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The Berger Picard by Linda Rorem The Berger Picard (Picardy Shepherd) is a very old breed originating in the Picardie region of northeastern France. Considered by some authorities to be related to such breeds as the Beauceron, Briard, Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Shepherds, the Picard has upright ears, long tail carried low with a curve at the tip, and a wiry though not excessively long or heavy coat with hair-fringed the muzzle and feet. Color ranges through shades of grey and tawny, with few or no white markings, and size is from 21 to 25-1/2 inches at the shoulder. Like other herding breeds, the Berger Picard is intelligent and strongly bonds to its family. It is generally aloof toward strangers and is a good watchdog. Being working dogs, Picards are active and do best when they have a job, whether their original occupation of herding or an activity such as agility or obedience work. They can be independent-minded and stubborn at times, yet are sensitive, so benefit from good socialization and consistent and patience handling. The Berger Picard is little known in the U.S. but interest is growing. It is recognized by the FCI and in North America by the Canadian Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. The FCI standard for the breed is at: http://www.dogomania.com/breeds/standards/fci/picardy_sheepdog.shtml Unfortunately, in the UKC standard there is an added section on herding characteristics that is inaccurate, containing a gross oversimplification of herding practices along with a description of the breed's "herding style" that in fact is at variance with the dog's natural tendencies. It is to be hoped that at some point this will be revised. The Berger Picard works similarly to other French breeds such as the Beauceron and similarly to such British and American breeds as the Welsh Sheepdog, Rough and Smooth Collies, English Shepherd, Australian Shepherd and others. These breeds have a natural tendency to gather and fetch stock, but in contrast to the stalking, pausing approach of the strong-eyed Border Collie, they tend to work in an upright, active, often forceful, free-moving " loose-eyed" manner, usually wanting to be in close proximity to the animals when moving around them. These characteristics are typical of herding dogs used with large groups of animals and animals that are accustomed to regular contact with people and dogs. For more information see Herding Practices in France and Herding Trials in France. While, as is the case with most herding breeds, Picards are more often found today as companions and service dogs, there are still some performing their original herding work.

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Linda Rorem
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