Beauceron

The Beauceron is a French herding dog, also known as the Berger de Beauce, the Bas Rouge, and also French Shorthaired Shepherd.

Appearance
Stands 24 to 27.5 inches (61-70 cm) in height and weighs from 66 to 85 pounds (30-38.5 kg). Colouring is black and tan, black, or harlequin; other colours (tawny, grey, and grey/black) have now banned by the breed standard. Coat is short and smooth, except on legs, tail and flanks where there is a slight fringe.

Temperament
Muscular and energetic The Beauceron is intelligent, calm, aloof, and very protective of children. They are faithful stick fetchers and are very active. Yard required, this is not an indoor dog

History
The breed does not actually come from Beauce but in fact from Brie; however, the Briard claimed that regional name first(sacre bleu! voleurs!). Although quite different in appearance, both breeds stem from similar ancestral stock.

Health
A very healthy breed, with few problem, life span to 15 years.

Working life
Very versatile, the Bas Rouge ('Red Stocking') was once used to hunt boar. It served in both World Wars as a messenger dog, a supply dog, and in detection of mines and rescue of the wounded. Additionally, the Beauceron has strong herding traits and capability.