathy, which can also lead to complete blindness.
Berger Picard also has a high chance of developing hip dysplasia. This health issue is most commonly observed in over-energetic Berger Picard dogs. In this condition, your dog’s joints and hip bones get displaced, and their mobility decreases. In the worst cases, your dog may be unable to walk after developing this condition.
Dental problems are also very common in Berger Picard dogs. These conditions are mostly seen in dogs that are not cared for well by their owners. Most dental issues result from excessive tartar buildup, which causes severe gums and tooth infections if left untreated.
Berger Picards can also have food sensitivities and skin allergies, which may need proper dietary management. Some dogs’ thyroid glands may become underactive, affecting their overall health and metabolism.
Patellar luxation is another common health ailment that Berger Picards may suffer from. This condition can lead to the dislocation of the kneecap, and surgical correction may be required to treat the problem.
Once you have brought a new Berger Picard dog into your home, protect it from the most common canine health problem: obesity. You must keep your dog at an appropriate weight to ensure they remain healthy and lead a disease-free life.

Conclusion

Adopting a Berger Picard dog can be a rewarding experience for people with an active lifestyle. These dogs are hard-working, loyal, and respond well to training. But if they don’t receive enough mental stimulation or exercise, they may develop behavioral issues, including chewing, digging, obsessiveness, climbing, chasing, herding children, etc.

You will have to look for high-intensity activities like agility training, obedience training, flyball, frisbee, and trick training to keep these dogs engaged. If you have decided to buy a new Berger Picard puppy, purchase it from trustworthy breeders who breed the fittest dogs.

You can also check the above information for a positive ownership experience with these dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Berger Picards a Good Choice for People with a Sedentary Lifestyle?

No, Berger Picards are not a good choice for people with a sedentary lifestyle as they are very energetic and need lots of exercise and physical activity to remain happy. If they don’t get enough physical activity, they may develop behavioral issues and become destructive.

Where Can You Adopt or Buy Berger Picards?

The Berger Picard is the rarest breed, so you may have to face difficulty finding them at breeders and rescue groups. But you can check out rescues and animal shelters to see whether a dog requires a home.