How to Identify a Beauceron

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Last Updated: February 27, 2021 References

Beaucerons (also known as the Bas Rouge or Berger de Beauce) are members of the herding group, and they originated in France. ^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
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Go to source} Although they share a few characteristics with other dog breeds (like the Doberman Pinscher), they have several distinguishing characteristics as well. This wikiHow will help you identify whether or not a dog is a Beauceron.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Body Structure

Beaucerons are relatively large dogs overall, with males being anywhere from 25.5–27.5 inches (65–70 cm) in height, and females being anywhere from 24–26.5 inches (61–67 cm) tall. Both male and female Beaucerons generally weigh somewhere between 70–110 pounds (32–50 kg). ^{[2]
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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Beaucerons should have a head that is in proportion with their body. Their head should be long and well-chiseled, with harmonious lines and no weakness. ^{[3]
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Beaucerons should have ears that are set high, and they can either be natural or cropped. If the ears are natural, they should either be drop-ears or half pricked, and stand off the dog's cheeks. If the dog has cropped ears, they should point slightly forward, be neither divergent nor convergent, and carried upright. ^{[4]
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Beaucerons have slightly oval-shaped horizontal eyes that are dark brown in color, and never lighter than a dark hazel. However, the dog's eyes may be a walleye color if they have a harlequin-colored coat.^{[5]
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Beaucerons typically have a tail with a strong base that is carried downwards (though it may be carried higher and become an extension of the dog's topline if it is in action), and descends to at least the point of the dog's hock. The tail should form a slight J-shape, and not deviate to the left or right. ^{[6]
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Overall, Beaucerons should appear to be of good height, well-balanced, solid, and well-muscled with no coarseness or heaviness. The dog should give off the impression of solidity and depth with no bulkiness. Their gait should appear effortless and fluid overall. ^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

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Figure out what color the dog's coat is. Beaucerons can either be Black and Tan or Gray, Black and Tan (also known as Harlequin) in color. They also have an undercoat that is mouse gray in color. ^{[8]
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- If the dog is Harlequin, then they should have a Black and Tan base color, with blue-gray patches in a pattern found evenly throughout their body, balanced with this base color (though you may notice black as the predominant color). ^{[9]
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- If the dog is Black and Tan, then you should notice a very pure black color, with squirrel red-colored tan markings that are found on the sides of the dog's muzzle (fading off on the dog's cheeks and not reaching the underside of their ears), as dots above the dog's eyes, under the tail, on their throat, on the legs from the feet to the pasterns (they should lessen progressively and rise slightly higher on the inside of the dog's legs, though not covering more than 1/3 of their legs), and as two spots on the dog's chest. ^{[10]
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Generally, Beaucerons have an outer coat that is 1.25–1.5 inches (3.2–3.8 cm) long, and the hair is usually short on the lower legs, ears and head, and the undercoat. However, the dog's coat may be somewhat longer on their neck. ^{[11]
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Beaucerons should have an outer coat that feels coarse and dense, and feels smooth on the lower legs, head and ears. They should have a fine, downy, dense-feeling undercoat. ^{[12]
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The Beauceron's outer coat should appear to lie close to their body, and you should notice light fringing on the back of the thighs and the tail. You should not be able to see the undercoat through the outer coat. ^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

Beaucerons may be territorial with other animals. However, they're usually fine with other animals who are raised with them in their family. ^{[14]
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Beaucerons are typically watchful, discriminating and aloof with strangers. Early socialization is key to prevent the dog from becoming aggressive with strangers. ^{[15]
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Beaucerons need regular physical and mental exercise, through things like agility, running, and/or fetch to prevent them from becoming rambunctious or destructive. ^{[16]
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Beaucerons are known to be bold, adventurous dogs and generally aren't afraid of much. ^{[17]
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Beaucerons are typically intelligent dogs, who are relatively easy-to-train (though this may not be as noticeable in the dog's earlier years). ^{[18]
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As mentioned earlier, Beaucerons may be suspicious of people, dogs, and other animals they don't know, making them very protective, and good watchdogs. ^{[19]
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Even though they're protective, Beaucerons are also known to be composed dogs who don't generally lose their temper. ^{[20]
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Beaucerons may chase small animals, so this is something you'll want to be aware of. ^{[21]
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Tips

Consider dog DNA testing if you're wondering what breed your dog is. DNA testing can help confirm whether or not your dog is a Beauceron.

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