Beauceron at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 65–70 cm
- Weight
- 30–38.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Beauceron right for you?
Like every breed, the Beauceron is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Beauceron fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Beauceron
The Beauceron is an impressive, large and muscular dog with a short, coarse coat and drop ears. It is typically quiet and confident, valued both as a loyal companion and as a guard dog, and is very much a people dog and a working dog.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Can be selective
Can be selective about other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed was developed from the sheepdogs of the plains of Beauce in France and became a popular herding and guarding breed across much of northern France, protecting flocks from wolves. It is the largest of the French sheepdogs. The tan markings on its legs earned it the nickname Bas Rouge, or Red Stockings, and it is also known as the Berger de Beauce.
The Beauceron is closely related to the long-coated Briard, and it was not until 1893 that the two were formally told apart. It is thought to be one of the founding breeds of the Dobermann, and it served in both World Wars carrying messages and supplies, guarding and detecting land mines. A UK breed club was formed in 2009, and the breed was moved off the Kennel Club's Import Register into the Pastoral group in 2014.
Beauceron temperament
Beaucerons are typically bold, courageous and quick to learn. They are strong-willed and capable of making their own decisions, and they thrive when they have a job to do and spend most of their time with their family.
Because of their livestock guardian history they are naturally a little suspicious of strangers and may be protective, so early and thorough socialisation with people and household life is important. They will bark to alert you to visitors. They dislike being left alone for long.
Size and appearance
This is a large dog. Adults typically stand around 65–70 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 30–38.5 kg.
The coat is thick, coarse and lies close to the body, at around 3–4 cm long, and is a little longer on the back of the thighs and under the tail. Breed standard colours are black and tan, and harlequin, which is grey and black with tan markings. Beaucerons also have a large double dewclaw on each hind leg.
How much exercise does a Beauceron need?
This is still a working dog with lots of energy and a clever, independent mind. Adults usually need more than two hours of exercise a day, plus plenty of extra training and mental stimulation. Many do well at dog sports, although they may find busy competitions overwhelming if not well socialised.
A secure garden is essential: Beaucerons are large, athletic dogs that can easily jump or climb weak fencing. They can live in many places with enough space and the right management, but they usually do best in or close to the countryside.
Training a Beauceron
Beaucerons are easily trained with positive, modern methods and can turn their paw to almost any activity, including agility, mantrailing, rally, canicross and obedience. This is a dog for people who enjoy training for its own sake.
- Use positive, reward-based methods.
- Socialise early and thoroughly with other pets, visitors and children.
- Put careful work into a reliable recall, and take care around livestock.
- Give them a job: dog sports and regular training help meet their working needs.
Beauceron grooming
Brush the coat two or three times a week, paying attention to the longer hair on the thighs and under the tail, which can tangle if neglected. Check the double dewclaws and the rest of the nails regularly. The breed sheds heavily.
Living with a Beauceron
The Beauceron is usually excellent with its own family, but it is a large dog that is likely to be clumsy and boisterous as a puppy, and it may be suspicious of visitors. Together with its exercise and training needs, this means it is not usually suited to very busy families or those with younger children. Homes with teenagers or no children tend to suit it best.
All dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Can be selective about other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Beauceron health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Beauceron is described as a generally healthy breed, but some conditions are recognised in it. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Beauceron will be affected.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is listed among the conditions the breed can be prone to. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme as best practice before breeding.
Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV)
Gastric dilatation volvulus, sometimes called bloat, is listed among the conditions the breed can be prone to.
Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)
Osteochondrosis dissecans is also listed among the conditions the breed can be prone to.
Tricolour matings
The Kennel Club does not register puppies from a tricolour-to-tricolour mating born on or after 6 July 2010, because of the risk of impaired vision and hearing linked to the tricolour gene in this breed.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Beauceron home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Beauceron cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Beauceron home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Beauceron
If you have decided the Beauceron suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Beauceron
Beaucerons do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Beaucerons looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Beauceron adverts at the moment.
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Similar breeds you may want to consider
German Shepherd
Loyal, intelligent, protective, bold, confident, brave, alert and versatile.
View breed guideOld English Sheepdog
Affectionate, playful, clever, sociable, kind, intelligent, watchful and protective.
View breed guide
Beauceron FAQs
Is the Beauceron good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Beauceron live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Beauceron need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Beauceron shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Beauceron need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Beauceron easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Beauceron be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Beauceron bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Beauceron good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Beauceron live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Beauceron get?
Adults typically stand 65–70 cm at the shoulder and weigh 30–38.5 kg.