How Do Beaucerons Differ From GSDs

[fuzzybunny]

I am attracted to the Beauceron so I did a little reading on them. The description of them sounds so similar to the GSD that I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the main differences between the two breeds would be in relation to personality, temperament, drive, and energy level. I know someone on here has a Beauceron so I'm hoping that person will see this thread. I'm not planning on getting another dog. I'm asking purely out of curiosity because I'm intrigued by them.

[mysweetkaos]

No answers....but I looked at some info on them, they are intriguiging (sp). So I will watch with interest

[BlackGSD]

You might want to pm Bocron. They used to breed them.

[ayoitzrimz]

Dont know if this helps at all (I'm sure you already did your research):

from wikipedia: Beauceron Temperament

The Beauceron is known in France as a guard dog, a helper around the farm (herding sheep or cattle), and/or a ring sport dog (primarily protection training). This athletic, healthy and long-lived breed has been bred to be intelligent, calm, gentle, and fearless. [4] Adults are typically suspicious of strangers and are excellent natural guard dogs. On the other hand they typically take their cue from their handlers when it comes to greeting strangers, and are neither sharp nor shy. They do best when raised within the family but they can sleep outside, the better to act as guards (their weatherproof coats make them ideal dog kennel users even in the coldest winters). They are eager learners and can be trained to a high level. However, their physical and mental development is slow, relative to other similar breeds (e.g. German and other large shepherds): they are not mentally or physically mature until the age of about three years, so their training should not be rushed. Several five- or ten-minute play-training exercises per day in the early years can achieve better results than long or rigorous training sessions.

What I see as differences:
1. Take longer to mature than GSD
2. Can do "better" as an outside dog (emotionally at least - it looks like they do ok whereas the GSD really needs to be with his family)

[fuzzybunny]

Originally Posted by ayoitzrimz

Dont know if this helps at all (I'm sure you already did your research):

from wikipedia: Beauceron Temperament


What I see as differences:
1. Take longer to mature than GSD
2. Can do "better" as an outside dog (emotionally at least - it looks like they do ok whereas the GSD really needs to be with his family)

So if they do better as an outside dog then I guess they aren't as velcro as a GSD.

I'm going to email Bocron as well. I couldn't remember who had the beauceron but knew their username was similar.

Thanks!

[Jax08]

I've met one Beauceron and I would say they ARE velcro dogs and NO, they do not belong outside. She was a very sweet puppy who came right over to me and plopped right in my lap. She went to a breeder in Canada because she couldn't find a good breeder here in the states. Do your research on breeders. She did tell me that some breeders had some pretty skittish dogs, much like some of the GSDs. Definitely talk to Bocron about them!

[phgsd]

I know our herding trainer's beaucerons pretty well. They are all from from "real" herding lines - other pet/show line dogs may be very different.

They ARE velcro dogs - or at least similar to the GSD. They bond very closely to their families. They can be more reserved than GSD's with people they don't know, but shouldn't be shy. Some lines CAN be spooky (with strangers or environmentally) so you have to be careful.

Of our trainer's dogs - one is more handler sensitive, the others are not. They may not all have the same high prey drive as GSD's - but his old male (who passed away last year) had as much prey drive as any GSD or mal - he was NUTS.

They do mature slowly - but so do some GSD's, so I guess it depends on individuals and lines.

[KZoppa]

I know from everything i've learned and the Beauceron I met year before last, its definitely a breed I think I would really enjoy having. Very similar to GSD. Bocron recommended the breeder she goes through for Beauceron's for me when I spoke to her about it last year.

[fuzzybunny]

So from the replies so far, they seem quite similar to the GSD. I emailed Bocron as well as a breeder in Ont. I'm curious to see the replies.

[phgsd]

Yes - and it depends on what you want to do with the dog. For schutzhund, I wouldn't really suggest a beauceron, on the sleeve their grips are more chewy than the calm full grip that judges like to see. They also don't have as much prey drive so training them would be more challenging.
Of course I hate to generalize because I'm sure there are exceptions. But I do like them a lot, it's just harder to find a good one since they are so rare.

Oh also, in general I'd say they are healthier than the GSD...fewer issues with hips, allergies, etc. But my trainer has had 2 dogs with DCM, a genetic heart problem, and they passed away young, both at around 4 years old. So that is one thing to watch out for.