By Alain Thevenon,
Multiple French National Specialty CAB judge
The standard describes the distinctive features specific to the Beauceron. But one must be able to comprehend the “whole” dog because each individual trait put together does not constitute general breed type.
The Beauceron is a rustic breed, “in the raw” as you would say. He doesn’t require any care or grooming. A quick brushing session can be useful when the dog is shedding or if the dog got dirty.
The coat is a major characteristic. The cover must be dense. Undercoat must be easily visible on the shoulder or on the thigh for example. The coat is short but not “Doberman short” and it is neither fine nor soft. The markings are characteristic. The Beauceron is also named “Bas Rouge”. The length of the coat is clearly defined in the standard and the Beauceron must have fringes on both sides of the neck, on the back of the front legs, on the back of the thighs and under the tail. Thinking of a Beauceron without the required fringes would lead to a drift downward in the breed and encourage promoting and producing a dog whose appearance has lost its distinctive breed type.
I see pictures of cropped Beaucerons in countries where this practice is still allowed. I often deplore the many bad crops that are done on some of these dogs. So, for instance, if we combine flared-up ears [i.e. crops seen in Boxers and Dobermans] with a soft coat and an excessive size, you can only imagine what kind of dog this will be. Certainly not a Beauceron.
The Beauceron is not a gazelle. It is of a substantial size but not a giant. One must abide by the standard and be respectful of its definitions.
The movement is easy and natural. No need for exaggerated strides. The head is carried forward and must be accompanied by a good ground covering.
Regardless of the dog being static or in movement, the presentation must remain plain, simple and natural. The presentation of a dog stacked on his front with an exaggerated protruding elongated neck is not typical of this breed. One must imagine a working dog with a harmonious and plain silhouette.
