Should I get a Berger Picard?
The Berger Picard is a unique and wonderful breed, however just like any breed of dog; it is not the right breed for everyone.
The Berger Picard was developed in the Picardie region of France as a herder and guardian of sheep. It is still very much a working breed and requires training and activities to keep its mind stimulated. They are very intelligent dogs, but often have a mind of their own. They can also be very sensitive and do not respond well to physical corrections. They WILL try to herd moving objects, whether that is a child, another pet, bicyclists, or cars. They also have a strong prey drive, which may lead to issues with smaller pets, unless the Picard is raised with or heavily socialized to these animals.
Why do I want a Berger Picard? If you saw the breed in a movie and fell in love, please understand that movie animals are highly trained and have years invested in their abilities. Most Picards are NOT "Winn-Dixie." If you've researched a number of breeds and learned about their temperament, activity requirements, original purpose, care and training requirements, and believe that a Picard meets your needs and you are able to meet those of the dog, then THAT is the reason to get a Picard.
Do they shed? This is one of the most commonly asked questions. Yes, they do! However, Berger Picards have a crisp outer coat and soft undercoat that requires infrequent grooming (MAYBE once a week, if that) to minimize the shedding. The hair is much easier to clean up than some of the shorter-haired breeds. Picards also have very little "dog odor" and rarely require a bath.
What health issues do they have? No breed is disease-free and the Picard is no exception. A challenge for fanciers outside of Europe is the paucity of data regarding inherited health issues in the breed. PRA and cataracts are known to affect Picards, as is hip dysplasia. Hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma have been reported in several lines. Idiopathic hypothyroidism may be an issue, but data are limited. It is important, when researching a breeder, to ask what health issues are known in his or her particular lines.
Are they intelligent? Berger Picards are a very intelligent bunch. They do, however, often think for themselves, a trait that was required of them as herding and guardian animals in their native France. They typically dislike repetition, but a creative approach to training, patience, and positive methods (such as clicker training, operant conditioning, etc.) go a long way in eliciting the response an owner desires.
What is the activity level of a Berger Picard? This is first and foremost a working, herding breed of dog. As such, they do need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid destructive, bored behavior. On the other hand, they are patient and generally able to restrain their natural goofy exuberance until cued that it's TIME TO PLAY. Several sessions of fetch/frisbee, a nice long jog or walk, and space to run around each day make for a happy Picard.
I've heard they can be aggressive--is this true? While no breed is without its faults, a well-bred and well-socialized Picard should absolutely NOT be aggressive. They are somewhat distrustful of strangers and may approach with caution. They do bark and can be quite protective of their territory and family. A young Picard MUST be socialized heavily. This means exposing and introducing the pup to a wide variety of places, sounds, smells, people of all ages, sizes, and of both sexes. A happy, even-tempered, well-adjusted Picard continues to receive socialization throughout its life.
Are they good with kids? Most Berger Picards, if raised with children or socialized with kids do very well and often bond closely to their families' children. The herding instinct does remain strong and the rapid, erratic movement of children can elicit a herding response or even a prey response. It's important that not only the dog, but also the children learn how to behave around each other.
I've never had a dog before; should I get a Picard? As wonderful as these dogs are, they are probably not right for a first-time dog owner. It requires some experience to properly raise and train this breed, due to their unique minds and the potential for difficulty if not appropriately socialized. Someone who has experience with herding breeds, the working, or guardian-type breeds is probably better equipped than a novice. A highly motivated individual with many good resources (an experienced trainer or animal behaviorist, for example), may do well with a Picard as their first dog, but this is not typical.
What can I do with my Berger Picard? These are very versatile dogs, capable of just about any task or skill set to them. There are Picards in North America currently competing in Flyball, Agility, formal Obedience, Rally Obedience, Lure Coursing, Weight Pull, Herding, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Scent Work, and Conformation. They can be trained in Schutzhund and Ring Sport. There are Picardy therapy dogs, Picards who act in movies and onstage (they are a favorite for portraying "Sandy" in "Annie"), and wonderful Picardy family pets.
Things to ask yourself:
Do I really want a dog? All dogs deserve a lifetime of caring commitment from their people. This requires time, energy, and anywhere from 6-20 years of dedication. A Picard typically lives 12-14 years. Training, veterinary visits (and bills), and routine maintenance (feeding, grooming, cleaning up after them) is an investment. Be sure a dog is the right pet for you.
The Berger Picard was developed in the Picardie region of France as a herder and guardian of sheep. It is still very much a working breed and requires training and activities to keep its mind stimulated. They are very intelligent dogs, but often have a mind of their own. They can also be very sensitive and do not respond well to physical corrections. They WILL try to herd moving objects, whether that is a child, another pet, bicyclists, or cars. They also have a strong prey drive, which may lead to issues with smaller pets, unless the Picard is raised with or heavily socialized to these animals.
Why do I want a Berger Picard? If you saw the breed in a movie and fell in love, please understand that movie animals are highly trained and have years invested in their abilities. Most Picards are NOT "Winn-Dixie." If you've researched a number of breeds and learned about their temperament, activity requirements, original purpose, care and training requirements, and believe that a Picard meets your needs and you are able to meet those of the dog, then THAT is the reason to get a Picard.
Do they shed? This is one of the most commonly asked questions. Yes, they do! However, Berger Picards have a crisp outer coat and soft undercoat that requires infrequent grooming (MAYBE once a week, if that) to minimize the shedding. The hair is much easier to clean up than some of the shorter-haired breeds. Picards also have very little "dog odor" and rarely require a bath.
What health issues do they have? No breed is disease-free and the Picard is no exception. A challenge for fanciers outside of Europe is the paucity of data regarding inherited health issues in the breed. PRA and cataracts are known to affect Picards, as is hip dysplasia. Hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma have been reported in several lines. Idiopathic hypothyroidism may be an issue, but data are limited. It is important, when researching a breeder, to ask what health issues are known in his or her particular lines.
Are they intelligent? Berger Picards are a very intelligent bunch. They do, however, often think for themselves, a trait that was required of them as herding and guardian animals in their native France. They typically dislike repetition, but a creative approach to training, patience, and positive methods (such as clicker training, operant conditioning, etc.) go a long way in eliciting the response an owner desires.
What is the activity level of a Berger Picard? This is first and foremost a working, herding breed of dog. As such, they do need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid destructive, bored behavior. On the other hand, they are patient and generally able to restrain their natural goofy exuberance until cued that it's TIME TO PLAY. Several sessions of fetch/frisbee, a nice long jog or walk, and space to run around each day make for a happy Picard.
I've heard they can be aggressive--is this true? While no breed is without its faults, a well-bred and well-socialized Picard should absolutely NOT be aggressive. They are somewhat distrustful of strangers and may approach with caution. They do bark and can be quite protective of their territory and family. A young Picard MUST be socialized heavily. This means exposing and introducing the pup to a wide variety of places, sounds, smells, people of all ages, sizes, and of both sexes. A happy, even-tempered, well-adjusted Picard continues to receive socialization throughout its life.
Are they good with kids? Most Berger Picards, if raised with children or socialized with kids do very well and often bond closely to their families' children. The herding instinct does remain strong and the rapid, erratic movement of children can elicit a herding response or even a prey response. It's important that not only the dog, but also the children learn how to behave around each other.
I've never had a dog before; should I get a Picard? As wonderful as these dogs are, they are probably not right for a first-time dog owner. It requires some experience to properly raise and train this breed, due to their unique minds and the potential for difficulty if not appropriately socialized. Someone who has experience with herding breeds, the working, or guardian-type breeds is probably better equipped than a novice. A highly motivated individual with many good resources (an experienced trainer or animal behaviorist, for example), may do well with a Picard as their first dog, but this is not typical.
What can I do with my Berger Picard? These are very versatile dogs, capable of just about any task or skill set to them. There are Picards in North America currently competing in Flyball, Agility, formal Obedience, Rally Obedience, Lure Coursing, Weight Pull, Herding, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Scent Work, and Conformation. They can be trained in Schutzhund and Ring Sport. There are Picardy therapy dogs, Picards who act in movies and onstage (they are a favorite for portraying "Sandy" in "Annie"), and wonderful Picardy family pets.
Things to ask yourself:
Do I really want a dog? All dogs deserve a lifetime of caring commitment from their people. This requires time, energy, and anywhere from 6-20 years of dedication. A Picard typically lives 12-14 years. Training, veterinary visits (and bills), and routine maintenance (feeding, grooming, cleaning up after them) is an investment. Be sure a dog is the right pet for you.
