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Health Maintenance: Berger Picards due to lack of over
breeding is a relatively healthy, disease free breed. Hip
dysplasia is known, but not common because the dog is
not super heavy. Nevertheless a reputable breeder will
have hips and elbows x-rayed and eyes certified for
hereditary diseases.
Exercise: Bred to work the fields, Picards are very
athletic and revel in exercise. They enjoy swimming,
running beside a bike, and a nice long walk. The Berger
Picard makes an excellent jogging companion. Exercise
is therefore a must for this breed. Otherwise boredom will
give way to destructive doggie behavior and rowdy play.
The breed's intelligence and sensitivity are also making
them increasingly popular in dog sports like Agility,
Tracking, Schutzhund, Flyball, and French Ring Sport.
Living conditions: Despite being more suited for being
outdoors, Picards can do surprisingly well in city life
provided they are given enough energy releasing
exercise. However, the Picard always tries to stay close
to its owner and family, so even if you have a big yard and
give the dog the choice of where it wants to be, it will
rather stay inside with you than alone outside. Inside the
house the Picard is usually a very quiet dog, waiting for its
time to go out to run, play and sniff around.
Socialization: Like many herding breeds, Picards
require human companionship and lots of it. Since they
can be demonstrative to their owners and enthusiastic
friends towards other animals, obedience training and
socialization is a must. Athletic, loyal and filled with a
desire to work a long day, the breed excels in any "job"
as long as enthusiasm and praise is a part of the task.
Combine this with its charming face the Picard can be a
good choice for a therapy or service dog.
Grooming: The Berger Picard is truly a low maintenance
dog. The rough, tousled coat does not mat or require
special care to yield its rustic appearance. Brushing
should only be done once a month. Bathing, believe it or
not, is rarely done. Their fur should never be trimmed
except maybe around the ear edges. They are not
profuse shedders and have no doggie odor.
breeding is a relatively healthy, disease free breed. Hip
dysplasia is known, but not common because the dog is
not super heavy. Nevertheless a reputable breeder will
have hips and elbows x-rayed and eyes certified for
hereditary diseases.
Exercise: Bred to work the fields, Picards are very
athletic and revel in exercise. They enjoy swimming,
running beside a bike, and a nice long walk. The Berger
Picard makes an excellent jogging companion. Exercise
is therefore a must for this breed. Otherwise boredom will
give way to destructive doggie behavior and rowdy play.
The breed's intelligence and sensitivity are also making
them increasingly popular in dog sports like Agility,
Tracking, Schutzhund, Flyball, and French Ring Sport.
Living conditions: Despite being more suited for being
outdoors, Picards can do surprisingly well in city life
provided they are given enough energy releasing
exercise. However, the Picard always tries to stay close
to its owner and family, so even if you have a big yard and
give the dog the choice of where it wants to be, it will
rather stay inside with you than alone outside. Inside the
house the Picard is usually a very quiet dog, waiting for its
time to go out to run, play and sniff around.
Socialization: Like many herding breeds, Picards
require human companionship and lots of it. Since they
can be demonstrative to their owners and enthusiastic
friends towards other animals, obedience training and
socialization is a must. Athletic, loyal and filled with a
desire to work a long day, the breed excels in any "job"
as long as enthusiasm and praise is a part of the task.
Combine this with its charming face the Picard can be a
good choice for a therapy or service dog.
Grooming: The Berger Picard is truly a low maintenance
dog. The rough, tousled coat does not mat or require
special care to yield its rustic appearance. Brushing
should only be done once a month. Bathing, believe it or
not, is rarely done. Their fur should never be trimmed
except maybe around the ear edges. They are not
profuse shedders and have no doggie odor.
