The Picardy Shepherd: temperament, price, health, and breeders

Originally from Picardy, the Berger de Picardie is said to descend from ancient sheepdogs that arrived in northern France with the Celts as early as the 4th century BC. Dogs very close to its type appear as early as the Middle Ages. Presented for the first time at a show in 1863, this ancient breed almost disappeared before being revived after the Second World War. Robert Montenot founded the club of the Friends of the Berger Picard in the mid-1950s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively recognized it in June 1955 under number 176, then the Société Centrale Canine approved a new standard in 1964.

The Picardy Shepherd is a medium to large dog, sturdy without heaviness, with lean musculature and a naturally elegant gait. Its harsh, medium-length coat measures about 5 to 6 cm, with a fine, dense undercoat. Its finely shaped head has eyebrows that do not hide the eyes, as well as characteristic moustaches and a small beard. Its medium ears are set high and always erect. Its oval eyes range from hazel to dark brown. The back is straight, the loin solid and the tail reaches the hock. The coat can be fawn, brindled fawn or charcoal fawn, sometimes marked with dark gray, without a white spot.

Wise and bold, the Berger de Picardie is intelligent, calm, affectionate and very attached to those close to him. Vigilant, courageous and naturally reserved towards strangers, he proves to be a good guard dog without being aggressive or fearful. Playful and close with children, he retains a working dog temperament, great liveliness and the desire to cooperate with his owner.

Active and athletic, he needs sustained daily outings and particularly enjoys long walks, hikes and outdoor activities. He can excel in herding, agility, tracking or dog sports. A house with a fenced garden suits him better than an apartment, even if he can live in an urban environment when his needs for exercise, stimulation and presence are truly met. Prolonged inactivity harms his balance.

His training must combine firmness, gentleness and consistency. Intelligent and sensitive, he learns willingly when he understands the usefulness of the exercise, but does not obey mechanically. Short, varied and positive sessions help channel his enthusiasm and develop his cooperation. Early socialization with people, dogs, other animals and different environments promotes his balance as an adult.

The purchase price varies depending on the reputation of the breeding kennel, the quality of the selection, the parents’ health tests, the pedigree, the puppy’s intended purpose and the guarantees provided. The relative rarity of the breed can also lengthen waiting times and limit the choice of litters.

The Berger de Picardie is known to be particularly robust and generally enjoys good health when it receives a balanced diet, enough activity and regular veterinary follow-up. As with any active medium-sized dog, monitoring of the joints, eyes and body condition remains recommended.

Its diet must be complete, balanced and sufficiently rich to support its activity level, without excess calories. High-quality kibble or a home-prepared ration formulated with a veterinary nutritionist may be suitable. The ration must always be adapted to weight, age, physical expenditure and health status.

Also called the Picard Shepherd, it is recognizable by its scruffy appearance, its erect ears and its very expressive facial expressions. Despite its long history, it remains a little widespread French breed. Versatile, it has retained its abilities as a herd guardian while distinguishing itself in several sporting disciplines such as agility and tracking.