The Berger Picard is a medium-sized, lanky working dog, a member of the herding group with strong bones and a stocky build.
Known as the dog from the movie “Because of Winn-Dixie,” the Berger Picard has erect ears that are up to 5 inches tall.
The breed is also known as the Picard, Picardy Berger, Picardy Shepherd, and Picardy Sheepdog.
This canine needs plenty of exercise, including long walks and runs and interactive play sessions with owners or family members.
Otherwise, it can become destructive due to poor or insufficient mental stimulation.
This can also lead to excessive barking.
Males can reach 26 inches, while females are 21 inches tall – a medium-sized dog weighing between 50 and 70 pounds.
Before you adopt one of these herding dogs, learn the key information about the Berger Picard dog breed so you can make an informed decision.
coat care
The dogs have wavy hair with coat colors ranging from light fawn to dark brindle. Their fur is typically short on the head and slightly longer on the entire body.
Berger Picards have a double coat consisting of an insulating layer and a waterproof top layer, giving them an edge during colder temperatures.
During the shedding season, usually in spring or fall, it is essential to comb their coat with an undercoat rake and a waterproof brush once or twice a day.
Doing this can help prevent hair from accumulating on the floors and furniture in your home and keep their fur fresh.
Outside of shedding season, brush your Berger Picard weekly and bathe your dog with a shampoo formulated for fresh coats every six to eight weeks.
Of course, other forms of hygiene maintenance are also necessary, such as regular nail trimming, ideally every four to six weeks.
Berger Picard’s temperament
Berger Picards love exercise and need plenty of physical activity to keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit.
They are active creatures, so be prepared to take long walks if you want one of these pups.
With their intelligence and athletic appearance, these dogs easily compete in agility courses or other sports such as flyball or obedience rally.
To guard against boredom (which these smart pups are prone to), they must receive sufficient mental stimulation throughout the day. Use fun interactive toys that encourage problem-solving skills and teach them tricks or play fetch. Variety is vital in this breed.
Also, allowing dogs to socialize with other friendly dogs when they are ready is a great way to blow off steam.
With proper daily exercise, these furry companions make excellent companions for active families who enjoy long walks and trips to the park together.
They also love a good cuddle session at home afterwards.
Berger Picard’s health problems
The Berger Picard is a robust and generally healthy breed of dog. Unlike many others, they have not been overbred and as a result enjoy fewer health problems associated with this practice.
However, as with all dogs, there are some potential issues to be aware of when considering a Berger Picard for your home.
Hip dysplasia
Dogs can suffer from hip dysplasia, a condition caused by an abnormal formation in the ball and socket joints of the hind legs.
This can cause extreme pain and significantly reduce mobility if left untreated or undiagnosed.
Common symptoms to watch for include lameness in both hind legs; an unusual gait when your dog walks, runs, or jumps; reduced movement and persistent or general lameness of the affected leg.
Fortunately, hip dysplasia can be effectively corrected by surgery, and Berger Picards will go on to live a long and happy life.
progressive retinal atrophy
The other common hereditary condition in dogs is progressive retinal atrophy.
With this condition, the retinas in your eyes become increasingly damaged over time, resulting in gradual vision loss and various uncomfortable side effects.
Symptoms to look for include an inability to follow cues or commands, cloudy eyes, bumping into objects, or anything else that might lead you to believe your dog is having vision difficulties.
waterfalls
Hereditary cataracts can affect some older members, which can cause blurred vision and may require surgical removal.
Other issues
Other minor issues can include allergies and sensitive stomachs, so feeding your pet quality food will help keep them healthy and happy.
The dog’s life expectancy is usually 12-15 years, but they can live even longer if they are provided with a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and regular visits to the vet.
Healthy diet
One of the best ways to maintain a Berger Picard’s health is to provide high-quality dog foods formulated for your dog’s age and activity level.
Many reputable brands offer well-balanced diets for puppies, adult dogs, seniors, and active breeds, such as Berger Picard.
The right food will ensure that your beloved canine receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals on a daily basis from a single source.
A word of caution though: Berger Picards love food, so monitoring how much your dog eats is critical. Too many treats will result in obesity, something we want our furry friends to avoid.
Too much weight stresses a dog’s joints over time, leading to potential joint problems later on.
Berger Picard Formation
When it comes to training your Picard, patience is essential.
Picards tend to be stubborn when it comes to learning new commands; however, they are also incredibly eager to please, so constant repetition will eventually get them on the right track.
Positive reinforcement is essential for this breed.
Using harsh methods can negatively affect your pup’s behavior over time, resulting in aggressive or timid behavior patterns later in life.
Socialization
As with all breeds, socialization is essential when you welcome a new puppy into your home. Take plenty of opportunities to introduce your dog to new people, places, and situations, but do it slowly.
Initially, you may want to consider taking long walks in parks where your pup can watch others from afar.
When you’re ready, slowly but steadily expose your dog to unfamiliar people and provide opportunities for supervised play with other friendly canines.
Final Thoughts on Adopting a Berger Picard
These pups are full of life: they are willing to do anything but respect limits when they are well trained.
If you want an exciting outdoor companion, look no further than the charming and athletic Berger Picard.
