Picardy Shepherd

The Berger Picard is a rough-coated French herding dog with a crested head and upright ears — one of the oldest French sheepdogs and among the rarest.

History

It worked the flocks of Picardy in northern France, and its shaggy weatherproof coat is the working equipment for that climate. The two world wars, fought largely across its home region, twice reduced the breed almost to nothing.

Temperament

The breed is known for being lively, sensitive and quietly stubborn, closely attached to its family and reserved with strangers. It has a herding dog's alertness and a strong dislike of boredom.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and mental work, and training that is consistent and free of harshness. The harsh coat needs only occasional brushing and no trimming, which is unusual for a shaggy dog.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia and, in some lines, inherited eye conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.