About the Beauceron
History & Origin
A Beauceron and a Briard.
The Beauceron is a very old French herding breed. It is the largest of the French Sheepdogs. It is believed to have descended from the "Chien des Tourbieres" (Peat Dog/Bog Dog), an ancient large breed of dog noted for its prowess in hunting stag, bear and wild boar. The Beauceron's complete history, like many breeds, is not entirely known. For this website, I have attempted to gather and piece together as much accurate information as possible, and coupled it with my own personal observations. Unfortunately, some of my sources offer contradictory information. As such, this will be a work in progress. If anyone spots anything inaccurate, please send me an email and I will aim to correct it.
The Beauceron has several names, though in Canada and the US "Beauceron" is the most preferred. It is also known as "Bas Rouge" which is french for "red stockings" (named for the rust markings of the feet), and "Berger de Beauce" ("berger" meaning Shepherd, and Beauce referring to the plains region outside of Paris known as La Beauce.) This is somewhat misleading, as the breed was found all throughout northern France, not exclusively La Beauce. In fact, some sources say the Beauceron originally came from the province of Brie, but the name "Berger de Brie" was given to the better known Briard.
The breed was developed solely in France, with no foreign crosses. Today it is considered a cousin of the Briard, but centuries ago these breeds were one and the same. The first documentation of "the French Sheepdog" appeared in a Renaissance manuscript of 1578.
That being said, shepherding dogs have existed in France since ancient times. These types of dogs are depicted in tapestries dating back to the 8th century, and were mentioned in writings during the 12th to 16th centuries.
In 1809, a priest named Abbé Rozier wrote an article on the French Sheepdogs, with instructions and rules for using dogs in shepherding. He was the first person known to differentiate between the long-haired shepherd, and the stronger, short-coated shepherd who guarded the herds against wolves (which are now long gone from northern France).
A short-coated shepherd was exhibited for the very first time at a dog show in Paris in 1863. In 1888, Pierre Mégnin (a veterinarian and professor of zoology) coined the name Beauceron, in a book he wrote about war dogs. The first Beauceron was registered in September of 1892 in the L.O.F. ("Livres Origines Francais" or "French Book of Origin,") a part of the "Societe Central Canine," which had been formed in 1882. It was a female named Bergere de la Chapelle and she was born in 1891.
In 1896, Pierre Mégnin met with Emmanual Boulet (a farmer and breeder) and Ernest Menaut (the Minister of Agriculture.) They formed a commission to establish standards for the long and short-haired sheepdogs and differentiated the two by the names of specific regions of France (Beauce and Brie.) A few months later, in 1897, the group formed the Club of the French Shepherd Dog. Emmanuel Boulet was appointed chairman, with support from Ernest Menaut.
14 years later, in 1911, Pierre Mégnin founded the "Club des Amis du Beaceron" or C.A.B. (which translates into the "Friends of the Beauceron Club.") The C.A.B. has since guided the development of the breed in France, mindful to preserve the Beauceron’s herding and working abilities for which it has so long been valued. As the need for herding dogs decreased, the C.A.B. began promoting and encouraging other uses for the breed.
A simple Google image search of La Beauce, France will bring up the following:
The Beauceron has several names, though in Canada and the US "Beauceron" is the most preferred. It is also known as "Bas Rouge" which is french for "red stockings" (named for the rust markings of the feet), and "Berger de Beauce" ("berger" meaning Shepherd, and Beauce referring to the plains region outside of Paris known as La Beauce.) This is somewhat misleading, as the breed was found all throughout northern France, not exclusively La Beauce. In fact, some sources say the Beauceron originally came from the province of Brie, but the name "Berger de Brie" was given to the better known Briard.
The breed was developed solely in France, with no foreign crosses. Today it is considered a cousin of the Briard, but centuries ago these breeds were one and the same. The first documentation of "the French Sheepdog" appeared in a Renaissance manuscript of 1578.
That being said, shepherding dogs have existed in France since ancient times. These types of dogs are depicted in tapestries dating back to the 8th century, and were mentioned in writings during the 12th to 16th centuries.
In 1809, a priest named Abbé Rozier wrote an article on the French Sheepdogs, with instructions and rules for using dogs in shepherding. He was the first person known to differentiate between the long-haired shepherd, and the stronger, short-coated shepherd who guarded the herds against wolves (which are now long gone from northern France).
A short-coated shepherd was exhibited for the very first time at a dog show in Paris in 1863. In 1888, Pierre Mégnin (a veterinarian and professor of zoology) coined the name Beauceron, in a book he wrote about war dogs. The first Beauceron was registered in September of 1892 in the L.O.F. ("Livres Origines Francais" or "French Book of Origin,") a part of the "Societe Central Canine," which had been formed in 1882. It was a female named Bergere de la Chapelle and she was born in 1891.
In 1896, Pierre Mégnin met with Emmanual Boulet (a farmer and breeder) and Ernest Menaut (the Minister of Agriculture.) They formed a commission to establish standards for the long and short-haired sheepdogs and differentiated the two by the names of specific regions of France (Beauce and Brie.) A few months later, in 1897, the group formed the Club of the French Shepherd Dog. Emmanuel Boulet was appointed chairman, with support from Ernest Menaut.
14 years later, in 1911, Pierre Mégnin founded the "Club des Amis du Beaceron" or C.A.B. (which translates into the "Friends of the Beauceron Club.") The C.A.B. has since guided the development of the breed in France, mindful to preserve the Beauceron’s herding and working abilities for which it has so long been valued. As the need for herding dogs decreased, the C.A.B. began promoting and encouraging other uses for the breed.
A simple Google image search of La Beauce, France will bring up the following:
Original Purpose
The Beauceron, to me, is similar to breeds like the German Shepherd, which are in the herding group and well-known as a herding breed, but also possess some working dog characteristics. The Beauceron is an all-purpose breed that excels in a huge variety of activities. It is believed that this breed was originally used to hunt large game, such as bear, boar and stag. Indeed, a hunting Beauceron can be seen in the 1988 film "The Bear." Later, the breed was used to drive and protect the herd (sheep or cattle), guard the house, defend the family, and was also used by the French army as messengers, supply carriers and mine detectors in both world wars. Today Beaucerons are still used as military dogs as well as police dogs, and excel in activities like obedience, tracking, search & rescue, detection, agility and other dog sports.
As a herding dog, they are tremendously talented. Large flocks of sheep were common in France in the 1800's, and two Beaucerons could easily manage a herd of two to three hundred. They are able to guide as well as guard, which made them an excellent choice when many of the other herding breeds were better suited to one or the other.
As a herding dog, they are tremendously talented. Large flocks of sheep were common in France in the 1800's, and two Beaucerons could easily manage a herd of two to three hundred. They are able to guide as well as guard, which made them an excellent choice when many of the other herding breeds were better suited to one or the other.
Popularity
The French have registered fewer than 80,000 Beaucerons during the entire history of the breed. Such a small number is due to the fact that Beauceron is a very demanding working dog. It is presumed that there are perhaps 7000 existing in the world at present, most of them in France where the C.A.B. plays an important role in the protection of the breed. The Beauceron has nearly become extinct not once but twice in the last century, most notably in the aftermath of World War II where the breed was decimated by the invading Germans commandeering them for use as sentries and couriers. Many were killed in action, and the rest scattered. The breed was rebuilt from barely more than 50 select dogs after this disaster and it remains a very rare breed to this day.
The breed is, however, now recognized by several countries and is making a slow comeback most notably in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, though there are also quality dogs in several other European nations. There are not many Beaucerons in the United States and there are far fewer in Canada.
The breed is, however, now recognized by several countries and is making a slow comeback most notably in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, though there are also quality dogs in several other European nations. There are not many Beaucerons in the United States and there are far fewer in Canada.
Temperament
This breed truly possesses an analytical, problem-solving mind and you would be hard-pressed to find a more intelligent breed than this. I grew up with Border Collies and Shepherds (among others), both of which are often labeled the most intelligent of breeds. However, intelligence and trainability are two different things and while they work together in many situations, they often do not. The Beauceron can be unforgiving of handler error and is very slow to mature, both physically and mentally. This is a breed that does not enjoy excessive repetition.
Some of my favourite quotes about the Beauceron are:
"The Beauceron always appears to be in a serious mode of thinking. This is because he probably is." - Petwave
"The Beauceron’s intelligence is manifested in its good and rapid comprehension of its master’s desires, and sensitivity to its master's moods. They are noted for their excellent memories." - Marice Luquet, Le Chien De Berger De Beauce
"Of high intelligence, and possessing an excellent memory, the Beauceron is so sensitive to his master's wishes that many consider the bond to be almost psychic." - CanaDogs.com
"Highly intelligent, with a yen for independent thinking. This breed is able to solve problems." - Petwave
"The Beauceron possesses intelligence and a kind of psychic ability to know the moods of the master and to understand at once what the master wants." - Sarah's Dogs.com
"Their principle qualities are obedience, vigilance, calmness, courage, hardiness and patience. They are without doubt one of the most intelligent of breeds." - Marice Luquet, Le Chien De Berger De Beauce
"This is a partnership like no other; the Beauceron's bond with its owner is almost psychic in its intensity and owners swear the dogs can read their minds." - Chateau Sorciere Beaucerons
"Only those familiar with the breed will know that it is a Beauceron, a very loyal dog that has a kind of psychic ability to foretell what the master wants and needs. This fact is deemed nonsense by non believers but Beauceron owners have attested to its truth." - Sarah's Dogs.com
"The country gentleman. Affectionate, playful, and superb with children, absolutely and deeply attached to their masters. But at the same time, there is something mysterious about a Beauceron. They are like people who don’t talk much but have a strong presence. They have a dimension, a depth, I have not found in other dogs." - The French writer Colette, a devotee of the breed.
Another common statement is that while most of the stronger breeds should be ruled "with an iron fist," the Beauceron would only ever be ruled "with an iron fist in a velvet glove." Not to be taken literally, of course, this simply means that it is a breed who demands and deserves a relationship built on mutual respect.
Some of my favourite quotes about the Beauceron are:
"The Beauceron always appears to be in a serious mode of thinking. This is because he probably is." - Petwave
"The Beauceron’s intelligence is manifested in its good and rapid comprehension of its master’s desires, and sensitivity to its master's moods. They are noted for their excellent memories." - Marice Luquet, Le Chien De Berger De Beauce
"Of high intelligence, and possessing an excellent memory, the Beauceron is so sensitive to his master's wishes that many consider the bond to be almost psychic." - CanaDogs.com
"Highly intelligent, with a yen for independent thinking. This breed is able to solve problems." - Petwave
"The Beauceron possesses intelligence and a kind of psychic ability to know the moods of the master and to understand at once what the master wants." - Sarah's Dogs.com
"Their principle qualities are obedience, vigilance, calmness, courage, hardiness and patience. They are without doubt one of the most intelligent of breeds." - Marice Luquet, Le Chien De Berger De Beauce
"This is a partnership like no other; the Beauceron's bond with its owner is almost psychic in its intensity and owners swear the dogs can read their minds." - Chateau Sorciere Beaucerons
"Only those familiar with the breed will know that it is a Beauceron, a very loyal dog that has a kind of psychic ability to foretell what the master wants and needs. This fact is deemed nonsense by non believers but Beauceron owners have attested to its truth." - Sarah's Dogs.com
"The country gentleman. Affectionate, playful, and superb with children, absolutely and deeply attached to their masters. But at the same time, there is something mysterious about a Beauceron. They are like people who don’t talk much but have a strong presence. They have a dimension, a depth, I have not found in other dogs." - The French writer Colette, a devotee of the breed.
Another common statement is that while most of the stronger breeds should be ruled "with an iron fist," the Beauceron would only ever be ruled "with an iron fist in a velvet glove." Not to be taken literally, of course, this simply means that it is a breed who demands and deserves a relationship built on mutual respect.
Conformation & Breed Standard
In France, prospective breeding animals must pass tests of character and conformation before being awarded breeding rights. This has kept the growth of the breed slow, but has also served to make certain that only the best go forward.
This is an interesting point to consider. A few years ago, CKC members were asked to vote on whether or not they wanted to see the Border Collie gain recognition and thus eligibility to compete in conformation. The breed was in fact recognized by the CKC, but the discussion before hand was quite passionate. Some breed fanciers felt that by recognizing the breed, some of its working ability would be lost. Many believed that the focus would shift from breeding the best herders to breeding the best looking.
It can be difficult to find a balance. The conformation or "type" of a breed is what makes it identifiable among 350+ other breeds. It is the essence of a breed. And to a certain extent, form and functionality go hand in hand. The Beauceron has a desirable look and build, which helps it do its intended jobs, and which breeders have strived to maintain for centuries. If we were to breed dogs purely for their working ability, we could lose consistency in the appearance of the breed. This was certainly evident with the Border Collie. Many of the best herders looked nothing like the breed standard would call for, and there was a huge range of type among the breed. In German Shepherds, there is a huge distinction between working line dogs and show line dogs, for example.
The key, as with most things in life, is balance. I try to raise and breed dogs that look beautiful and meet the standard, but that also have the mind and drives needed to perform a wide variety of jobs. What I strive for is the whole package.
In Canada, the Beauceron is currently in the Miscellaneous group, working towards recognition in the Herding group.
This is an interesting point to consider. A few years ago, CKC members were asked to vote on whether or not they wanted to see the Border Collie gain recognition and thus eligibility to compete in conformation. The breed was in fact recognized by the CKC, but the discussion before hand was quite passionate. Some breed fanciers felt that by recognizing the breed, some of its working ability would be lost. Many believed that the focus would shift from breeding the best herders to breeding the best looking.
It can be difficult to find a balance. The conformation or "type" of a breed is what makes it identifiable among 350+ other breeds. It is the essence of a breed. And to a certain extent, form and functionality go hand in hand. The Beauceron has a desirable look and build, which helps it do its intended jobs, and which breeders have strived to maintain for centuries. If we were to breed dogs purely for their working ability, we could lose consistency in the appearance of the breed. This was certainly evident with the Border Collie. Many of the best herders looked nothing like the breed standard would call for, and there was a huge range of type among the breed. In German Shepherds, there is a huge distinction between working line dogs and show line dogs, for example.
The key, as with most things in life, is balance. I try to raise and breed dogs that look beautiful and meet the standard, but that also have the mind and drives needed to perform a wide variety of jobs. What I strive for is the whole package.
In Canada, the Beauceron is currently in the Miscellaneous group, working towards recognition in the Herding group.
French Standard translated to English
PORTRAIT:
The Berger de Beauce, also called Beauceron or Bas Rouge (red stockings) is a dog of harmonious proportions, strong, with short coat. Height is about, 65 to 70 cm for males, 61 to 68 cm for bitches. It is a powerful dog with a solid bone structure. Muscles are well developed without being heavy. The head is rather long. Look is frank, expressing liveliness and brightness. Natural ears droop. On the inner side of the rear legs the Beauceron has (double) dewclaws more or less developed. The tail is long, forming a slight hook in the end. The coat is smooth on the head and legs, short, thick and firm on the body. The most common colour is Black and Tan ("Noir et Feu" actually translates to "Black and Fire.") Tan makes high stockings on legs toning down progressively as going up. Tan is also present on both sides of muzzle, above brow ridge, on the chest, under the neck and tail. Some black marks called "charbonnures" (coal marks) can exist on the legs (meaning black spots in the tan/rust areas are permitted.) These are the characteristics of the Beauceron or Red Stockings. There is a second variety called Harlequin. The coat is black and grey (blue) with tan markings in the usual places. Black and grey in equal parts. In addition to his aptitudes as a guardian or as shepherd dog, the Berger de Beauce is a very clever and polyvalent dog. It is a faithful dog, affectionate (and loving) towards family.
BEAUCE SHEEP DOG ("BEAUCERON," "RED-STOCKING," "BERGER DE BEAUCE")
TRANSLATION: John Miller, Raymond Triquet.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:
"Beauce Dog," "Beauceron," and "Red-Stocking" were the names chosen at the end of the XIX century to designate these ancient French Sheepdogs of the plains, all of the same type, with smooth hair on the head, a harsh, short coat and ears normally cropped. The body had tan markings, notably at the extremities of the four legs, which led the breeders at that time to call these dogs "Red-Stockings." The coat was commonly black and tan but there were also grey, entirely black and even wholly tan dogs. These dogs were bred and selected for their aptitude to conduct and guard flocks of sheep.
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The Beauce Sheepdog is big, solid, hardy, powerful, well built and muscular, but without lumber.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:
The Beauce Sheepdog is medium in all its proportions. The length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock should be slightly greater than the height at the withers.
The head is long: 2/5 the height at the withers. The height and width of the head are each slightly less than half of the head's total length. The skull and muzzle are of equal length.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT:
Frank approach and self-assured. The expression is candid - never mean, timid or worried. The character of the Beauceron should be gentle and fearless.
HEAD:
The head is well chiseled with harmonious lines. Seen in profile, the top lines of skull and muzzle lie roughly in parallel planes.
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: Flat or slightly rounded from one side to the other. The median groove is only slightly marked, the occipital protuberance can be seen on the summit of the skull.
Stop: The stop is only slightly pronounced and is equal distance from the occiput and the end of the muzzle.
FACIAL REGION:
Nose: Proportionate to the muzzle, well developed, never split and always black.
Muzzle: Neither narrow or pointed.
Lips: Firm and always well pigmented. The upper lip should overlap the lower without any looseness. At their commissure, the lips should initiate a very slight pouch which should stay firm.
Jaws / Teeth: Strong teeth with a scissors bite.
Eyes: Horizontal, slightly oval in shape. The iris should be dark brown, and in case never lighter than dark hazel even if the tan is light coloured. For the harlequin variety, wall eyes are admitted.
Ears: (If natural) High. Ears are semi-raised (semi-drawn up) or falling. They must not be stuck to cheeks. They appear flat and rather short. The length of the ear must be equal in the middle of the length of the head (half the length of the head?)
NECK:
Muscular, of good length, united harmoniously with the shoulders.
BODY:
Top line: The back is straight. The loin is short, broad and well muscled. The croup is only slightly inclined.
Withers: Quite visible.
Chest: The girth of the chest is greater than the height at the withers by more than one fifth. The chest is well let down to the point of the elbow. It is wide, deep and long.
TAIL:
Whole, carried low, it reaches at least to the hock, without deviating, forming a slight hook in the form of a " J". When in action, the tail can be carried higher, an extension of the top line.
LIMBS:
Forequarters: Upright when seen from the front or in profile.
Shoulder: Sloping and moderately long.
Forearm: Muscled.
Feet: Large, round, compact. The nails are always black. The pads are hard but nevertheless resilient.
Hindquarters: Upright when seen from profile and from behind.
Thigh: Wide and muscled.
Hock joint: Substantial, not too close to the ground, the point situated roughly at 1/4 the height at the withers, forming a well open angle with the second thigh.
Metatarsals (Rear Pasterns): Vertical, slightly further back than the point of the buttock.
Feet: Large, round, compact.
Dewclaws: By tradition, shepherds are much attached to the conservation of double dewclaws. The dewclaws form well separated "thumbs" with nails, placed rather close to the foot.
GAIT / MOVEMENT:
Supple and free. The limbs move well in line. The Beauce Sheepdog should have an extended trot with long reaching movement.
COAT:
Hair: Smooth on the head, short, thick, firm and lying close to the body, 3 to 4 cm in length. The buttocks and the underside of the tail are lightly but obligatorily fringed. The undercoat is short, fine, dense and downy, preferably mouse grey, very close, and can't be seen through the top coat.
Colour:
A) "Black & tan" or "noir et feu" (meaning "black and fire") or "red stockings":
The black is pure black and the tan, red squirrel coloured. The tan markings are distributed as follows:
• Spots over the eyes.
• On the sides of the muzzle, diminishing gradually on the cheeks, never attaining under the ear.
• On the chest, preferably two spots.
• Under the neck.
• Under the tail.
• On the legs, disappearing progressively while rising, without covering in any case more than 1/3 of the leg and rising slightly higher on the inside.
B) "Harlequin" (black mottled with blue, with tan markings):
Grey, black and tan, the coat being black and grey in equal parts, the spots well distributed, with sometimes a predominance of black. The tan markings are the same as for the black and tan. A faint white spot on the chest is tolerated.
SIZE:
Height at the withers: Males from 65 cm to 70 cm (25.6" - 27.6") Females from 61 cm to 68 cm (24" - 26.8")
Note: There is a larger permissible range of height for females vs. males.
FAULTS:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
ELIMINATING FAULTS:
• Aggressive or overly shy.
• Size outside the standard limits.
• Too light-boned.
• Eyes too light, or wall eyes (except for harlequins.)
• Split nose, of a colour other than black, with un-pigmented areas.
• Overshot or undershot with loss of contact, absence of 3 or more teeth (the first premolars not counting.)
• Uncropped ears that are totally upright and rigid.
• Rear feet turned excessively to the exterior.
• Simple dewclaws or absence of dewclaws on hind legs.
• Shortened tail or tail carried over the back.
• Colour or coat texture other than defined by the standard. Complete absence of tan markings. Shaggy coat. Well defined, visible white spot on chest. For the harlequin variety: too much grey, black on one side and grey on the other, head entirely grey (absence of black.)
• Any dog presenting in an obvious way anomalies of physical or behavioral order will be disqualified.
The Berger de Beauce, also called Beauceron or Bas Rouge (red stockings) is a dog of harmonious proportions, strong, with short coat. Height is about, 65 to 70 cm for males, 61 to 68 cm for bitches. It is a powerful dog with a solid bone structure. Muscles are well developed without being heavy. The head is rather long. Look is frank, expressing liveliness and brightness. Natural ears droop. On the inner side of the rear legs the Beauceron has (double) dewclaws more or less developed. The tail is long, forming a slight hook in the end. The coat is smooth on the head and legs, short, thick and firm on the body. The most common colour is Black and Tan ("Noir et Feu" actually translates to "Black and Fire.") Tan makes high stockings on legs toning down progressively as going up. Tan is also present on both sides of muzzle, above brow ridge, on the chest, under the neck and tail. Some black marks called "charbonnures" (coal marks) can exist on the legs (meaning black spots in the tan/rust areas are permitted.) These are the characteristics of the Beauceron or Red Stockings. There is a second variety called Harlequin. The coat is black and grey (blue) with tan markings in the usual places. Black and grey in equal parts. In addition to his aptitudes as a guardian or as shepherd dog, the Berger de Beauce is a very clever and polyvalent dog. It is a faithful dog, affectionate (and loving) towards family.
BEAUCE SHEEP DOG ("BEAUCERON," "RED-STOCKING," "BERGER DE BEAUCE")
TRANSLATION: John Miller, Raymond Triquet.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:
"Beauce Dog," "Beauceron," and "Red-Stocking" were the names chosen at the end of the XIX century to designate these ancient French Sheepdogs of the plains, all of the same type, with smooth hair on the head, a harsh, short coat and ears normally cropped. The body had tan markings, notably at the extremities of the four legs, which led the breeders at that time to call these dogs "Red-Stockings." The coat was commonly black and tan but there were also grey, entirely black and even wholly tan dogs. These dogs were bred and selected for their aptitude to conduct and guard flocks of sheep.
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The Beauce Sheepdog is big, solid, hardy, powerful, well built and muscular, but without lumber.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:
The Beauce Sheepdog is medium in all its proportions. The length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock should be slightly greater than the height at the withers.
The head is long: 2/5 the height at the withers. The height and width of the head are each slightly less than half of the head's total length. The skull and muzzle are of equal length.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT:
Frank approach and self-assured. The expression is candid - never mean, timid or worried. The character of the Beauceron should be gentle and fearless.
HEAD:
The head is well chiseled with harmonious lines. Seen in profile, the top lines of skull and muzzle lie roughly in parallel planes.
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: Flat or slightly rounded from one side to the other. The median groove is only slightly marked, the occipital protuberance can be seen on the summit of the skull.
Stop: The stop is only slightly pronounced and is equal distance from the occiput and the end of the muzzle.
FACIAL REGION:
Nose: Proportionate to the muzzle, well developed, never split and always black.
Muzzle: Neither narrow or pointed.
Lips: Firm and always well pigmented. The upper lip should overlap the lower without any looseness. At their commissure, the lips should initiate a very slight pouch which should stay firm.
Jaws / Teeth: Strong teeth with a scissors bite.
Eyes: Horizontal, slightly oval in shape. The iris should be dark brown, and in case never lighter than dark hazel even if the tan is light coloured. For the harlequin variety, wall eyes are admitted.
Ears: (If natural) High. Ears are semi-raised (semi-drawn up) or falling. They must not be stuck to cheeks. They appear flat and rather short. The length of the ear must be equal in the middle of the length of the head (half the length of the head?)
NECK:
Muscular, of good length, united harmoniously with the shoulders.
BODY:
Top line: The back is straight. The loin is short, broad and well muscled. The croup is only slightly inclined.
Withers: Quite visible.
Chest: The girth of the chest is greater than the height at the withers by more than one fifth. The chest is well let down to the point of the elbow. It is wide, deep and long.
TAIL:
Whole, carried low, it reaches at least to the hock, without deviating, forming a slight hook in the form of a " J". When in action, the tail can be carried higher, an extension of the top line.
LIMBS:
Forequarters: Upright when seen from the front or in profile.
Shoulder: Sloping and moderately long.
Forearm: Muscled.
Feet: Large, round, compact. The nails are always black. The pads are hard but nevertheless resilient.
Hindquarters: Upright when seen from profile and from behind.
Thigh: Wide and muscled.
Hock joint: Substantial, not too close to the ground, the point situated roughly at 1/4 the height at the withers, forming a well open angle with the second thigh.
Metatarsals (Rear Pasterns): Vertical, slightly further back than the point of the buttock.
Feet: Large, round, compact.
Dewclaws: By tradition, shepherds are much attached to the conservation of double dewclaws. The dewclaws form well separated "thumbs" with nails, placed rather close to the foot.
GAIT / MOVEMENT:
Supple and free. The limbs move well in line. The Beauce Sheepdog should have an extended trot with long reaching movement.
COAT:
Hair: Smooth on the head, short, thick, firm and lying close to the body, 3 to 4 cm in length. The buttocks and the underside of the tail are lightly but obligatorily fringed. The undercoat is short, fine, dense and downy, preferably mouse grey, very close, and can't be seen through the top coat.
Colour:
A) "Black & tan" or "noir et feu" (meaning "black and fire") or "red stockings":
The black is pure black and the tan, red squirrel coloured. The tan markings are distributed as follows:
• Spots over the eyes.
• On the sides of the muzzle, diminishing gradually on the cheeks, never attaining under the ear.
• On the chest, preferably two spots.
• Under the neck.
• Under the tail.
• On the legs, disappearing progressively while rising, without covering in any case more than 1/3 of the leg and rising slightly higher on the inside.
B) "Harlequin" (black mottled with blue, with tan markings):
Grey, black and tan, the coat being black and grey in equal parts, the spots well distributed, with sometimes a predominance of black. The tan markings are the same as for the black and tan. A faint white spot on the chest is tolerated.
SIZE:
Height at the withers: Males from 65 cm to 70 cm (25.6" - 27.6") Females from 61 cm to 68 cm (24" - 26.8")
Note: There is a larger permissible range of height for females vs. males.
FAULTS:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
ELIMINATING FAULTS:
• Aggressive or overly shy.
• Size outside the standard limits.
• Too light-boned.
• Eyes too light, or wall eyes (except for harlequins.)
• Split nose, of a colour other than black, with un-pigmented areas.
• Overshot or undershot with loss of contact, absence of 3 or more teeth (the first premolars not counting.)
• Uncropped ears that are totally upright and rigid.
• Rear feet turned excessively to the exterior.
• Simple dewclaws or absence of dewclaws on hind legs.
• Shortened tail or tail carried over the back.
• Colour or coat texture other than defined by the standard. Complete absence of tan markings. Shaggy coat. Well defined, visible white spot on chest. For the harlequin variety: too much grey, black on one side and grey on the other, head entirely grey (absence of black.)
• Any dog presenting in an obvious way anomalies of physical or behavioral order will be disqualified.
Member in good standing of the CKC and ABC