If you’re a lover of hairy ears, then you might already know a lot about the Berger Picard. A rugged yet adorable canine breed, known to boast an irresistible grin, is increasingly becoming popular among dog lovers. Despite their gruff exterior, a Berger Picard is undoubtedly one of the friendliest, energetic, and intelligent dog breeds you can consider as your first pooch. The blend of their cheeky personality, combined with their large ears, makes them stand out from other breeds.
For first-time owners, choosing the right breed can be quite tricky. However, understanding the dog breed-specific characteristics might help you make an informed decision before getting a new friend. Unlike the somewhat popular Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers, the Berger Picard might be an unfamiliar name, but they offer an unbelievable companionship worth exploring.
The Berger Picard’s name hails from the Picardy region in Northern France, and “Berger” means shepherd in French, reflecting its herding background. This breed dates back over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest French breeds and an excellent choice for someone looking for a breed with a backstory.
Berger Picards, fondly known as Picardy Shepherds, are medium-sized dogs weighing about 60 to 70 pounds and standing about 21.5 to 25.5 inches tall. They have muscular, long bodies, coupled with strong, wide chests, making them great for outdoor activities or games. Their splendid dark eyes coupled with their furry eyebrows make those irresistibly cute faces hard to forget!
Unlike the popular belief that “first-time dog owners should always go for small breeds”, it isn’t always true. Any breed can be a great first dog depending on the owner’s lifestyle, energy levels, and students available time. With their pleasing personality, minimal health issues, and manageable grooming needs, Berger Picards can indeed make fantastic first dogs.
However, they aren’t a breed for everyone. Berger Picards are active, agile dogs, hence require an hour or two of daily exercise. So if you are someone who loves being a couch potato, then a more laid-back breed might be a better choice. A Berger Picard won’t be happy lounging around all day. They love to chase, run and play fetch. So a home with a backyard or regular visits to the dog park will keep your Berger Picard happy & healthy.
Despite their high energy levels, Berger Picards are very intelligent. They love to learn and are eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. But they do have a stubborn streak, so a consistent, positive-reinforcement-based training approach works best for them. If you’re a first-timer who is willing to invest time in training, a Berger Picard could prove to be a delightful pupil!
Berger Picards are very friendly dogs, but they are also extremely loyal. They form a profound bond with their families and are very protective of their loved ones. They might be generally suspicious of strangers at first, but once they recognize a friendly face, they tend to be very welcoming. It’s essential to socialize your Berger Picard puppy from an early age to help them develop into well-rounded dogs.
On the health front, Berger Picards are generally a robust breed. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular exercise, they can live anywhere between 12 to 15 years. However, like every other breed, Berger Picards are prone to specific health issues. Some of the common conditions they may face include hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Regular vet check-ups can help in early detection and treatment of these health problems.
Grooming a Berger Picard can be very straightforward. They have a rough, shaggy coat that needs brushing once a week to keep it looking neat. They are not heavy shedders, so you won’t have to worry about fur clinging to your favorite couch or carpet.
In nutshell, their cheery disposition, minimal grooming needs, and intelligent, trainable nature make Berger Picards a good fit as a first dog. They offer a blend of charm, loyalty, and playful energy that would make them a delightful addition to many homes. However, their need for regular exercise, coupled with their stubborn streak, means they might not be the best fit for everyone.
So before you decide to bring home a Berger Picard, ensure you can meet their needs and provide them with a nurturing environment.
Before you add their overwhelming cuteness to your home, make sure to visit local breed clubs or dog shows to interact with the breed and understand better what it’s like to live with a Berger Picard.
At the end of the day, remember that bringing a dog home is a long-term commitment. With love, patience, and a bit of humor to appreciate their cheeky antics, a Berger Picard can become a wonderful addition to your family and your heart.
Once you’ve made up your mind, welcome the joy, warmth, and a lot of wagging tails that a Berger Picard, or indeed, any dog brings to your life!
