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Hound Handbook
Breed profile

Berger Picard

A rare, scruffy French sheepdog with tall natural ears and a sense of humour. Loyal, lively and a little stubborn.

Fawn Berger Picard standing in profile on grass, ears erect
Tall ears and a tousled fawn coat.Photo: Cufleadh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
23–32 kg51–71 lb
Height
55–65 cm22–26 in
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Group
Pastoral / Herding
Origin
France
Popularity
#166 US#187 UK · 2025

Known for: Low groomingWorking dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Loyal, Observant, Lively, Stubborn.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Hypothyroidism

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

Daily care

An hour or more of exercise and training a day. The harsh coat needs only a brush every week or two and is never trimmed.

A good fit for

Active owners who enjoy training and an independent-minded dog.

Probably not ideal for

Flats, people out all day, owners wanting a dog that obeys without question.

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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