Breed Info – Page 2 – American Beauceron Club

Breed Standard (U. S.)

August 8, 2006

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General Appearance

The Beauceron is an old and distinct French breed of herding dog, developed solely in France with no foreign crosses. Dogs were bred and selected for their aptitude to herd and guard large flocks of sheep as well as for their structure and endurance. Beaucerons were used to move herds of 200 to 300 head traveling up to 50 miles per day without showing signs of exhaustion. The ideal Beauceron is a well-balanced, solid dog of good height, well-muscled without heaviness or coarseness. The whole conformation gives the impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness, exhibiting the strength, endurance and agility required of the herding dog. He is alert and energetic with a noble carriage. A formidable dog with a frank and unwavering expression, he demands respect wherever he goes. Dogs are characteristically larger throughout with a larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches are distinctly feminine, but without weakness in substance or structure. The Beauceron should be discerning and confident. He is a dog with spirit and initiative, wise and fearless with no trace of timidity. Intelligent, easily trained, faithful, gentle and obedient. The Beauceron possesses an excellent memory and an ardent desire to please his master. He retains a high degree of his inherited instinct to guard home and master. Although he can be reserved with strangers, he is loving and loyal to those he knows. Some will display a certain independence. He should be easily approached without showing signs of fear.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Size: Males 25½ to 27½ inches; bitches 24 to 26½ inches at the withers.
Disqualification: Height outside of maximum or minimum limits.

Proportion: The Beauceron is medium in all its proportions, harmoniously built with none of its regions exaggerated in shortness or length. The length of body, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock, is slightly greater than the height at the withers. Bitches can be slightly longer than dogs. Correct proportion is of primary importance, as long as size is within the standard’s range.

Substance: Powerful, well built, well-muscled, without any sign of heaviness or clumsiness. Dogs lacking substance should be severely penalized.

Head: The head is long, well chiseled with harmonious lines without weakness. The head must be in proportion with the body, measured from the tip of the nose to the occiput it is about 40% of the height at the withers. The height and width of the head are each slightly less than half its total length. The skull and muzzle are of equal length.

Expression: The gaze is frank, alert, and confident.

Eyes: The eyes are horizontal and slightly oval in shape. The eyes must be dark brown, never lighter than dark hazel. For the Harlequin, walleye is acceptable.
Disqualification: Yellow eyes. Walleye in the Black and Tan.

Ears: The ears are set high, and may be cropped or natural. The cropped ear is carried upright and is neither convergent nor divergent, pointing slightly forward. The well-carried ear is one whose middle falls on an imaginary line in prolongation of the sides of the neck. The natural ears are half pricked or drop-ears, they stand off the cheeks. Natural ears are flat and rather short, their length is equal to half the length of the head.

Disqualification: Natural ears carried upright and rigid.

Skull: The skull is flat or slightly rounded near the sides of the head. The median groove is only slightly marked and the occipital protuberance can be seen on the summit of the skull.

Stop: The stop is only slightly pronounced and equidistant from the occiput and the tip of the nose.

Muzzle: The muzzle must not be narrow, pointed, or excessively broad in width.

Planes: Seen in profile the top lines of the skull and muzzle are parallel, and the junction of the two forms a slightly pronounced stop midway between the occiput and the tip of the nose.

Nose: The nose is proportionate to the muzzle, well developed and always black. In profile, the nose must be in line with the upper lip.

Disqualification: Split nose, nose color other than black or with unpigmented areas.

Lips: The lips are firm and always well pigmented. The upper lip overlaps the lower lip without any looseness. At their juncture, the lips form very slight but firm flews.

Teeth: A full complement of strong white teeth, evenly set, and meeting in a scissors bite.

Disqualification: Overshot or undershot with loss of contact; absence of three or more teeth (the first premolars not counting).

Neck, Topline and Body

Neck: The neck is muscular, of good length, united harmoniously with the shoulders, enabling the head to be carried proudly while standing in an alert posture.

Topline: The back is straight and strong. The withers are well defined. The loin is broad, short and muscular. The croup is well muscled and slightly sloped in the direction of the attachment of the tail.

Body: The length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock is slightly more than the height of the dog at the withers.

Chest: The chest is wide, deep, long, and descends to the point of the elbow. The girth of the chest is greater than the height at the withers by more than 20%.

Ribs: The ribcage extends well back with long, flexible, and moderately curved ribs. The abdomen is moderately drawn up but still presents good volume.

Tail: The tail is strong at the base, carried down, descending at least to the point of the hock, forming into a slight J without deviating to the right or to the left. In action, the tail can be carried higher, becoming an extension of the topline.
Disqualification: Docked tail, or tail carried over the back.

Forequarters

The construction of the forequarters is of the utmost importance, determining the dog’s ability to work and his resistance to fatigue. The legs are vertical when viewed from the front or in profile.

Shoulder: The shoulders are moderately long, muscular but not loaded, with good layback.

Forearm: The forearms are muscular.

Feet: The feet are large, round, and compact with black nails. The pads are firm yet supple.

Hindquarters

The angulation of the hindquarters is balanced with the forequarters. The hindquarters are powerful, providing flexible, almost tireless movement. They are vertical when viewed from profile and from behind.

Legs: The thighs are wide and muscled. Hock joint is substantial, not too close to the ground, the point situated roughly at ¼ the height at the withers, forming a well open angle with the second thigh. Metatarsals are upright, slightly further back than the point of the buttock. When viewed from behind, metatarsals are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other.

Feet: The feet are large, round, compact, and the rear toes turn out very slightly.

Dewclaws: Double dewclaws form well separated “thumbs” with nails, placed rather close to the foot.
Disqualification: Anything less than double dewclaws on each rear leg.

Coat

Outer coat is 1¼” to 1½”, coarse, dense and lying close to the body. It is short and smooth on the head, ears and lower legs. The hair is somewhat longer around the neck. The tail and back of thighs are lightly fringed. The undercoat is short, fine, dense and downy, mouse gray in color and does not show through the outer coat. The Beauceron is exhibited in the natural condition with no trimming.
Disqualification: Shaggy coat.

Colors

Black and Tan: The black is very pure; the tan markings are squirrel red; the markings are: dots above the eyes; on the sides of the muzzle, fading off on the cheeks, never reaching the underside of the ears; two spots on the chest are preferred to a breastplate; on the throat; under the tail; on the legs the markings extend from the feet to the pasterns, progressively lessening, though never covering more than 1/3 of the leg, rising slightly higher on the inside of the leg. Some white hairs on the chest are tolerated.

Gray, Black and Tan (Harlequin): Black and Tan base color with a pattern of blue-gray patches distributed evenly over the body and balanced with the base color, sometimes with a predominance of black.

Disqualification: Any color other than Black and Tan or Harlequin. Complete absence of markings. Well-defined, quite visible white spot on the chest 1″ in diameter or larger. In the Harlequin: too much gray; black on one side of body and gray on the other; head entirely gray.

Gait

Movement is fluid and effortless, covering ground in long reaching strides (extended trot). Strong, supple movement is essential to the sheepdog. In movement the head is lowered approaching the level of the topline. Dogs with clumsy or inefficient gait must be penalized

Temperament

Frank approach and self-assured; never mean, timid, or worried. Although reserved with strangers, the character of the Beauceron should be gentle and fearless. Any display of fear or unjustifiable aggression is not to be tolerated

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note: Males must have two normal testicles properly descended into the scrotum.

Disqualification:

Height outside of maximum or minimum limits.

Split nose, nose color other than black or with unpigmented areas.

Overshot or undershot with loss of contact

Absence of three or more teeth (first premolars not counting).

Yellow eyes.

Walleye in the Black and Tan.

Natural ears carried upright and rigid.

Docked tail, or tail carried over the back.

Anything less than double dewclaws on each rear leg.

Shaggy coat.

Any color other than Black and Tan or Harlequin.

Complete absence of markings.

Well-defined, quite visible white spot on the chest 1″ in diameter or larger.

In the Harlequin: too much gray; black on one side of body and gray on the other; head entirely gray.

The Question of Color

by Beauce DotOrg

January 1, 2006

2:32 pm

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Breed Standard

By Claudia Batson for the AKC Gazette

One Beauceron but two colors. Today’s classic Beauceron (Berger de Beauce) is black with red-squirrel-colored markings. The other color, which is gaining favor, is the harlequin. Its coat is gray, black and rust.

If we were to investigate the history of the Berger de Beauce, we would find in the 19th century that its colorations could have been solid black, brown, mouse gray, or charcoal gray with black patches with or sometimes without rust markings. By 1965, it was a rare occurrence to see any color but the black/rust dog.

In 1969, the Club des Amis du Beauceron, the French parent club, recognized the harlequin coloration as an alternative acceptable within the standard. However, it was very clearly defined. It is prohibited to breed harlequin to harlequin because of the severe abnormalities which could occur in the puppies. The coat color is determined by a blue-merle gene. White on any part of the dog is not allowed, but an inch blotch on the chest is tolerated. The Harlequin coat may darken with age, reverting to the black/rust coloration.

As defined in both the French and American standard (which follows that of the French almost verbatim), the harlequin coat must have equal parts of gray and black, arranged in patches of more black than gray, with the rust color markings in the same places as on the black/rust Beauceron. If there is too much gray, one side black and the other gray, an all gray head or gray markings appearing within the rust, the dog will be disqualified in the conformation ring. Light eyes in the Harlequin are not acceptable, however walleyes are allowed, with dark brown eyes occurring most frequently.

Contrast that to the black/rust dog which requires the black be a deep black, the rust must be a red squirrel color; there must be rust dots above the eyes; on the muzzle, the markings gradually blend into the black never reaching under the ear. Two patches of rust show on the breast, rust markings must appear under the throat and the tail. On the legs the markings extend from the feet to the wrists, blending a little higher on the inside, but not more than one-third of the way up. The eyes must be very dark brown.

The topcoat is coarse, dense, short and close to the body. The undercoat is grayish, occasionally buff, downy and very short. Together they protect this herding dog from any weather it might encounter in the field.

The Berger de Beauce original colors have changed and its function has gone from a dog bred strictly for the quality of its herding/guarding abilities to one that is as capable of herding sheep, cattle, geese or ducks as it is performing in the show or agility ring or saving lives as a Search and Rescue dog. However, its character has remained constant— extremely intelligent, strong, proud, reliable, tough, protective yet gentle, and always devoted to his master.

French Dog Ratings

by Beauce DotOrg

January 1, 2005

6:39 pm

French Show Ratings

by Beauce DotOrg

January 1, 2005

3:36 pm

Pedigree Terms and Abbreviations

by Beauce DotOrg

January 1, 2005

3:28 pm

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About The Breed, Events, Glossary

Elite A: The dog is rated 4 (Recommandé) and is rated for the quality of its progeny.

Elite B: The dog is not rated 4, but is rated on the quality of its progeny.

Recommandé or REC., COT. 4: The dog has earned a Cotation 4 at the Nationale d’Elevage, this entails earning an Exc. Plus in conformation, Exc. in temperament, and dys. A, dysplasia free rating).

Excellent: The dog has earned a Cotation 3 (Exc. in conformation, Exc. in temperament, and is rated dys. A).

CH T: Dog is a champion working dog.

CH B or CH.CS: (Champion conformité au standard). The dog is a breed Champion.

To be a Champion, the dog must earn a minimum of:

2 CAC-IB
1 CAC
These must occur under three different judges
One of the CAC has to have been won at either The Nationale d’Elevage (National Specialty Show) or The Paris Championship Show

IB: International Beauty.

Brevet, BR: Brevet de défense (French Ring level that allows the dog to continue to Ring I level).

RI, Ring I: Dog is a Ring I.

RII, Ring II: Dog is a Ring II.

RIII, Ring III: Dog is a Ring III.

RCI: Dog works in an event that includes Ring and Tracking.

PIS (Pistage): Titled Tracking dog.

BREV-MOUTONS (Brevet Moutons): Herding dog titled on sheep.

DYS A, DYS G: The dog is dysplasia free.

This Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations Used in Pedigrees is
(c) 2005 C. Batson, Kennel du Berger Noir, and is used with permission.

France’s “Country Gentleman” (Dog Fancy)

by Beauce DotOrg

August 1, 1993

11:00 pm

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About The Breed

Scene 1: The International Dog Show in Marseille, France. Four dogs, tense, alert, at their masters’ knees: two German Shepherds, an Airedale, a Beauceron. Padded men approach, menacing, swinging their clubs high, and the order is given: “Attack!” In a flash, the Beauceron lunges and fixes his jaws on the assailant’s arm, while the other dogs are still taking off.

Scene 2: The Beauceron ring at the same show. Off to the side, two massive adult males roll around, playing like puppies. Nearby, a 10-year-old girl pets and scratches another Beauceron that she holds on a loose leash. In the ring, a 70-pound female gently places her paws on the shoulders of her 12-year-old owner and licks her face.

With these images, you have the essence of the Beauceron: enormous physical strength coupled with a profound strength of character.

AN EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER

Madame Vizzari, a breeder of Beaucerons in southern France, got started with the breed by chance. She rescued a Beauceron pup, raised it, fell in love, and has since raised dozens of Beaucerons.

Apparently, it is not uncommon for a Beauceron to win over an owner by its extraordinary character. “I got a Beauceron by accident,” a woman told me. “I was never really attracted to the breed. You look at it, it’s a dog. I mean, they’re good looking, but for me, nothing really special. Someone gave me one though, and he was so wonderful, so intelligent, and so good with the children, that when he died, I got another Beauceron. Same thing happened to my brother,” she went on. “I left my dog with him for two weeks. After I picked up my dog, he went out and bought a Beauceron of his own.”

Madame Vizzari agrees with the woman’s assessment of the Beauceron’s character but not that of its looks. “Noble,” she describes it, “but much more.”

When people first see a Beauce, they are afraid,” she said. “The massive head and jaw, the dark coat, the direct, frank, unwavering look. People assume the dog is mean. That is what makes the Beauce so, how shall I say? Dissuasive. That is the best word. Dissuasive. You don’t just walk up and pet one.”

Its character, though, is anything but mean. The French writer Colette was a devotee of the breed and labeled the Beauceron “the country gentleman.” The dogs are rugged and rustic looking, yet gentle and loyal, proud, serious and steady in their mission of protection and devotion.

“Affectionate, playful, superb with children, absolutely and deeply attached to their masters. But at the same time, there is something mysterious about a Beauceron. They are like some people who don’t talk much but have a strong presence. They’re quiet, and bark only to threaten, alert, or warn. . . . They have a dimension, a depth, I have not found in other dogs.”

But because of its intelligence, independence and sensitivity, the Beauceron is not a breed for the novice dog owner. According to Sue Bulanda, secretary of the North American Beauceron Club, the Beauceron is a high-energy working dog that is not suitable for an apartment or a kennel situation. The dogs do not tolerate harsh treatment from adults, and mishandling could lead to a dangerous situation, she says. Nor are the dogs suitable for a family in which everyone is gone during the day. Bulanda says Beaucerons are very sociable and don’t like being left behind.

BREED HISTORY

“The Beauceron is pure, ancient, French,” Mr. Vizzari told me. “It was formerly known as the Chien de Tourbieres. then the Bas-Rouge [because of the red, stocking-like markings on its legs]. At the first dog show in Paris in 1863. It was there as the Berger de Beauce [shepherd of the Beauce region]. It has never been crossed with anything.

“Originally, the dog worked sheep. The dog traveled 60 to 90 miles each day, trotting most of the way. He guided the sheep during long cross-country treks, and at the same time, guarded them from bears and wolves. Most sheep dogs are either guides or guards; the Beauce did both.” The Beauceron’s talents are not limited to the farm and field. In both world wars, the dogs served as ambulance, messenger and sentry dogs.

Sheep farmers no longer need dogs to guard against bears and wolves, but the Beauceron has in no way outlived its usefulness. Shepherds still use them, to be sure, but by far their biggest role now is guarding people, not sheep, and most Beauceron buyers acquire them as family guard dogs.

SIZE AND CONFORMATION

Weighing only a pound at birth, Beaucerons reach 45 to 50 pounds at 6 months and become a block of 90 to 110 pounds of muscle as adults. Males stand 25/ inches to 27/2 inches at the withers; females, 24% inches to 26% inches. The Beauceron should move with a long, ground-covering stride. It is a sleek, agile dog, able to turn on a dime.

The short, smooth coat is typically noir etfeu (black and fire), but a harlequin of reddish brown, gray and black also occurs. Though ears are usually cropped, it is not mandatory for showing, and dogs with uncropped ears are not penalized. [Cropping requirements vary from country to country.—Ed.] Shepherds originally cropped the ears of the Beauceron to avoid problems with bites from other dogs or tears from brambles.

Like its relative the Briard, another French herding breed, the Beauceron must have dewclaws: single dewclaws on the front legs and double dewclaws on the hind legs.

STRICT STANDARDS

The Vizzari’s dogs are first registered with the French equivalent of the American Kennel Club: the Societe Centrale de Canine. At 12 months, the dogs are judged for conformation to get their permanent pedigree. Beyond that, they can achieve higher rankings by going through levels of character and conformation judging. Proof of absence of hip dysplasia is also required.

In the character tests, judges look for gentleness and sociability. The judge must be able to handle a dog’s ears, feet and legs with no sign of protest from the dog. The dog is then walked on a long, loose leash. The judge suddenly fires a gun and the dog must show no fear. Finally, the judge threatens the dog with a stick. The dog can look menacing, curious or even bored, but it may not take a step back or show timidity in any way. When a dog ranks highest in a difficult series of these tests, it is classified as Elite A.

The breed is still somewhat rare, and little known outside of France. Bulanda estimates that there are fewer than 200 in the United States. “You do not see it on every street corner, and I would not want it to become that way,” Madame Vizzari said. “He has to stay mysterious, special, loved for his qualities, not popularized because of some fashion.

“I would be happy to have the Beauceron known in America,” she went on. “The Beauceron is what I think Americans are like: frank, open, honest and direct.

“They have all the qualities you look for in a dog: protection, company, sociability, gentleness, willingness, passion. “Perhaps it is the heart that is speaking,” she said, smiling at herself, “but I think not. C’est une race merveilleuse. It is a wonderful breed.”

Claudia Weisburd has written many articles about dogs and other animals. She lives in Ithaca, New York, and travels to France whenever she can.

The following article was originally published in the August 1993 issue of Dog Fancy. It is presented unchanged, although for copyright purposes, the photographs that original accompanied the article have been omitted.