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would like breed opinions!!!

2350 Views 28 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  Jessiewessie99
I've been learning about the Beauceron breed as for me, this dog is basically a combination of the GSD and the doberman. Its a herding breed and i know so far they're pretty rare in the US but i've been interested in this breed for the last couple of years now. Its a beautiful intelligent dog. I like the general temperment, the black/rust color. They come in Harlequin which if you see these dogs.... its an odd color for the type of dog but still pretty. Has anyone ever met one of these dogs in person? Does anyone have any breeder recommendations? If you've met a beauceron, what was you opinion and initial response to the dog? I'm curious to have other opinions from dog people because other dog people are generally pretty helpful and knowledgable. Thanks!!

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I think they are lsited on the pedigree database, and there may be breeders listed there, not saying all breeders listed there are good, but some probably are.

That is indeed a beautiful dog.
I really like their look, too. But I have heard that they are VERY serious dogs, and need experienced handling and training - not really suitable as a pet.
I think they are lsited on the pedigree database, and there may be breeders listed there, not saying all breeders listed there are good, but some probably are.

That is indeed a beautiful dog.

i totally forgot about the pedigree database. i'll check that out later! thanks!

I really like their look, too. But I have heard that they are VERY serious dogs, and need experienced handling and training - not really suitable as a pet.

They actually make really good pets. There are certain lines that i would avoid because those are the more serious lines but those are the lines that end up in police and military work. From what i've learned about the breed, they're similar to GSDs and are great with kids when, like GSDs and numerous other breeds, when raised with them. They require training that i'm familiar with. I like the harder look they have about them. They're beautiful dogs but i definitely wouldnt look into seriously getting a beauceron until at minimum two years down the road. There is a breeder in France that breeds strictly for working dogs and doesnt sell their dogs to anyone but police departments and military installations. There are a couple breeders in the US that i've yet to contact but they breed more pet quality. I dunno. Maybe i'm just crazy. I definitely want to get past the butthead stage i'm soon to be dealing with in Shasta and get her trained to the point theres no questions. I guess we'll see. I'm more likely to get my doberman long before i get a beauceron. Any further opinions and knowledge i may not already have would be great. Thanks for what's been posted so far!!
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I looked into getting one a few years ago and went to a breeder to meet her dogs and then researched things in general about them. I think they are a very cool breed, but as they have such a small gene pool and only a few breeders here in the states that, IMHO, their structure has seriously deteriorated and have had a serious loss of drive. Like the GSDs, this breed has changed from what is bred in Europe and, IMHO, not in a good way. I came to the conclusion that if I wanted a well built, structurally correct dog with drive and a stable temperament, I would have to go to France to find one.

I also had a hard time with the double rear dew claws which are supposed to be there, but I would feel an overwhelming urge to remove them. I hate to say it, but I find them unsightly and would constantly worry about them catching on something and tearing off.
I looked into getting one a few years ago and went to a breeder to meet her dogs and then researched things in general about them. I think they are a very cool breed, but as they have such a small gene pool and only a few breeders here in the states that, IMHO, their structure has seriously deteriorated and have had a serious loss of drive. Like the GSDs, this breed has changed from what is bred in Europe and, IMHO, not in a good way. I came to the conclusion that if I wanted a well built, structurally correct dog with drive and a stable temperament, I would have to go to France to find one.

I also had a hard time with the double rear dew claws which are supposed to be there, but I would feel an overwhelming urge to remove them. I hate to say it, but I find them unsightly and would constantly worry about them catching on something and tearing off.

i have to agree about the double dew claws. But i think its only because its something i'm not used to. One of the breeders i found a while back (have to find her site again) is from france and brought her breed 6 over. Her dogs are beautiful and fit what i would be looking for. I think if i couldnt find her site again and meet her dogs before deciding, i would definitely go to france for my pup. Guess we'll see what the future holds. I plan on doing further research and seeing what i decide from there. I'm still looking for my 100% perfect GSD. Riley is a barker but would allow someone in to rob us blind. Shelby would be hiding under the couch and Shasta is only 5 months old right now and her only mindset is to eat socks. Wish Zena was here so she could teach Shasta how to be a GSD. Riley and Shelby arent the best examples lol. Riley has some border collie in there but mostly very large shepherd. He's a leaner that loves everyone (much to my dismay) and Shelby fails horribly at being breed standard. She's a chicken butt that loves everyone to pieces and leans like she's a great dane. and no barking at the door. She doesnt alert to anything! bugs me.
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Well if someone wanted a GSD and a Doberman they could get ths dog, because it looks like both.lol
When I was in France I stalked people with these dogs. Seriously, I would follow them and ask them questions about the dogs. They seemed to be similiar to the gsd in temperament and I love the way they look. They are just gorgeous. They reminded me more of a rottie x gsd but that's because I love rotties.

Since I always rescue I'd never consider buying one but I have never seen one in the U.S. so they are obviously still quite rare over here.

As for the perfect dog...I've got one right here. He's a belgian malinois x gsd and I rescued him at age 1.5 (or thereabouts). He's not the first perfect dog I've had, he's actually the third. No breed or individual dog comes perfect, no matter what age they are or who you buy them from. It's all about how you raise and train them.
When I was in France I stalked people with these dogs. Seriously, I would follow them and ask them questions about the dogs. They seemed to be similiar to the gsd in temperament and I love the way they look. They are just gorgeous. They reminded me more of a rottie x gsd but that's because I love rotties.

Since I always rescue I'd never consider buying one but I have never seen one in the U.S. so they are obviously still quite rare over here.

As for the perfect dog...I've got one right here. He's a belgian malinois x gsd and I rescued him at age 1.5 (or thereabouts). He's not the first perfect dog I've had, he's actually the third. No breed or individual dog comes perfect, no matter what age they are or who you buy them from. It's all about how you raise and train them.

AKC JUST accepted the beauceron as a breed end of last year early this year so they are definitely still rare in the states. i like rotties but i prefer dobies over rotties. Lol i would probably have followed people with Beaucerons to ask all kinds of questions too. They're beautiful dogs. I like the way they look (prefer the cropped ears as they look too much like rotties with the natural ears). The cropped ears seem to fit the better than natural.

I think my issue with Riley is the fact he had to live with my inlaws when he was puppy and they dont train or socialize or anything. Its why i'm pissy about Zena living with them for her health because i know her and i know she's not getting training or anything. She'll get away with murder because they know nothing about GSDs. Shelby was mistreated by her last 2 owners so we're working on her but i honestly dont think she'll ever be a true GSD because of it. Shasta... well her examples are basically failures in the breed but i'm hoping she'll be similar to Zena in the sense, she knows when to alert and protect instead of hiding under something with Shelby or barking her head off with Riley but still letting strangers come in and rob us blind. As long as i keep my hubby out of training (he's dog stupid despite what he says... okay GSD stupid is the better term as he's used to lab personality dogs) i think i can manage fine getting Shasta where she should be. We'll see as she gets older.
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Well if someone wanted a GSD and a Doberman they could get ths dog, because it looks like both.lol
Please don't throw stuff guys... But I seriously love the look of a GSD x Doberman.

Okay, ducking now.
I don't know any of the breeders. I did see a Beauceron puppy in Columbia one day. He was really great looking and was a confident and social guy. The girl told me she got him from a breeder in Kansas City. As you research the breed perhaps you will come across her.

I have seen a couple at tracking seminars. The dogs had some nerve issues and were not exhibiting much drive. I would say you will have to be careful and diligent in the search... but that goes with any dog acquisition for quality.

Personally, I like the look of them. I have a Catahoula and that breed has Beauceron in its background. Cats will have the double dews sometimes. I like the look of those things too! Few breeds have them.
I've met one at obedience shows. The woman who owned him said he was very hard to handle and he had a mind of his own. Of course, he was a good dog at the obedience trials. I haven't heard of or seen her since and have a feeling she got rid of it. There's a Yahoo Group for Beaucerons you should join. I was on there because I was considering one, and they are nice people. They also agree that the dogs are strong willed.

The dog I met was bred by somebody in Ohio.

Breeders http://www.aboutbeaucerons.com/kennels.php
You could fly to France and get one!
I have met a few and I get the impression they are a lot like Briards temperament wise. I prefer a dog who is more biddable and less independent personally. I have also heard it is hard to find one with a proper temperament/drive in the US. The structure of the ones I have seen at shows is not IMO great. Definitely a breed I'd encourage someone to spend a lot of time with before deciding on one. Many rare breeds are rare for a reason - they don't fit in well with the average pet home.
I've never been able to warm up to the look of a doberman...I always want to feed them. :)

Now THAT dog is rugged looking. I'd definitely take a second look if I saw it walking down the street. Weird though, if you changed the ears he'd look like a shepherd/rottie mix.
I was lucky enough to meet a Beauceron this summer. She was beautiful and incredibly sweet. I loved her personality. She came right over, backed her butt up and plopped in my lap. The other dogs didn't phase her. I didn't see anything that did phase her.

I watched her in the ring with her owner. She had great focus for a pup. The girl had to go to Canada to find a good breeder. She said that it was hard to find a breeder in the US and the ones she found, she was not happy with.

I think, just like any other breed, that you need to find a good breeder and look at all the qualities of their dogs.
I think the ears are cropped. They are naturally floppy, like a Rottweiler's.
Ears are cropped.

I read that the Briard and Beauc were once considered the same breed. In the 19th century the differences were acknowledged. I don't know how true this is.

I really like the harlequine (merle) coloration. I bet that is where the Catahoula got that color pattern.
i like the way they look better with the ears cropped. They look too soft with the natural ears IMO. I contacted one of the breeders here in the states just asking general questions about the breed and what they feel would make a good home for the breed. I know because they're a newer breed in the states, i would definitely go through France or Canada to get one but its still a ways down the road. I like the fact its a thicker build like a GSD but can have the coloring of the Doberman. Both breeds i like but also the Beauceron.... isnt on any breed ban lists. I think i could handle the breed if i did it one at a time and had plenty of time to socialize and train but i have to wait until the kids are older and more independent. Until them, i plan to continue researching the breed. They're good looking dogs and very smart.
One of the members of our club has two. They both seem like great dogs. He got his out in Ca. He is going to get a TDI with his female. He told me she was too laid back to do Sch with. His male is in Sch training. Both dogs have lovely temperaments. I think they are worth looking into.
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