Discover Everything About Berger de Picardy
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Berger de Picardy overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
Although the Berger de Picardie is considered a robust working dog, its historically small gene pool necessitates an above-average list of mandatory health tests. Specifically, hip dysplasia (HD) and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) must be managed through strict selective breeding. Furthermore, the occurrence of epilepsy poses a serious risk, making a thorough review of the parents' ancestral line essential.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
55–65 cm
Weight
23–35 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Rough, medium length, undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Fauve
- fauve-charbonn"
- gris
- gris-charbonn"
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Berger de Picardy, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Berger de Picardy right for you?
The Berger de Picardie is a vigilant, strong-willed, and often delightfully stubborn companion—bred as a rustic Hütehund (herding dog) that was expected not only to guide sheep flocks in Northern France but also to protect them independently.
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog that thinks for itself and occasionally questions commands rather than showing blind obedience—its herding heritage demands independence.
- You are keen on active mental stimulation, tracking, or search-and-rescue sports to channel its cooperative work ethic in the right direction.
- You are looking for an extremely loyal dog that puts its own family above everything else and simply ignores strangers.
- You live in a more rural setting with a house and garden, where its watchful eye has space to guard the property.
Less ideal if:
- You expect your dog to greet every stranger with joy—it was selected to keep its distance and shield its flock.
- You lose your patience quickly if a command is only executed after a brief moment of consideration.
- You live in a busy, cramped urban environment where its innate vigilance can quickly lead to constant stress and barking.
The real vibes check
A Berger de Picardie doesn't just execute commands; it evaluates them first. You aren't getting a remote-controlled robot, but a rugged, humorous colleague with its own opinion. If you guide this charming stubbornness with confidence and fairness, you will have an incorruptible shadow by your side.
Breed Profile
The Berger de Picardie, also known as Picard, is a robust and well-proportioned dog. It is a representative of the French Shepherd Dogs and belongs to FCI Group 1. Its size and weight vary depending on the gender, but both genders share a striking, medium-length, wavy coat that is slightly rough and has a dense undercoat. Its eyes are dark and oval, and its ears are set high and erect, giving it a lively and alert expression. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, which contributes to its balanced and harmonious appearance. What is particularly striking is its tail, which is slightly hook-shaped at the end and forms a slight curve when it moves.
| Height | 55 - 60 cm (Female), 60 - 65 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 23 - 32 kg (Female), 25 - 35 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Hardworking, independent, charming |
| Coat | Rough, medium length, undercoat |
| Coat Color | Fauve, fauve-charbonn", gris and gris-charbonn" |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The Berger de Picardie has a long history that dates back to the 9th century. He comes from Picardy, a region in the north of France, where he was used as a working dog, especially with the sheep herd. His robustness, his endurance and his independent work made him a valued companion for the shepherds. Despite its long history, the Picard was only recognized as a separate breed late in life. It was one of the first French breeds to be officially recognized by the Soci"t" Centrale Canine, the French Kennel Club, in 1898. However, the breed was almost extinct due to the two world wars that hit France hard. Thanks to the commitment of some breeders, the breed was revived in the 1950s. Today, the Berger de Picardie is still a rare breed, even in its native France, but it is growing in popularity due to its charming looks and hard-working nature.
The Berger de Picardie was used as a sheep herding dog in the Picardy region and is characterized by its rough coat.
France
1800
Character & Temperament
The Berger de Picardie is a dog with a strong character. He is known for his enthusiasm for work and his strong herding instinct. His independent way of working, which he brings with him from his history as a herding dog, makes him an intelligent and independent companion. He is an active dog who needs physical and mental activity to be happy and balanced. As a companion dog, the Berger de Picardie is loving and loyal. He is very people-oriented and enjoys spending time with his family. Despite his independence, he is a good family dog who gets along well with children and builds a close bond with his family. The Picard is a playful dog that loves to run and play. This makes it a good companion for active families who enjoy being outside. His playfulness and energy also make him a good candidate for dog sports such as agility or flyball. The Berger de Picardie has a strong protective instinct and is alert without being aggressive. He is wary of strangers, but once he gets to know someone, he is friendly and outgoing. When it comes to hunting instincts, this varies from dog to dog. Some Berger de Picardie show a strong hunting instinct, while others show little interest. It is important to keep this in mind and train and manage the dog accordingly. The Picard learns quickly and is good at staying alone as long as he is well occupied and has enough to do. However, he is not a dog that should be left home alone all day as he needs the company of his people. Overall, the Berger de Picardie is an active and independent dog with a strong character. He is a loyal and loving companion who forms a strong bond with his family and leads an active and interesting life. His independence and willingness to work make him a unique and fascinating companion.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Berger de Picardie is one of the oldest French dog breeds and its origins can be traced back to the 9th century?
What Awaits You
The Berger de Picardie is an intelligent and independent dog. He is alert and needs consistent training. He is rather suspicious of strangers.
Housing & Care
The Berger de Picardie is an active and intelligent dog that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, it is more suitable for a home in the country or in a house with a large garden. However, he can also adapt to city life as long as there are enough activities and exercise available. The Picard is a very family-oriented dog and gets along well with children. His loving and patient nature makes him an excellent family dog. He can also get along well with other pets, including cats, as long as he is properly socialized.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Berger de Picardie's education should begin early and be consistent. He is an intelligent dog with an independent personality that can sometimes make him seem stubborn. Therefore, it is important to use positive, reward-based training and show patience and consistency. Berger de Picardie bring a natural ability for dog sports such as agility, obedience and flyball. They love having tasks and being challenged mentally and physically. Due to their work disposition, an under-challenged Picard may be prone to behavioral problems, so employment should be an integral part of their everyday life. However, you should be careful not to overwhelm the dog. Balance is the key word here. A potential challenge in raising the Berger de Picardie can be that his strong desire to work and move will make him a “ball junkie”. can be. It is therefore important to show him alternatives right from the start and to teach him to enjoy peace and relaxation.
Nutrition & Care
Your Berger de Picardie's diet should be tailored to his individual needs. An active Berger de Picardie needs a balanced diet high in protein, while an older or less active dog needs fewer calories. It is particularly important to ensure a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats. When it comes to grooming, the Berger de Picardie is relatively easy to care for. His rough, wavy coat has an undercoat and he sheds moderately throughout the year, with more shedding in spring and fall. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy and clean. Despite its robust nature and weatherproof coat, the Berger de Picardie also copes well with the German climate.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
Although the Berger de Picardie is considered a robust working dog, its historically small gene pool necessitates an above-average list of mandatory health tests. Specifically, hip dysplasia (HD) and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) must be managed through strict selective breeding. Furthermore, the occurrence of epilepsy poses a serious risk, making a thorough review of the parents' ancestral line essential.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise, as well as schedule regular eye check-ups to keep your dog active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips and eyes of the parent animals tested and focus on temperamentally sound lines to reduce hereditary risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Berger de Picardy
Anna S., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, 1 Jahr alt)
Wir haben unseren Picard-Rüden jetzt seit gut einem Jahr und er macht uns wirklich unglaublich viel Freude. Was mich am meisten fasziniert, ist dieser extreme Kontrast: Draußen ist er ein absolutes Temperamentbündel, das rennen und sich auspowern will, aber im Haus ist er völlig ruhig und fast unsichtbar. Er fordert nicht permanent Aufmerksamkeit ein und wird selbst dann nicht aufdringlich, wenn der Spaziergang mal etwas kürzer ausfallen musste.
Allerdings darf man die Erziehung nicht unterschätzen. Seine gelegentliche Sturheit kann echt nervig sein – wenn er an der Straße einfach beschließt, kein 'Sitz' zu machen, und die Autofahrer schon ungeduldig werden, braucht man starke Nerven. Eine strenge Hand verträgt er überhaupt nicht, da schaltet er sofort komplett auf stur. Man braucht extrem viel Geduld und eine freundliche, aber konsequente Führung.
Zudem ist er neuen Situationen gegenüber manchmal etwas unsicher. Nachts wird dann auch mal ein frisch aufgestelltes Straßenschild vehement angebellt oder Menschen in ungewöhnlicher Kleidung tief angeknurrt. Mit unseren Kindern versteht er sich super, allerdings sieht er sie nur als Spielkameraden – zu sagen haben sie bei ihm absolut nichts.
Petra M., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, verstarb mit 12,5 Jahren)
Mein Askan war über 12 Jahre lang mein treuer Begleiter und für mich sind diese Hunde einfach ganz besondere, urwüchsige Naturburschen. Man muss sich aber darüber im Klaren sein, dass der Picard ein klassischer 'Einmannhund' ist. Er verschenkt sein Herz meistens nur an eine einzige Person. Auf diese hört er dann auch – aber eben auch nur, wenn er den Sinn dahinter sieht!
Diese Hunde haben eine unglaubliche Ausstrahlung, sind aber eben auch echte Eigenbrötler und Dickschädel. Sie sind extrem schlau und lernen schnell, aber sie sind nicht immer lernwillig. Man bekommt hier keinen Hund, der nur darauf wartet, Befehle auszuführen. Wer einen leichtführigen Mitläufer sucht, ist hier definitiv falsch.
Gesundheitlich hatten wir zum Glück kaum Probleme, die Rasse gilt allgemein als recht robust. Auch das Fell ist trotz der zotteligen Optik überraschend pflegeleicht. Da es sich um harsches Rauhaar handelt, fliegen die Haare nicht in der Wohnung herum. Einmal gründlich bürsten alle ein bis zwei Wochen reicht völlig aus. Auch das Bellen hielt sich bei uns absolut in Grenzen – am Zaun wird kurz angeschlagen, aber er kläfft nicht nervig durch.
Sabine K., Halterin aus Niedersachsen (Rüde, aus dem Tierschutz)
Ich habe meinen Picard-Mix aus dem Tierschutz übernommen. Er kam als 'Problemhund' zu mir, weil seine vorherigen Besitzer mit seinem extrem eigenständigen Charakter überfordert waren. Man darf nicht vergessen, dass diese Rasse sehr intelligent ist, aber eben auch einen ausgeprägten Jagdtrieb und ein starkes Schutzbedürfnis mitbringen kann.
Am Anfang hatten wir wirklich viele Baustellen: Er hatte Angst vor Fremden und Kindern, zeigte eine deutliche Leinenrüpelei und sein ungebändigter Jagdtrieb machte Spaziergänge im Wald unmöglich. Auch das Alleinbleiben war ein Drama, bei dem er das ganze Haus 'zusammensang'. Der Picard ist extrem feinfühlig, reagiert aber auf Druck sofort mit totaler Blockade. Man muss sich jeden Tag neu auf ihn einstellen, denn kein Trainingstag ist wie der andere.
Was uns gerettet hat, war die richtige Auslastung. Er ist ein absolutes Arbeitstier und seine Nase ist phänomenal. Wir machen mittlerweile viel Mantrailing, Reizangel- und Apportiertraining. Wenn man seine Intelligenz in die richtigen Bahnen lenkt und die Erziehung ohne Härte, aber mit absoluter Konsequenz angeht, bekommt man einen unfassbar loyalen Partner an seine Seite. Aber man muss bereit sein, sehr viel Zeit, Geduld und auch Geld für gutes Training zu investieren.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Berger de Picardy
Is a Berger de Picardy the right dog for me?
The Berger de Picardy is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Berger de Picardy live?
The average life expectancy of a Berger de Picardy is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Berger de Picardy need?
Berger de Picardy grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Berger de Picardy good for families with children?
The Berger de Picardy can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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