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Discover everything about Berger Picard
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
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At a glance
Berger Picard overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
Although the Berger de Picardie is considered a robust working dog, its historically small gene pool necessitates an above-average list of mandatory health tests. Specifically, hip dysplasia (HD) and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) must be managed through strict selective breeding. Furthermore, the occurrence of epilepsy poses a serious risk, making a thorough review of the parents' ancestral line essential.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
55–65 cm
Weight
23–35 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Rough, medium length, undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Fauve
- fauve-charbonn"
- gris
- gris-charbonn"
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Berger Picard, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Berger Picard right for you?
The Berger de Picardie is a vigilant, strong-willed, and often delightfully stubborn companion—bred as a rustic Hütehund (herding dog) that was expected not only to guide sheep flocks in Northern France but also to protect them independently.
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog that thinks for itself and occasionally questions commands rather than showing blind obedience—its herding heritage demands independence.
- You are keen on active mental stimulation, tracking, or search-and-rescue sports to channel its cooperative work ethic in the right direction.
- You are looking for an extremely loyal dog that puts its own family above everything else and simply ignores strangers.
- You live in a more rural setting with a house and garden, where its watchful eye has space to guard the property.
Less ideal if:
- You expect your dog to greet every stranger with joy—it was selected to keep its distance and shield its flock.
- You lose your patience quickly if a command is only executed after a brief moment of consideration.
- You live in a busy, cramped urban environment where its innate vigilance can quickly lead to constant stress and barking.
The real vibes check
A Berger de Picardie doesn't just execute commands; it evaluates them first. You aren't getting a remote-controlled robot, but a rugged, humorous colleague with its own opinion. If you guide this charming stubbornness with confidence and fairness, you will have an incorruptible shadow by your side.
Breed Profile
The Berger de Picardie, also known as Picard, is a robust and well-proportioned dog. It is a representative of the French Shepherd Dogs and belongs to FCI Group 1. Its size and weight vary depending on the gender, but both genders share a striking, medium-length, wavy coat that is slightly rough and has a dense undercoat. Its eyes are dark and oval, and its ears are set high and erect, giving it a lively and alert expression. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, which contributes to its balanced and harmonious appearance. What is particularly striking is its tail, which is slightly hook-shaped at the end and forms a slight curve when it moves.
- Height
- 55 - 60 cm (Female), 60 - 65 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 23 - 32 kg (Female), 25 - 35 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Hardworking, independent, charming
- Coat
- Rough, medium length, undercoat
- Coat Color
- Fauve, fauve-charbonn", gris and gris-charbonn"
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The Berger de Picardie has a long history that dates back to the 9th century. He comes from Picardy, a region in the north of France, where he was used as a working dog, especially with the sheep herd. His robustness, his endurance and his independent work made him a valued companion for the shepherds. Despite its long history, the Picard was only recognized as a separate breed late in life. It was one of the first French breeds to be officially recognized by the Soci"t" Centrale Canine, the French Kennel Club, in 1898. However, the breed was almost extinct due to the two world wars that hit France hard. Thanks to the commitment of some breeders, the breed was revived in the 1950s. Today, the Berger de Picardie is still a rare breed, even in its native France, but it is growing in popularity due to its charming looks and hard-working nature.
Original Use
The Berger de Picardie was used as a sheep herding dog in the Picardy region and is characterized by its rough coat.
Origin
France
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
The Berger de Picardie is a dog with a strong character. He is known for his enthusiasm for work and his strong herding instinct. His independent way of working, which he brings with him from his history as a herding dog, makes him an intelligent and independent companion. He is an active dog who needs physical and mental activity to be happy and balanced. As a companion dog, the Berger de Picardie is loving and loyal. He is very people-oriented and enjoys spending time with his family. Despite his independence, he is a good family dog who gets along well with children and builds a close bond with his family. The Picard is a playful dog that loves to run and play. This makes it a good companion for active families who enjoy being outside. His playfulness and energy also make him a good candidate for dog sports such as agility or flyball. The Berger de Picardie has a strong protective instinct and is alert without being aggressive. He is wary of strangers, but once he gets to know someone, he is friendly and outgoing. When it comes to hunting instincts, this varies from dog to dog. Some Berger de Picardie show a strong hunting instinct, while others show little interest. It is important to keep this in mind and train and manage the dog accordingly. The Picard learns quickly and is good at staying alone as long as he is well occupied and has enough to do. However, he is not a dog that should be left home alone all day as he needs the company of his people. Overall, the Berger de Picardie is an active and independent dog with a strong character. He is a loyal and loving companion who forms a strong bond with his family and leads an active and interesting life. His independence and willingness to work make him a unique and fascinating companion.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Berger de Picardie is one of the oldest French dog breeds and its origins can be traced back to the 9th century?
What Awaits You
The Berger de Picardie is an intelligent and independent dog. He is alert and needs consistent training. He is rather suspicious of strangers.
Housing & Care
The Berger de Picardie is an active and intelligent dog that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, it is more suitable for a home in the country or in a house with a large garden. However, he can also adapt to city life as long as there are enough activities and exercise available. The Picard is a very family-oriented dog and gets along well with children. His loving and patient nature makes him an excellent family dog. He can also get along well with other pets, including cats, as long as he is properly socialized.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Excellent with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Berger de Picardie's education should begin early and be consistent. He is an intelligent dog with an independent personality that can sometimes make him seem stubborn. Therefore, it is important to use positive, reward-based training and show patience and consistency. Berger de Picardie bring a natural ability for dog sports such as agility, obedience and flyball. They love having tasks and being challenged mentally and physically. Due to their work disposition, an under-challenged Picard may be prone to behavioral problems, so employment should be an integral part of their everyday life. However, you should be careful not to overwhelm the dog. Balance is the key word here. A potential challenge in raising the Berger de Picardie can be that his strong desire to work and move will make him a “ball junkie”. can be. It is therefore important to show him alternatives right from the start and to teach him to enjoy peace and relaxation.
Nutrition & Care
Your Berger de Picardie's diet should be tailored to his individual needs. An active Berger de Picardie needs a balanced diet high in protein, while an older or less active dog needs fewer calories. It is particularly important to ensure a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats. When it comes to grooming, the Berger de Picardie is relatively easy to care for. His rough, wavy coat has an undercoat and he sheds moderately throughout the year, with more shedding in spring and fall. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy and clean. Despite its robust nature and weatherproof coat, the Berger de Picardie also copes well with the German climate.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
Although the Berger de Picardie is considered a robust working dog, its historically small gene pool necessitates an above-average list of mandatory health tests. Specifically, hip dysplasia (HD) and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) must be managed through strict selective breeding. Furthermore, the occurrence of epilepsy poses a serious risk, making a thorough review of the parents' ancestral line essential.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise, as well as schedule regular eye check-ups to keep your dog active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips and eyes of the parent animals tested and focus on temperamentally sound lines to reduce hereditary risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Berger Picard
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
Im Alltag und im Kreise ihrer Familie zeigen sich Berger de Picardie von einer sehr treuen und anhänglichen Seite. Viele Halter beschreiben sie als absolute „Seelenhunde“, die eine extrem enge Bindung zu ihren Menschen aufbauen und am liebsten überall mit dabei sein wollen. In ihrem vertrauten Umfeld gelten sie als humorvolle Clowns, die ihre Familie mit ihrer verspielten und aufgeweckten Art täglich zum Lachen bringen.
Demgegenüber steht jedoch ein ausgeprägtes Misstrauen gegenüber Fremden. Viele Besitzer berichten, dass der Picard kein Hund ist, der sich von jedem anfassen lassen möchte – oft weicht er bei Annäherungsversuchen Fremder zurück und beobachtet die Situation lieber erst aus sicherer Entfernung. Auch der angeborene Wach- und Schutztrieb ist im Alltag spürbar: Fremde Personen oder ungewöhnliche Geräusche werden zuverlässig gemeldet. Dabei entwickeln viele Hunde eine ganz eigene Kommunikation und begrüßen geliebte Freunde oft mit einem fast gesangartigen Heulen, während Fremde mit einem tiefen, warnenden Bellen angekündigt werden.
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
Die Erziehung eines Berger de Picardie wird von erfahrenen Haltern oft als „Diskussion auf Augenhöhe“ beschrieben. Da die Rasse historisch darauf selektiert wurde, eigenständig und ohne ständige Anweisung des Schäfers zu arbeiten, sind Picards keine klassischen Befehlsempfänger. Sie hinterfragen Kommandos gerne auf ihren Sinn – stupide Wiederholungen derselben Übung stoßen schnell auf Desinteresse oder sturen Widerstand. Wer einen Hund sucht, der Kadavergehorsam zeigt, wird mit dieser Rasse meist nicht glücklich.
Zudem betonen Besitzer immer wieder die enorme Sensibilität der Hunde. Trotz ihres robusten, urigen Aussehens haben sie einen sehr weichen Kern. Harte Erziehungsmethoden, Schimpfen oder Druck bewirken beim Picard das Gegenteil und führen dazu, dass sich der Hund völlig verschließt. Stattdessen sind viel Geduld, Humor, positive Verstärkung und punktgenaues Lob der Schlüssel zum Erfolg. Auch eine frühzeitige, umfassende und behutsame Sozialisierung ist unabdingbar, um der rassetypischen Skepsis gegenüber Umweltreizen und Fremden entgegenzuwirken.
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
In puncto Pflege und Gesundheit gilt der Berger de Picardie unter Haltern als erfreulich unkompliziert und robust. Das drahtige, raue Fell ist sehr wetterbeständig und neigt kaum zum Verfilzen. Entgegen der Vermutung, die das zottelige Aussehen nahelegt, haaren die Hunde im Alltag relativ wenig. Ein gründliches Bürsten alle ein bis zwei Wochen reicht in der Regel völlig aus, um das Haarkleid sauber und gepflegt zu halten.
Körperlich ist der Picard ein ausdauernder und sportlicher Partner, der sich hervorragend für aktive Menschen eignet – sei es beim Wandern, als Begleiter am Pferd oder im Hundesport wie Agility und Obedience. Wichtig ist jedoch eine angemessene geistige Auslastung, da die intelligenten Hunde sonst schnell eigene, kreative Wege finden, um sich zu beschäftigen (wie etwa das selbstständige Öffnen von Türen). Gesundheitlich wird in Züchterkreisen vor allem auf Hüftdysplasie (HD) geachtet. Viele Halter berichten jedoch, dass selbst Hunde mit leichteren HD-Befunden aufgrund ihres vergleichsweise leichten, athletischen Körperbaus oft ein Leben lang beschwerdefrei und aktiv bleiben.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Berger Picard
Is a Berger Picard the right dog for me?
The Berger Picard is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Berger Picard live?
The average life expectancy of a Berger Picard is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Berger Picard need?
Berger Picard grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Berger Picard good for families with children?
The Berger Picard can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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