Beauceron dog breed

[Benn]

has anybody had or have a beauceron
Breed of dog,
Been looking into them ,there a french breed ,
they seem the ideal breed for what im after,
Just wondering if anybody has had any and after some first hand knowledge how they are as a breed generally.

 

[le bon paysan]

@will l

 

[Al R]

Just looked them up, they look a mean dog, very closely related to the Doberman.
What were you going to do with it?

 

[Benn]

Just looked them up, they look a mean dog, very closely related to the Doberman.
What were you going to do with it?

I think the ones with cropped ears that make it look a mean dog,i think all cropped ear dogs look bit fierce,
i wouldnt be getting a cropped ear dog,

They were originally a herding breed,
I want dog for few sheep we have max 50 odd and also
Want a guard dog presence around the yard to keep the unwated vistors we keep getting,

they seem to be naturally weary of strangers which i wouldnt mind,
instead my current dogs would happily let a stranger come over and rub there belly.

 

[axehandle]

Yep we have one excellent dog , good cattle dog ...

 

[Hooby Farmer]

Had a google, that is a gorgeous dog

 

[milkloss]

Interesting breed. I wonder what their relationship is with the European Doberman. Ours is a genuine Euro bred Doberman and I can't help but think they've gone a little too Great Dane in size. Very heavy set bones, deep chest and plenty of weight. A bit too far beyond their supposed purpose.

here's a goofy pic anyway but don't be fooled, he's hard as nails.

 

[Dry Rot]

At one time, if anyone wanted a dog, they would look to Britain. Thanks to The Kennel Club, we are the last people I'd recommend when it comes to working dogs. Oh, there are still a few breeds that are good, but nowadays it seems the choice is to look abroad -- so we can ruin these too!

You want a dog for herding 50 sheep? There must still be a few in the hills without papers that haven't been ruined by intensive breeding, trials, or popularity. Nothing wrong with the Border Collie as a guard, it's all in the training. Probably not for bite work as gripping has been selected against, but I claim the distinction of having been bitten by an International Champion sheepdog owned by a famous handler (she still swears her dog didn't do it!), so they can certainly guard! One of the very few times I have been bitten!

 

[Benn]

Im after a dog just to do basic sheep work only really to help gather in ,save my legs,
And when i say guard dog ,i wont be training as a gaurd dog as such only to bark on command,
I want something that looks abit intimidating and is naturally wearying of strangers ,
Help keep those who like to have a snoop around at night on there toes.

 

[Benn]

Yep we have one excellent dog , good cattle dog ...

Ah just what i wanted to hear,how did you find it to train?
And what kind of temperament does it have?
Can you compare it to any other breeds?

 

[Al R]

Im after a dog just to do basic sheep work only really to help gather in ,save my legs,
And when i say guard dog ,i wont be training as a gaurd dog as such only to bark on command,
I want something that looks abit intimidating and is naturally wearying of strangers ,
Help keep those who like to have a snoop around at night on there toes.

People sh!t themselves when they see my huntaway especially if she’s in the kennel and they walk passed (loads of footpaths) people don’t hang around when they see or hear her, a few “got any scrap boss” types have turned up and seen her and turned away straight away, she’s more likely to lick you to death but she does jump up to put her legs on my shoulders and lick my face but a 40kg dog doing that to someone they think it’s going to maul them

 

[Sandpit Farm]

My Dad had a mate with one (in France) named Tanor. He was a bit rough with the sheep. It took him 4 years to mature. I really liked him and noticed there was a society in the UK so I researched them and established that in France they do a lot of assessments on things like guarding instinct and sheep instinct.

In the UK they really don't. I asked them and they said they were a very young society but were interested in doing more on this. I set them up with Richard Alvis in Bath to do a puppy sheep assessment session... I went and watched. I think there were about 5 pups assessed around a pen of ewe lambs and 1 was excellent, 2 were average and 2 were poor. The breeders were lovely people but VERY focussed on visual characteristics of the breed so I wouldn't imagine working instinct will be something that will be a high priority in this country.

I'd be interested to see how you get on but my heart still lies with border collies.

 

[Benn]

My Dad had a mate with one (in France) named Tanor. He was a bit rough with the sheep. It took him 4 years to mature. I really liked him and noticed there was a society in the UK so I researched them and established that in France they do a lot of assessments on things like guarding instinct and sheep instinct.

In the UK they really don't. I asked them and they said they were a very young society but were interested in doing more on this. I set them up with Richard Alvis in Bath to do a puppy sheep assessment session... I went and watched. I think there were about 5 pups assessed around a pen of ewe lambs and 1 was excellent, 2 were average and 2 were poor. The breeders were lovely people but VERY focussed on visual characteristics of the breed so I wouldn't imagine working instinct will be something that will be a high priority in this country.

I'd be interested to see how you get on but my heart still lies with border collies.

Ah interesting, im just round corner from richard ,maybe worth asking him his view,
As said only need very basic help
Ive managed all i need over years with just my lab but sadly she on her last legs now,

i have read about society and saw there based close to me also,im planning getting in touch with them in new year,but want some honest opinions on breed from owners,

 

[Benn]

People sh!t themselves when they see my huntaway especially if she’s in the kennel and they walk passed (loads of footpaths) people don’t hang around when they see or hear her, a few “got any scrap boss” types have turned up and seen her and turned away straight away, she’s more likely to lick you to death but she does jump up to put her legs on my shoulders and lick my face but a 40kg dog doing that to someone they think it’s going to maul them

i did look into huntaway ,
but just reading up and keep mentioning high energy, not as bad as collie?
Only sheepdogs ive seen locally working are border collies ,lovely dogs but trying to find something less energetic,
and with a bit more presence about it to put people wondering around the yard and workshops.

 

[Woolless]

i did look into huntaway ,
but just reading up and keep mentioning high energy, not as bad as collie?
Only sheepdogs ive seen locally working are border collies ,lovely dogs but trying to find something less energetic,
and with a bit more presence about it to put people wondering around the yard and workshops.

Huntaways are a bit more chilled out than your average collie. I have two Collie x Huntaways and it certainly takes that neurotic, never off duty edge that some collies have away. They love their work but happy enough to go for a run round the fields with the wife/kids if there's nothing on. Wouldn't be great guard dogs, not sure what a straight Huntaway would be like.

 

[Al R]

Huntaways are a bit more chilled out than your average collie. I have two Collie x Huntaways and it certainly takes that neurotic, never off duty edge that some collies have away. They love their work but happy enough to go for a run round the fields with the wife/kids if there's nothing on. Wouldn't be great guard dogs, not sure what a straight Huntaway would be like.

Useless guard dogs I’d say as their too friendly but mine will bark if she smells someone within 400metres at night, nearest neighbour is 900m and he said he can hear her. Her pure presence makes people turn away or not stop. Energy wise far more than the collies and even very long days she’ll just keep going, thankfully barking only on command but even then it’s deafening. As others have said very very good companions and at the end of the day has to have a hug or she won’t get off the quad. With 30-40 ewes she tends to run passed them when moving but 150-300 she’s in her element.

What about a German shepherd? @Dry Rot might know of some from sheep working backgrounds?

 

[Dry Rot]

Useless guard dogs I’d say as their too friendly but mine will bark if she smells someone within 400metres at night, nearest neighbour is 900m and he said he can hear her. Her pure presence makes people turn away or not stop. Energy wise far more than the collies and even very long days she’ll just keep going, thankfully barking only on command but even then it’s deafening. As others have said very very good companions and at the end of the day has to have a hug or she won’t get off the quad. With 30-40 ewes she tends to run passed them when moving but 150-300 she’s in her element.

What about a German shepherd? @Dry Rot might know of some from sheep working backgrounds?

There are GSDs that will go round sheep but mine don't. I think you would have to be very selective on bloodlines. Probably have to import from Germany.

Apologies for the earlier rant. I've fought with the KC for decades, used the law to make them change their rules (pro bono solicitors), but they have still managed to ruin the breeds that interest me.

The best dog is the dog that suits you and, I may not agree with you, but I will fight to my last breath for your freedom to choose! I'd just advise very carefully examining pedigrees and, if you want work, make sure it is work.

On the subject of guarding, most dogs will guard if introduced to it properly. If they will bark at strange/unusual/threatening behaviour, have a helper behave that way -- and when the dog barks feign fear and pain and run away. So the dog has "won". That's why a lot of dogs will bark at the postman. Dog barks and postman goes away. The dog is defending it's territory and has now "won" by driving off an intruder. Just make sure you can control them!

 

[Benn]

Useless guard dogs I’d say as their too friendly but mine will bark if she smells someone within 400metres at night, nearest neighbour is 900m and he said he can hear her. Her pure presence makes people turn away or not stop. Energy wise far more than the collies and even very long days she’ll just keep going, thankfully barking only on command but even then it’s deafening. As others have said very very good companions and at the end of the day has to have a hug or she won’t get off the quad. With 30-40 ewes she tends to run passed them when moving but 150-300 she’s in her element.

What about a German shepherd? @Dry Rot might know of some from sheep working backgrounds?

They were the first breed i looked into ,german shepherds ,as i watched an online video of some being used abroad ,
they wouldnt let the flock get off a track into fresh fields ,
But i couldnt find any mention of any being used with sheep over here all show or protection,then others which looked to me with very bad hip/backs,
Shame as ive met alot nice family friendly german shepherds
but they do have that look of intimidation about them,

 

[Sandpit Farm]

Ah interesting, im just round corner from richard ,maybe worth asking him his view,
As said only need very basic help
Ive managed all i need over years with just my lab but sadly she on her last legs now,

i have read about society and saw there based close to me also,im planning getting in touch with them in new year,but want some honest opinions on breed from owners,

Perfect. Richard is worth a call. I really rate him as someone who understands dogs. Re the Beauceron... they will definitely work well as a guard dog but bare in mind they can be quite aloof/independent. Very different to a lab for sure. I'd go and meet a few. They really are beautiful looking dogs

 

[le bon paysan]

Interesting breed. I wonder what their relationship is with the European Doberman. Ours is a genuine Euro bred Doberman and I can't help but think they've gone a little too Great Dane in size. Very heavy set bones, deep chest and plenty of weight. A bit too far beyond their supposed purpose.

here's a goofy pic anyway but don't be fooled, he's hard as nails.

We've got 2 , first is a Beauceron x Mallinois , gold where yours is red.
Second is a pure Beauceron bitch, you can tell they're pure if they've the double ergot on the back legs.
the new bitch works cattle well, she was my wifes birthday present, I'll put a video up later, my internet keeps dropping out now.

Amazon.fr : panneau de beauceron