Berger Picard

The Berger Picard or Picardy Shepherd is a French breed of dog of the herding group of breeds. These dogs nearly became extinct after both World War I and World War II and still remain a rare breed to this date with only about 3500 dogs in France, around 500 in Germany and less than 100 in the United States. This delightful breed of dog is people-oriented, loyal, and can make a good family pet if properly socialized early in life.

The 2005 American movie Because of Winn-Dixie brought 5 of these dogs over from France ("Scott" and "Laiko" performed in the movie). The trainer, Mark Forbes, wanted a dog that looked like a mixed breed mutt, but needed several that looked alike so that production could continue smoothly, thus he decided on this rare purebred dog from France.

It is this breed's rustic mutt-like appearance that has prevented it from being rapidly popularized and exploited in the United States by the movie release, as has been the fate of other breeds. People may be fooled into thinking "Winn-Dixie" is a mixed breed, but when they discover that the dog is purebred and rare, they are usually motivated to learn more about the personality traits of these dogs and a strong desire to own one develops.

Like any breed of dog, the Picardy Shepherd is not for everyone, and much thought must be devoted to choosing the right dog. As more Picard puppies are slowly being imported to the U.S. from France and other countries, it is important that owners and potential breeders remain responsible; they will determine the fate of this breed in the United States. The Berger Picard Club of America has recently been formed to help promote and protect this breed.

Appearance

The Berger Picard is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog, slightly longer than tall with a tousled yet elegant appearance. Their ears are naturally erect, high-set and quite wide at the base. Their eyebrows are thick, but do not shield their dark frank eyes. They are known for their smile. Their natural tail normally reaches to the hock and is carried with a slight J-curve at the tip. Their weather-proof coat is harsh and crisp to the touch, not excessively long with a minimal undercoat. Coat colours fall into two colours, fawn and grey with a range of shade variations.

Temperament

The Berger Picard's attributes include a lively, intelligent personality and a sensitive and assertive disposition that responds quickly to obedience training. By and large Picards are laid back and mellow but they are known for having a stubborn streak and being reserved towards strangers.

Picards are energetic and hard working, alert, loyal and sweet-tempered with children. They are happiest when they have a job to do. They also have a protective nature, making them good guard dogs. However, they are not excessive barkers. Some Picards are notoriously picky eaters, and it may be difficult to decide on a diet that you and the dog agree on.

The breed also has a well developed sense of humour making them an endearing companion, and they continue to be used very effectively as both sheep and cattle herder in their native land and elsewhere.

History

Thought to be the oldest of the French Sheepdogs, the Berger Picard was brought to northern France and the Pas de Calais, in the 9th century by the Celts.

Some experts insist that this breed is related to the more well-known Briard and Beauceron, while others believe it shares a common origin with Dutch and Belgian Shepherds. Although the Berger Picard made an appearance at the first French dog show in 1863, the breed's rustic appearance did not lead to popularity as a show dog.

The breeding stock of the Berger Picard, or Picardy Shepherd, as it is known in some countries, was decimated by the ravages of World War I and World War II. With its population concentrated on the farms of north-eastern France, trench warfare in the Somme reduced the breed to near extinction.

The Picards' easy care and happy, though mischievous, temperament have started the breed back on the road to recovery. Nevertheless its numbers are still limited, even in its native country. As mentioned previously, today in France there are approximately 3500 dogs and in Germany approximately 500 of this breed. At present there are less than 100 Berger Picards in the United States and Canada.