Looking for Berger Picard breeders

The Berger Picard captivates with its rustic, rough coat and its strong-minded yet good-natured, loyal character. Originally a herding dog from France, it brings tremendous enthusiasm for work, great attentiveness and a healthy measure of independence. For this active family companion to reach its typical life expectancy of 12 to 14 years in the best of health, choosing the right breeder is the most important first step. We show you how to recognise responsible Berger Picard breeders and which health criteria matter before you buy.

Although the Berger Picard is generally regarded as a robust working dog, it has breed-typical weak points that are directly influenced by selective breeding. In a male that reaches a height at the withers of 60 to 65 cm and a weight of 25 to 35 kg, strong forces act on the musculoskeletal system given his high energy level. Joint problems such as hip dysplasia (HD) or hereditary eye diseases carry particular weight here.

Added to this is the demanding heritage of an independent herding dog: a Picard needs a secure, confident temperament. A knowledgeable breeder therefore does not pair dogs on looks alone, but selects strictly for lines with sound temperaments and thorough early socialisation, to prevent fearfulness or overstimulation in later family life.

Good breeding relies on transparent diagnostics rather than mere assumptions. In the Club für Französische Hirtenhunde e.V., tests for hip dysplasia (HD) and checks for dental abnormalities are mandatory. Hip X-rays show the status of the parent animals and, through targeted pairing, significantly reduce the risk of painful joint changes in the offspring.

In addition, the eyes play a central role in this breed. Breed-typical concerns include generalised progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and retinal dysplasia. Health-conscious breeders have their breeding dogs’ eyes clinically examined regularly by specialist veterinary ophthalmologists, so that affected dogs can be excluded from breeding. As the breed is also at risk of epilepsy, primary hypothyroidism, congenital heart defects, cleft palates, albinism, congenital blindness or deafness and, in males, cryptorchidism and monorchidism (undescended testicles), prudent breeders carry out detailed pedigree analyses. They avoid pairings where such findings have occurred frequently among relatives.

A reputable breeder fully integrates their dogs into everyday family life. As the Berger Picard is extremely people-oriented and good with children, the puppies ideally grow up in the house, in close contact with the family and with access to the garden. When you visit, the mother is attentive but friendly and by no means panicky. The breeder will also be honest with you about the nature of the breed: they will not hide that, despite its loyalty, the Picard has a mind of its own and demands both physical and mental exercise.

6 specific questions to ask the Berger Picard breeder

Use the first conversation or the visit to put targeted questions to the breeder. Ask to see the originals of all the results:

• May I see the official X-ray evaluations for hip dysplasia (HD) and the dental check records for both parent dogs?
• Are there current clinical eye examination results for the parent dogs that cover PRA and retinal dysplasia?
• Are there any known cases of epilepsy, congenital heart defects or hypothyroidism in the parent dogs’ breeding lines?
• Have there been puppies in earlier litters from this line with cleft palates, congenital deafness, blindness or undescended testicles (cryptorchidism/monorchidism)?
• How do you accustom the puppies to everyday stimuli, children and strangers in the first weeks of life, to encourage a stable temperament?
• What tasks and activities do you do with the mother to satisfy her herding instinct and match her energy level?