The Beauceron is a large dog. Males measure 65 cm to 70 cm at the withers and females can reach 61 cm to 68 cm. The limbs are muscular and straight, while maintaining a supple and free demeanor. He has pointed ears and a flat coat, especially on the head, with some light fringes under the tail and on the buttocks. The undercoat is not apparent. Her dress is black or variegated blue and marked with fawn.

The Beauceron is classified by the Fédération Cynologiques Internationale among sheepdogs. (1)

It seems that the Beauceron is a very old breed. The first precise mention of the Beauce shepherd dates back to 1578. It was developed only in France and without contributions from foreign breeds. It is a versatile dog, selected as well to lead and protect cattle or sheep herds, as to guard the farm, or to defend its masters.

He is originally from the region of the plains of Beauce, surrounding Paris. But he is also closely related to his cousin from a neighboring region, the Berger de Brie. It seems that Father Rosier was the first, in his agricultural lessons, to describe these two races and to name them according to their geographical origins.

It was only towards the end of the 1922th century, with the founding of the Société Centrale Canine, that the first “Berger de Beauce” was registered in the French Origins Book (LOF). A few years later, in XNUMX, the Club des Amis du Beauceron was formed under the direction of Paul Mégnin.

The French army also used the Beauceron. Their ability to follow orders without fear and without hesitation was put to good use in both world wars. The military used them in particular on the front lines to circulate messages. Beaucerons have also been used to detect mines and as a commando dog. Even today Beaucerons are used by the army and as police dogs.

In the 1960s, the Ministry of Agriculture created a confirmatory exam with the goal of preserving the qualities of ancient sheepdogs. It was feared that the characteristics of the breed would disappear due to modern life. But, the Beauceron, very adaptable, has found a new role, like companion dog and protector of his adopted family.

Beaucerons enjoy exercise and are extremely athletic. It is outside, when exercising, that they develop all their power. Without the proper exercise, they can become difficult and temperamental, even destructive for your interior. Variety in walks and daily exercise is essential for their balance.

It is possible to train them for agility competitions, but are not particularly predisposed to dog events.

The majority of Beaucerons are healthy dogs. Like all breeds of large dogs, they may be prone to hip-femoral dysplasia. The Beauce Shepherd may also be predisposed to panosteitis and alopecia in color mutants.

Coxofemoral dysplasia

Coxofemoral dysplasia is an inherited disease of the hip. From an early age, with growth, affected dogs develop a malformed joint. Throughout life, when the bone moves through the abnormal joint, it causes painful wear and tear of the joint, tears, localized inflammation, or even osteoarthritis.

If the disease develops very early, it is therefore only with age that the symptoms appear and allow it to be identified. It is the x-ray of the hip that makes it possible to visualize the joint and to establish the diagnosis. It also helps assess the severity of dysplasia, which is classified into four stages. The warning signs are most often limp after a period of rest and reluctance to exercise.

The first-line treatment is most often the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce osteoarthritis and pain. Subsequently, surgery or the fitting of a hip prosthesis may be considered for the most severe cases.

In the majority of cases, good medication is sufficient to significantly improve the dog’s comfort and quality of life. (3-4)

La PanosteÌ ?? ite

La Panostéite éosinophilique ou énostose canine is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the long bones, such as the humerus, radius, ulna, and femur. It shows up in growing dogs and leads to the proliferation of bone cells called osteoblasts. The first signs of the disease are limp and difficulty, or even the inability to recover.

Lameness is sudden and transient, and damage to many bones can lead to a change in location.

It is the first manifestations and the predisposition of race which make it possible to orient the diagnosis. It is however delicate because the attack evolves from one limb to another and resembles coxofemoral dysplasia. It is the x-ray that reveals the areas of hyper-ossification in the central part of the long bones. The affected areas are noticeably painful on auscultation.

It is not a serious disease since the symptoms resolve themselves naturally before the age of 18 months. Treatment therefore relies on the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs to control the pain while waiting for the disease to recede spontaneously.

Alopecia of diluted dresses

Alopecia of diluted coats or alopecia of colored mutants is a skin disease of genetic origin. It is the most common disease of this type in dogs with a fawn, blue, or black coat.

The first symptoms can appear as early as 4 months and up to € 6 years. The disease first manifests as partial hair loss, usually in the trunk. The coat is dry and the coat brittle. The worsening of the disease can lead to complete hair loss in the affected areas and possibly spread over the whole body.. Hair follicles are also affected and the disease can be accompanied by the development of so-called secondary bacterial infections.

Diagnosis is mainly made by microscopic examination of the hair and a skin biopsy, both of which show an accumulation of keratin.

Alopecia of diluted dresses is an incurable disease, but not fatal. The involvement is mainly cosmetic and the most serious complications are secondary bacterial skin infections. It is possible to improve the dog’s comfort with comfort treatments, such as shampoos or food supplements. (3-5)

Beaucerons are intelligent and fiery. These characteristics, associated with their large size, make them suitable for experienced owners capable of establishing themselves as the dominant.