Berger Picard

The Berger Picard, or Picardy Shepherd, is a rough-coated French herding dog from the Picardy region of northern France. It has a lean, medium-large body, tall natural ears, a shaggy face, and a harsh coat in fawn or brindle shades. The breed's rustic look reflects its farm background: dogs had to move stock, watch the yard, and work in poor weather without heavy grooming. Population losses during the world wars left the Picard relatively rare outside dedicated breed circles.

A Berger Picard usually suits people who like an active, opinionated herding dog with a sense of humor. Early socialization helps prevent excessive reserve, and training works best when rules are clear but not repetitive to the point of argument. The harsh coat is comparatively easy to maintain with periodic brushing and hand tidying; shaving or softening it changes the texture that protects the dog. Picards need daily exercise and some problem-solving work, from herding to nose games. Responsible breeders discuss hip and eye screening, temperament, and the scarcity of compatible breeding stock.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brindle with Gray Tint, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow