For every breed of protection dog well known around the world and established internationally, there are other breeds that are less known. Some breeds, such as the Bracco Italiano, are not very well known outside of their country of origin. Another example is the Beauceron. Although they are slowly gaining international recognition, the Beauceron remains little known outside of their native France.
The Beauceron is a sheep and cattle dog native to France, and the largest native French sheepdog. The breed has been active for at least several centuries. The first probable reference dates back to 1587 and describes a dog with the attributes of the Beauceron. It is therefore likely that the breed dates back well before then. The Beauceron is closely related to and associated with the Briard, a rather better-known long-haired sheepdog with similarly ancient roots. The Beauceron and Briard, originating from the regions of Beauce and Brie in France, are commonly referred to as the Berger de Beauce and Berger de Brie, respectively.
Family Protection Dogs
Although commonly used as a working dog whose primary purpose was herding and guarding livestock, the dog’s large size, strength and temperament made them ideal for protecting not only flocks and herds but homes and families as well. Standing nearly 24 inches at the shoulders and with an average weight of around 90 pounds, they are among the largest breeds of dogs in France, rendering them among the finest family protection dogs in France.
Despite their differences in both size and appearance, the Beauceron and Briard breeds of dogs were not widely described prior to the 19th century. 1809, however, Frenchmen Abbe Rozier wrote an article describing both the Briard and Beauceron breeds. It was he who designated the breeds as Berger de Brie and Berger de Beauce.
Pedigrees began to attract greater prominence and significance in the late 19th century, and as a result, 1881 saw the establishment of the Société Centrale Canine, which was similar in function to the English Kennel Club and whose primary purpose was to sponsor dog shows. Twelve years post its establishment, the Berger de Beauce earned official registration with the Société, marking its growing prominence and acknowledgment in France.
Beauceron
Veterinarian Paul Megnin further cataloged and recorded the differences between Briard and Beauceron sheepdogs.It was he, along with his associate M. Emmanuel Ball, who firmly established the aesthetic requirements and standards of the breed. His devotion to the Beauceron continued, and in 1922 he guided the formation of Club des Amis du Beauceron.
Despite its formalization in 1893, the Beauceron breed has undergone occasional changes in acceptable features. The breed, formalized in 1893, has seen changes in accepted features over the years. Tawny color patterns, once common, are now rejected, leading dogs with such patterns to be excluded from the category of purebred Beaucerons.
The Beauceron and Briard, renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and strength, played crucial roles in the French armies during both World Wars. They served various functions, from running messages and detecting mines with their exceptional sense of smell to acting as personal protection dogs and aiding commando units. Their invaluable contributions marked them as indispensable assets during wartime.
In the post-World War II era, concerns arose about the potential loss of traditional sheepdog breeds like the Beauceron due to the increasing urbanization of French society. Thus, in the 1960s the French Ministry for Agriculture requested that the Société make an effort to preserve the traditional qualities of the Beauceron. Thanks to its intelligence and adaptable nature, the Beauceron has adapted from its original role of herding and protecting flocks to a more urban role as a protection dog. Their fierce loyalty to their masters makes them an ideal choice for a protection dog. Furthermore, the Beauceron continues to serve the French military and occasionally supports law enforcement as a personal protection dog.
Conclusion
In the years following the Ministry for Agriculture’s efforts, the Beauceron’s popularity began to explode. Influenced partly by their unwavering loyalty and devotion to their masters and endorsed by renowned French author Colette, who affectionately referred to the Beauceron as the “country gentleman” in her eloquent prose.
Although still relatively unknown to the international community, the Beauceron is slowly starting to gain recognition worldwide, especially in the United States. Their excellent temperament, intelligence, and obedience make them ideal working dogs, especially in rural regions of the United States where ranching and farming occupy a significant role in the economy. They are also gaining attention in urban areas, as their fierce loyalty and strength make for excellent protection dogs. They also benefit from a temperament that makes them good with children and an excellent companion. The Beauceron is more than just a working ranch dog. They are excellent family protection dogs as well.
