Origin
The Beauceron is native to Northern France where they were originally bred as herding and guarding dogs. They are handsome, large dogs that over time have proved themselves to be a great choice not only as working dogs, but as companions and family pets too. However, they are extremely intelligent and high energy characters and therefore need to be given the right amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation for them to be truly, happy well-rounded dogs. Although still highly regarded in France, the Beauceron remains a bit of an unknown here in the UK, as such anyone wishing to share a home with one of these proud and noble dogs would need to register their interest with a breeder and then be put on waiting list because very few pedigree puppies are registered with The Kennel Club every year.
The Beauceron is one of the breeds used to create the Dobermann and for centuries these noble dogs have been highly regarded in France not only as guard dogs, but as working and sporting dogs too. They were popular in Northern France as well as in Beauce and the breed is closely linked to the Briard with both dogs having double dew claws on their back legs.
During World War I and II, the Beauceron came into their own when they were used to take messages to and from the front and to rescue injured soldiers. They were also used to find land mines in the field which saved many men from being killed or injured in the line of duty earning themselves the reputation for being reliable and trustworthy dogs.
A breed standard was finally arrived at in 1922 and this same year an official French breed club was established for the Beauceron. Although these proud, noble and intelligent dogs had arrived on British shores prior to 1995, they were reintroduced that year although the first Beauceron was only exhibited at a Westminster Kennel Club event in 2008. Today, the breed remains a bit on an unknown in the UK, although with the advent of the internet more information is available and Beauceron numbers are rising albeit slowly.
