Pastoral group · France
Berger Picard
Also called Picardy Shepherd, Picard.
What makes them remarkable
A rare French herder found a new audience when dogs of this breed appeared in Because of Winn-Dixie.
- Loyal
- Good-natured
- Observant
- Assertive
- Energetic
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 23 to 32 kg50 to 70 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 13 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Berger Picard
Pastoral breeds. Give the brain a job or it will find one. Chasing, nipping and fixating are the breed doing its work.
Sensitive Soul
Start here
Sensitive to harsh correction. Reward the right choices and build trust first.
Slow to Warm
Can be reserved, extensive socialisation prevents excessive shyness.
Patient Persistence
Can be stubborn, consistent, patient training yields best results.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Berger Picard and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to herd and guard livestock. Watchful, responsive, and wired to control movement.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersModerate
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Active exercise and outdoor activities.
- Grooming
- Low to moderate. Monthly brushing, coat is naturally rustic.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Rough, Crisp, Medium lengthFawn, Brindle, Grey
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint condition common in herding breeds
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Moderate
Inherited eye disease
Where they come from
History
One of France's oldest herding breeds, from the Picardy region. Nearly extinct after both World Wars due to the devastation in its homeland. Gained popularity after appearing in "Because of Winn-Dixie."
- Winn-Dixie · Scruffy stray dog in the film
Similar breeds
All breeds
Australian Cattle Dog
Dingoes are part of this cattle dog’s ancestry, alongside imported herding dogs.
Medium · Pastoral
Briard
This French sheepdog also served as a sentry during the First World War.
Large · Pastoral
Dutch Shepherd
One Dutch farm dog, three coat types: short, long and rough-haired varieties share the same working roots.
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German Shepherd
Before police work and film fame, this breed was created with a different goal: the ideal herding dog.
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