Breeds
Beauceron: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Beauceron is a powerful, intelligent, loyal French herding dog with high energy and a strong protective streak. Beaucerons are devoted to their owners and fairly easy to train with fair, consistent handling, but they need lots of physical and mental work, they shed heavily and they can be wary of strangers. The AKC says this is not a breed for novice owners. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Beauceron temperament and personality
The AKC rates the Beauceron five out of five for energy, four out of five as a watchdog, and two out of five for openness to strangers. It describes the breed as highly intelligent, loyal and strongly devoted to its owners, a rugged herding and guarding dog from France.
Affection with family is three out of five on the AKC scale, which reflects a dignified working dog rather than a clingy one. Most Beaucerons bond deeply with their own people and stay watchful and reserved with outsiders.
How big do Beaucerons get?
According to the AKC, males stand 25.5 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and females 24 to 26.5 inches, and the breed weighs 70 to 110 pounds. Beaucerons are muscular, rugged and large, yet graceful and balanced.
The usual coat is black with squirrel-red markings, including the red feet behind the French nickname Bas-Rouge, or red stockings; a black-gray-tan coat also occurs. The breed standard also calls for double dewclaws on the hind legs, so do not be surprised to see them.
Beauceron lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Beauceron lifespan of 10 to 12 years. It warns that any large or deep-chested dog may suffer bloat, and that owners should learn the signs; VCA lists restlessness, drooling, retching without bringing anything up and a swollen belly. That is an emergency, so call a vet immediately.
Responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems and allergies, according to the AKC, which recommends hip, cardiac and eye evaluations. VCA explains hip dysplasia is genetic but influenced by diet and growth. Ask breeders for parent results, and see your vet about limping or itchy skin.
Exercise needs
The AKC calls the Beauceron a powerful, athletic, intelligent breed that needs lots of physical and mental challenges, and a variety of outdoor locations and types of exercise each day. It is best suited to an experienced, active owner.
Long hikes, running with a fully grown dog, herding, tracking, agility and obedience all suit the breed. Avoid hard, repetitive running while a puppy's joints are still developing, and ask your vet when it is safe to start.
Grooming and shedding
The AKC says the short, dense double coat does not need much grooming, but it sheds a lot, and even more twice a year. Weekly brushing, daily during shedding season, with a medium-bristle brush, rubber mitt or hound glove removes the dead hair.
Shedding is four out of five on the AKC scale. Trim nails regularly, and as the AKC reminds owners, do not forget the double dewclaws on the rear legs. Check the ears and brush the teeth. Baths are needed only occasionally, since the rough outer coat is weather resistant and sheds dirt fairly well.
Training a Beauceron
The AKC calls socialization and obedience training a must. Beaucerons are highly intelligent and devoted, which makes training fairly easy, but they do not respond well to harsh methods, particularly physical correction. Firm, fair, consistent handling is usually successful.
Socialize widely with people, places and other dogs from puppyhood, since a guarding breed needs to learn what is normal. Give the dog real jobs and varied training to keep a busy mind satisfied.
Are Beaucerons good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the Beauceron three out of five with young children. Many are protective of their own family's children, but their size, energy and herding instinct mean supervision is essential, especially with toddlers and visiting kids. Whatever the breed, never leave a dog and a young child alone together, and always give the dog a quiet place to retreat.
With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five. Early socialization and careful introductions help, and many live peacefully with the family's own animals.
What a Beauceron needs at home
Useful kit includes a tall, secure fence, a strong collar and leash, a long training line, a large crate, a durable bed, a rubber mitt or hound glove and a deshedding tool, heavy-duty nail clippers and tough toys. Training equipment for herding or agility gives this breed a job.
Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Beauceron home and ask about bloat signs, hip screening and an exercise plan for a growing puppy.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Beaucerons live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Daily exercise, a lean weight, knowing the signs of bloat and regular vet checks help a Beauceron stay healthy and active.
How big does a Beauceron get?
Males stand 25.5 to 27.5 inches and females 24 to 26.5 inches, with a weight of 70 to 110 pounds, according to the AKC breed standard.
Are Beaucerons good family dogs?
For experienced, active families, they can be loyal, protective companions. The AKC says they are not a breed for novice owners and need lots of exercise and training.
Do Beaucerons shed?
Yes, a lot. The AKC rates shedding four out of five, with heavier sheds twice a year that call for daily brushing with a rubber mitt or hound glove.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
