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Breed profile

Beauceron

A big, bold French herding and guard dog with double dewclaws on its hind legs. Loyal, clever, and wary of strangers.

Black and tan Beauceron with natural ears standing in profile on dry grass
A black and tan BeauceronPhoto: KekeK9 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
30–39 kg66–86 lb
Height
61–70 cm24–28 in
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Group
Herding
Origin
France
Popularity
#102 US#148 UK · 2025

Known for: WatchdogsWorking dogsLow grooming

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Bold, Loyal, Intelligent, Watchful.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat (GDV)
  • Sight and hearing defects from tricolour-to-tricolour (merle) matings

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Over two hours of exercise a day, plus training and work for the brain. Weekly brushing of the short coat, daily in a moult. Early, steady socialisation.

A good fit for

Experienced owners with space and time for training, dog sports or working roles.

Probably not ideal for

First-time owners, flats, homes with toddlers, people who want a dog that greets every stranger.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Beauceron
  2. Royal Kennel Club breed standard: Beauceron
  3. Beauceron Club UK: History
  4. VCA Canada: Beauceron

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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