Beauceron

The Beauceron is an old Herding breed, largest of the French sheepdogs and originated in the North of France.

The Beauceron is an old Herding breed, largest of the French sheepdogs and originated in the North of France. He is easily trained, faithful, gentle and obedient.

The earliest Beauceron can be traced back to a manuscript written in 1578. Also known as Berger de Beauce, or Bas-Rouge, the Beauceron was used to herd sheep and cattle.

The Beauceron shares his ancestry with the Briard, both breeds share the common trait of a double dew claw on the hind legs.

The Beauceron served as a war dog in both  in World Wars as a messenger dog, supply transport dog, detector of land mines and the rescuer of the wounded.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: The ideal Beauceron is a well balanced, solid dog of good height and well muscled without heaviness or coarseness. 

Size, Proportion, and Substance: males 25½ to 27½ inches; females 24 to 26½ inches at the withers.

Fun Fact: A unique characteristic of the Beauceron is the double dew claws on the hind legs. These are required by the breed standard. According to French tradition, double dew claws are a sign of a superior working dog. Through selective breeding, single dews were bred out.