Berger Picard
Meet the Berger Picard a rare French herding dog known for its playful nature shaggy coat and intelligence. Perfect family pet.
Breed Overview
Personality Traits
History & Background
The Berger Picard, a distinct and ancient French herding dog breed, hails from the Picardy region of France, with its origins speculated to trace back over a millennium. This breed, notable for its wiry coat and expressive, erect ears, is believed to have arrived alongside the Celts during the 9th century. Serving primarily as a livestock herder and guardian, the Berger Picard played a crucial role in rural French communities, admired for its hardworking nature, intelligence, and steadfast loyalty. The breed's exceptional aptitude for responding to herding commands and its adaptable, resilient nature made it a favoured choice among French farmers.
Despite its utility and presence in France, the Berger Picard remained relatively unknown outside its native region, contributing to its obscurity on the global stage. Its population suffered significantly during the two World Wars, due to the battles that ravaged its home territory, nearly leading to its extinction. The devastation of these wars, combined with the breed's scarcity, put the Berger Picard at risk, drawing the attention of enthusiasts committed to its preservation. Post-war efforts focused on rebuilding the breed's numbers, though these efforts were met with varying degrees of success, as the Picard's numbers remained critically low for decades.
The turn of the 21st century marked a period of resurgence for the Berger Picard, with increased interest from dog lovers and breeders, especially after its recognition by various canine registries. The breed was officially recognised by the Société Centrale Canine, the French canine registry, which was a significant step towards safeguarding its future. Furthermore, its charm and unique appearance have led to a growing popularity, particularly in the United States, where it was admitted to the American Kennel Club's herding group in 2015. Despite its past challenges, the Berger Picard has begun to thrive once again, with dedicated breed enthusiasts across the world working to ensure its preservation and celebrate its rich heritage.
Temperament & Personality
The Berger Picard, a rustic and charming French herding breed, is celebrated for its lively and spirited disposition, mirroring the rugged landscapes of its origin. Known for its intelligence, steadfastness, and a distinctive sense of humor, the Berger Picard excels not only as a pastoral worker but also as a devoted family companion.
With a heart as vast as their energy levels, these dogs bond closely with their humans, displaying profound loyalty alongside a playful, sometimes mischievous, character. Berger Picards possess an innate curiosity and eagerness for adventure, making them enthusiastic participants in activities such as hiking, agility, and other dog sports that challenge their mind and body.
Their amiable and alert nature makes the Berger Picard an excellent watchdog, though they approach this role with discernment rather than aggressiveness, often greeting strangers with a reserved yet non-hostile curiosity. This breed flourishes with engagement and thrives when included in family life, where their affectionate and gentle manner shines.
Despite their many admirable qualities, Berger Picards require consistent, patient training and extensive socialization from a young age to refine their natural instincts and to ensure they mature into well-adjusted adults. Their independent streak warrants a firm but gentle hand, employing positive reinforcement methods to harness their intelligence productively.
In essence, the Berger Picard is a rare gem that encapsulates resilience, companionship, and a zest for life. They are ideally suited for active families or individuals who appreciate a dog with personality in abundance, commitment to their loved ones, and an ever-ready attitude for life’s adventures.
Common Health Conditions
Common Health Conditions
The Berger Picard is an intelligent and energetic herding dog breed with a distinctive appearance and a strong work ethic. While generally healthy, there are several conditions to which they may be predisposed.
1. Hip Dysplasia
Description and Diagnosis: Hip dysplasia involves abnormal development or growth of the hip joint, leading to looseness (laxity) of the joint and eventually painful arthritis. Dogs may show signs of discomfort, stiffness, or lameness. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with X-rays of the hips, often requiring sedation to obtain clear images for proper evaluation.
Prevention & Management: Preventative measures include breeding from dogs with good hip scores, maintaining an appropriate diet to avoid rapid weight gain, and regular, moderate exercise to strengthen the muscles around the joint. Management of confirmed cases can involve weight management, physiotherapy, pain relief medications, and potentially surgery, depending on severity.
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Description and Diagnosis: PRA involves the gradual deterioration of the retina, leading to worsening vision and eventual blindness. Symptoms include night blindness and dilated pupils. Diagnosis is primarily through genetic testing and specialized eye exams by veterinary ophthalmologists.
Prevention & Management: There is no cure, but genetic testing of breeding animals can prevent the passage of the condition to offspring. Management focuses on adjusting the pet’s environment for safety as their vision declines, such as maintaining consistent layouts at home and using protective gear.
3. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Description and Diagnosis: Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and sometimes rotates on itself (volvulus), cutting off blood flow to the stomach and other organs. Symptoms include restlessness, abdominal pain, and vomiting without bringing up food. Immediate veterinary intervention is critical; diagnosis is confirmed with abdominal X-rays.
Prevention & Management: Preventative strategies include feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding heavy exercise around feeding times, and possibly surgical intervention (gastropexy) to prevent rotation in high-risk animals. Emergency veterinary care is essential at the first sign of bloat.
4. Ear Infections
Description and Diagnosis: Due to their upright ears, Berger Picards may be prone to ear infections, which can be bacterial or yeast-based. Symptoms include odor, discharge, scratching, and head shaking. Diagnosis involves examination of the ear canal and cytology of ear discharge.
Prevention & Management: Regular ear cleaning with approved veterinary solutions, keeping ears dry, and avoiding the introduction of foreign objects can prevent infections. Treatment involves appropriate medicated ear cleaners and possibly systemic antibiotics or antifungals.
5. Dental Disease
Description and Diagnosis: Dental disease is common and involves plaque buildup leading to gingivitis and periodontitis, risking tooth loss and systemic health issues. Signs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and red gums. Diagnosis is during a veterinary oral examination, often under anesthesia for a thorough check and cleaning.
Prevention & Management: Regular dental care, including brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings, is essential. Early intervention with scaling and polishing can prevent progression and help manage this condition effectively.
Understanding these potential health issues and collaborating closely with a veterinarian can help Berger Picard owners ensure their pets live long, healthy lives.
Family Life
### Social Traits
#### Friendliness with Children
Berger Picards are known to be outstanding with children, displaying a patient and gentle demeanour that makes them excellent companions for young family members. Their energetic nature and robust build allow them to play tirelessly, albeit care should be taken to supervise interactions with very young children due to the dog's size and exuberance. #### Stranger Friendliness While naturally cautious around strangers, Berger Picards do not typically display aggression. Once they assess a newcomer as non-threatening, they typically warm up quickly, showing a polite but reserved friendliness. Early socialisation is paramount to ensure they become well-adjusted, sociable adults. #### Friendliness Towards Other Pets This breed generally gets along well with other pets if introduced properly and raised together. However, owing to their herding instincts, Berger Picards may sometimes attempt to herd other pets, including cats, which can create tension if not adequately managed. Their friendly yet assertive nature usually helps them find their place within the animal hierarchy of a household.
Ease of Training
Berger Picards are smart and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with the right approach. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques work best. They respond poorly to harsh discipline, which can lead to stubbornness. Early socialisation and obedience training are recommended to harness their intelligence constructively.
Grooming Needs
Despite their rough, shaggy coat, Berger Picards have surprisingly low grooming needs. A thorough brushing once a week is usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition and minimise shedding. They are also known for their “doggy” odour, which requires regular bathing. Attention should be given to their nails, ears, and teeth to prevent health issues.
Housing Needs
Berger Picards are adaptable in terms of housing but do best in environments where they have plenty of space to roam and play. A house with a garden is ideal, though they can adjust to apartment living as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met comprehensively. They thrive in family environments where they are fully integrated as part of the household.
Exercise Needs
With a history of herding, this breed has high exercise needs that require more than just daily walks. Berger Picards thrive on having a variety of activities such as jogging, playing fetch, and participating in canine sports like agility, obedience, or flyball. Adequate physical and mental exercise is crucial to prevent boredom and related behavioural issues.
Bringing a Berger Picard into your family means adding a loyal, energetic, and intelligent member to your household. Their friendliness towards children and generally sociable nature with other pets make them wonderful companions. However, prospective owners must be prepared to meet their grooming, housing, and exercise needs to ensure a happy, well-balanced dog. Their training requires patience and consistency, but the reward is a well-mannered and affectionate family member. With the right care and environment, a Berger Picard can become an indelible part of your family's life.
Exercise & Training
Daily Care Needs
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards are energetic and active dogs requiring ample daily exercise to maintain their health and happiness. A combination of long walks, jogging, and play sessions in a secure area will suit this breed well. They thrive with activities that challenge both their bodies and minds, such as agility courses and fetch games, ensuring they remain stimulated and content.
Training
These intelligent dogs are eager to learn and generally excel in training when approached with consistency and positive reinforcement. While they are quick to grasp commands, their independent nature can occasionally pose challenges. Employing treats, praise, and other rewarding techniques will yield the best results. Early socialisation is crucial to mitigate any wariness towards strangers or other animals.
Grooming
The Berger Picard's distinctive rough coat is low-maintenance, requiring only a weekly brush to keep it free of tangles and dirt. They shed minimally, particularly during seasonal changes, meaning they are a reasonable choice for those concerned with excessive shedding. Routine dental care and nail trimming should be part of their grooming regimen to ensure optimal health.
Housing Needs
Although Berger Picards are adaptable, they do best in homes with a spacious garden that allows them room to roam and explore. They are not ideally suited to apartment living due to their size and energy levels, unless there is a commitment to providing sufficient exercise elsewhere. A securely enclosed outdoor area is ideal for their play and exploration.
Social Traits
Berger Picards are generally good-natured and friendly, making them well-suited to families, including those with children. They are naturally protective, which can be manifested as reserved behaviour around strangers. With early and continuous socialisation, they can learn to coexist harmoniously with other pets. Their loyal and affectionate nature often binds them closely to their family members.
Diet & Nutrition
An owner of a Berger Picard should pay careful attention to the diet they provide, ensuring it is high-quality and meets the energy requirements of this active, medium-sized herding breed. This breed thrives on a balanced diet that includes a variety of meats, as well as vegetables and fruits that are safe for canine consumption, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Given the Berger Picard's propensity for physical activity, their diet should be tailored to support their energy levels, yet avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, a common problem in less active dogs. Additionally, it's crucial to provide clean, fresh water at all times, especially considering their thick coat and potential for overheating. Special considerations for this breed include monitoring for allergies and sensitivities, as is common among many purebreds, which might necessitate adjustments in their diet to avoid certain ingredients that can trigger adverse reactions. Regular veterinary check-ups will help ensure their dietary needs are adequately met throughout the different stages of their life, from puppyhood through to their senior years.