Seeing this large and beautiful dog, many people think that they met a wolf in the shoes of a Rottweiler. Often representatives of this breed are mistaken for a cross between a Doberman and a Rottweiler. Actually, this is not a very common smooth-haired French Shepherd Beauceron dog today.
If you like strong, large working dogs, looking for a real guard and a shepherd, then you should certainly pay attention to this handsome man. Coal-black hair shining in the sun, smart and serious dark eyes, well-developed muscles - all this gives the animal an impressive and severe appearance.
External signs
The Beauceron French Shepherd is a harmoniously built, powerful and muscular dog, which feels great physical strength and excellent health. The height of the dogs at the withers is up to 70 cm, the bitches are slightly smaller - up to 68 cm. The weight, as a rule, does not exceed 50 kg. The length of the body (in accordance with the standard) should be slightly greater than the height of the animal at the withers.
Head
Slightly elongated, clearly defined, with a flattened skull. The eyes are dark, rounded. The look is direct, open. The ears are high, hanging, but not adjacent to the head. After stopping, they look like standing.
Housing
The Beauceron French Shepherd has a muscular and strong body that does not look heavy. The chest is wide and quite deep. The back is straight and the loin is wide. Tail moderately fluffy, down, end slightly bent.
Wool
On the body the coat is very thick. It fits tightly to the body, on the head is shorter and smoother. On the abdomen and hips, small tows. Soft, thin, but dense and short sable undercoat. Wool should be combed out at least 2 times a month.
Color
As a rule, it is two-tone. The Beauceron breed of the French Shepherd most often has a black and tan color, with red “socks” on its paws. The tan marks are located on the eyebrows, on the throat, under the tail, on the sides of the muzzle. Harlequin color is not so common - black, red, gray. Black and gray spots are located in equal proportions. The tan marks are located in the same way as in two-color individuals.
Beauceron French Shepherd - character
This is a self-confident dog with an open and friendly disposition. She is inquisitive, extremely intelligent, unpretentious, has an excellent memory. The owners are captivated by her open and sincere look, devoid of bitterness, anxiety and fear.
This French Shepherd dog combines courage and unquestioning obedience. A distinctive feature of these dogs is their late maturity. Beauceron can only be called an adult at two, and often at three.
Training and education
The upbringing and training of this dog can be done on the shoulder of a very strong-willed and psychologically strong person, therefore, experts often do not recommend starting such a dog for beginners.
The French Shepherd builds its relationship on the principle of a pack, therefore, the main task of the owner is to become a leader, leader for his pet.
Basically, training takes place in the form of a game. The dog needs encouragement, but it is better to refuse compulsion (especially with the use of physical strength). The main weapon of the trainer in working with this dog is consistency, perseverance, determination.
Beauceron is a working dog. She is always happy to do what the owner needs. Their early socialization is important, especially if the animal lives in urban conditions.
Maintenance
Beauceron does not require special conditions of detention; it easily takes root both in the apartment and in the house. Remember, under no circumstances should this dog be chained! Otherwise, you can get an uncontrollable and dangerous animal.
These animals need long walks with physical activity. If Beauceron is only a companion, then he should come up with physical activity.
The breed is distinguished by excellent health. But the owner needs to be very careful about his friend. In strong and hardy dogs it can be very difficult to notice the onset of even very serious diseases.
Using
In their homeland, in France, these dogs are still used as hunting dogs, but more often - as guards and shepherds. It should be noted that Beauceron has proven himself in the police service as a lifeguard, search engine, and liaison officer.
Briard - French Shepherd
This ancient shepherd and guard dog is named after the province of Brie. Its history goes back centuries. It has long been used in the French army, in the police, in rescue teams. The breed was officially recognized in 1920 in the USA.
External signs
This shaggy French shepherd is very beautiful. Male growth reaches 70 cm, bitches 63 cm. The weight of animals of both sexes does not exceed 35 kg. The coat is wavy, long, very pleasant to the touch. It is not difficult to care for her, but she surpasses mohair in its quality and thermal characteristics and is completely odorless. Wool grows constantly, almost does not shed, with minor damage it quickly completely recovers. The dog needs to be combed regularly, otherwise the hair will fall off.
Color
It can be any one-color, except chestnut and white. Most often found black, gray and fawn. Interestingly, throughout the life of the French shepherd can change color. Black wool is often mixed with light hairs. The standard does not allow only the appearance of white spots. With age, such animals can acquire a gray "fur coat".
Head
Large, elongated, with a rectangular muzzle. Regardless of color, the nose is black. The lips are dry and firm. Scissor bite. Ears hanging, covered with wool. Loose to the head. The eyes are large, shiny, dark brown, brown or gray.
Character
The French Shepherd Briard is an intelligent and good-natured animal. Influence on character formation is provided by upbringing. If you use physical force on this dog, offend it, it can become ferocious and little controlled. A good attitude towards briard will make him a faithful and loyal friend. He will do everything so that the owner is satisfied.
Briards are great fans to play, not only in puppyhood, but also in old age. You won’t be bored with such a pet. Many owners note that the dog is surprisingly easy to learn at any age. He will not execute commands lightning fast - at first he will think over what and how best to do it.
Briards love to explore new places, play new games, easily make contact with strangers.
Nutrition
Briard is a large dog. Accordingly, she eats a lot. The correct diet of the animal must be given great attention. You can feed the French Shepherd with both dry feeds and natural products. The advantage of this breed is the absence of digestive problems. However, there is one caveat that owners need to know. In the summer, it is necessary to significantly reduce the number of calories, adding more vegetables to the diet, since in the heat the physical activity of the animal is significantly reduced. In addition, it is desirable to reduce the amount of protein consumed, and add vitamin E, peanut butter or yeast.
Raising a puppy
So, you have decided to get a dog. How to do this in order not to be disappointed in your choice in the future? Puppies of the French shepherd are so charming that the owners treat them like plush toys for a long time, not noticing that their little teddy bear has turned into a big bear that is very successfully manipulating the whole family. It is important not to miss the favorable period when behavioral reactions are formed.
Do not trust the upbringing of a service dog to children. The shepherd must have an authoritative owner, whom she will respect and strive to earn his praise.
As a teenager, a French Shepherd will be unnoticed by you to study your psyche. As soon as she manages to find vulnerabilities, she will surely try to use your weakness to climb a notch up the hierarchical ladder of the family (pack).