Berger Picard

Notes

Also known as the Picardy Sheepdog, the Berger Picard is an ancient herding breed from France. It is thought to be their oldest sheepdog, potentially originating in 400 BC, but the breed is so old that nobody is fully certain of its origin. Some experts believe it is related to Briards and Beaucerons, which it was shown alongside when it was first shown in France in 1863, while others believe it is closer to Dutch and Belgian Shepherds. The breed can be seen a number of medieval artworks, tapestries, engravings, and woodcuts - one notable example being Chien de Ferme by Gaston Phoebys, in 1387's Livre de Chasse.

The Berger Picard wasn't recognised as its own breed until 1925. Paul Megnin is credited as creating the first standard, which he initially drafted in 1922. Originally, it was similar to a longhaired Beauceron, with one of the most recognisable colour varieties being tricolour. However, this variety has since vanished from the breed, which no longer accepts any tan variations. During WWII, the breed almost went extinct after trench warfare in the Somme heavily affected the population, which was concentrated mainly on farms in Northeastern France. Afterwards, it was only because breeders of the Bouvier des Flanders that the Berger Picard survived. They searched for dogs in Picardy, using the most typical examples of the breed for breeding. Today, the breed still remains rare.

Intelligent and alert, the Berger Picard is a natural herder which thrives on human companionship. It is medium sized, solid, and hardy, while still remaining elegant whether standing or in action. It has a rugged appearance, with a harsh, semi-long coat. The ears stand naturally erect, the eyebrows are thick, and the tail is carried with a characteristic J-shaped curve.

Breed Files