Introduction
The Berger Picard (pronounced bare-ZHAY pee-CARR) is a dynamic herding breed originating from France. The word “Berger” translates to shepherd in French, while “Picard” denotes the Picardy region where this remarkable dog was originally found. Often affectionately called Picards or Picardy Shepherds, these dogs combine rustic charm with functional prowess.
Purposefully bred to herd sheep and cattle, the Berger Picard is perfectly equipped for the demanding tasks of farm life. Their tough, weather-resistant coat naturally repels dirt and requires minimal grooming. With long legs, a sturdy muscular build, and boundless energy, they are built to endure all-day work. Their keen intelligence and emotional sensitivity make them exceptional collaborators with both humans and livestock.
Despite their working dog heritage, Berger Picards transition beautifully from pasture guardians to beloved family companions. However, to flourish in a home environment, they still crave meaningful work and close human bonds.
Caring for a Berger Picard
Berger Picards carry strong working instincts that persist even as they grow into companion animals. What this means for prospective families includes:
- While Berger Picards flourish with a purpose, you don’t need a farm or livestock to meet their needs. They do require daily exercise and regular outdoor activity to burn off energy. When active outdoors, Picards are known to be patient, well-mannered, and calm indoors.
- According to insights from Petscarelab, Picards form deep attachments to their primary caregiver. Early socialization is essential to help them feel comfortable around other people and reduce dependency on a single person. Regardless, expect your Picard to cherish lots of one-on-one attention.
- Berger Picards have a strong prey drive that translates their herding instinct into an urge to chase anything that moves—including squirrels, rabbits, deer, and cats. For this reason, they may not be ideal for households with smaller pets or those hoping to add furry little friends.
- This strong prey drive also means all outdoor exercise sessions should take place on a secure leash or within a well-fenced area to keep your dog safe and under control.
Despite their rugged look and origins, Petscarelab experts note that Picards adapt surprisingly well to urban living—provided their owners can consistently meet their exercise and companionship needs.
When it comes to grooming, Berger Picards are low-maintenance. Their distinctive wiry coat requires only occasional brushing most of the year, with extra focus during shedding seasons in spring and summer to manage undercoat loss.
Berger Picard Health Issues
Overall, Berger Picards are hardy dogs with an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years. Still, like all breeds, they have predispositions to some health challenges.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) encompasses several degenerative eye diseases resulting in the breakdown of the retina’s rods and cones. Sadly, PRA has no cure and ultimately leads to blindness.
Watch for these signs of PRA:
- Hesitance or refusal to enter dimly lit areas
- Clumsiness, especially in low-light conditions
- Dilated pupils that respond sluggishly to light
- Eyes reflecting more light than usual in darkness
- Cataract development
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition where the heart muscle enlarges and weakens, diminishing its ability to pump effectively.
Symptoms to recognize include:
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Bluish tint on gums or tongue
- Wet, persistent coughing
- Decreased stamina and exercise intolerance
- Lethargy and poor appetite
- Abdominal swelling
- Episodes of fainting or collapse
While there’s no cure, DCM can usually be managed with medication that reduces cardiac workload, improves heart efficiency, and alleviates fluid buildup in the lungs.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism arises when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient hormones essential for regulating metabolism, impacting many organ functions. Management involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy with oral medications.
This condition most commonly affects medium to large breeds like the Berger Picard, particularly between 4 and 10 years old. Signs include:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Persistent lethargy
- Difficulty maintaining body warmth
- Reduced mental alertness
- Recurring skin and ear infections
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia refers to abnormal development of the hip joint leading to looseness and eventually osteoarthritis. Mild cases can benefit from physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs, while severe situations might require surgical intervention.
Key indicators of hip dysplasia include:
- Limping or favoring one leg
- Hesitation to rise, jump, or climb
- Shifting weight to front legs
- Muscle loss in hind limbs
- Visible signs of hip discomfort
What To Feed a Berger Picard
Every Berger Picard is unique, so partnering with your veterinarian is crucial for tailoring the perfect feeding plan.
Your vet will help select a dog food that meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards and suits your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), size, activity level, and health requirements.
How To Feed a Berger Picard
Adult Berger Picards generally thrive on two meals a day—one in the morning and one in the evening. Puppies, with their higher metabolisms, benefit from three meals daily: morning, midday, and evening.
Your veterinarian can guide you on the ideal feeding schedule as your dog grows and develops.
How Much Should You Feed a Berger Picard?
Feeding guidelines on commercial dog food packages provide a helpful starting point, but your vet will tailor recommendations considering your dog’s age, weight, body condition, lifestyle, and health status.
Remember to factor treats into the daily calorie count, and keep in mind: treats should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Nutritional Tips for Berger Picards
If your Picard is enjoying a complete and balanced AAFCO-approved diet, extra supplements are typically unnecessary.
However, certain supplements may be prescribed to support health concerns, such as joint protection for dogs predisposed to hip dysplasia.
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any nutritional supplements to your dog’s regimen.
Berger Picard Personality and Temperament
The breed standard at Petscarelab highlights the Berger Picard as lively, alert, observant, confident, and steady-tempered—traits that fueled their success as vigilant herders.
These qualities transition well into the family setting, especially for active households able to provide daily physical and mental stimulation.
Though often described as “one-person dogs,” Picards can get along well with all family members after some warming up. However, they tend to be reserved around strangers and may not be ideal around smaller pets, due to their strong prey instincts.
Berger Picard Behavior
When left bored or lonely, energetic Picards may resort to destructive or unruly behaviors. To keep them happy and balanced, daily exercise and close interaction are essential.
Berger Picard Training
Socialization should start promptly once your Berger Picard puppy joins your home. Early, safe exposure to a variety of people, animals, environments, and experiences during the critical first 16 weeks builds social confidence.
Discuss your pup’s socialization history with the breeder and consult your vet for safe activity recommendations.
Berger Picards are smart and sensitive, though occasionally stubborn. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, fostering cooperation while honoring their independent spirit.
Because these clever dogs can become bored with repetitive lessons, keeping training sessions brief, varied, and engaging helps maintain their focus and enthusiasm.
Fun Activities for Berger Picards
- Enjoying long, brisk walks
- Jogging alongside you
- Hiking rugged trails
- Swimming for low-impact exercise
- Participating in obedience classes
- Learning new skills and tricks
- Competing in agility courses
- Tracking scents outdoors
- Playing flyball and fetch
Berger Picard Grooming Guide
Their signature shaggy coat, ranging from fawn to brindle, is surprisingly easy to maintain.
Skin Care
Petscarelab notes the Berger Picard has a naturally low-odor and low-oil coat, which helps repel dirt effectively. Bathing is seldom needed but check with your vet on the ideal frequency.
Coat Care
This breed sports a double coat that resists matting, so brushing can be infrequent—just enough to remove loose hairs. Increase brushing attention during the spring and summer when shedding intensifies. Avoid trimming their coat, which can alter its natural texture and protective qualities.
Eye Care
Because Picards are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, watch for signs like changes in vision or eye appearance, and notify your veterinarian if you observe redness, discharge, or any abnormalities.
Ear Care
Their upright ears reduce the risk of infections compared to floppy-eared breeds, but regular inspection and appropriate cleaning remain important. Seek veterinary advice on cleaning methods and recommended products.
Be alert for infection signs such as redness, smell, discomfort, itchiness, or frequent head shaking. Recurrent ear infections could signal underlying conditions like hypothyroidism.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Before bringing a Berger Picard into your home, reflect on these important questions:
- Am I present enough to nurture a dog that bonds deeply with one person?
- Do I have the time and energy to provide daily vigorous exercise?
- Can I ensure safe outdoor time on leash or in a secure, fenced area due to their strong prey drive?
- Do I possess the patience and knowledge to offer early socialization and ongoing reward-based training?
- Am I financially prepared for routine and emergency veterinary care?
- Can I commit to loving and caring for a Berger Picard for their 13-year or longer lifetime?
If your answer is a confident “Yes!” then you may be ready to welcome a Berger Picard into your family.
Is a Berger Picard a good family dog?
The Berger Picard is a clever, sensitive, and ruggedly charming dog bred for herding. They thrive best in active families that can provide them with abundant exercise and affectionate companionship.
Are Berger Picards cuddly?
While not typically known as lap dogs, Berger Picards develop strong bonds with their families. They exhibit great energy during play but are equally happy to relax quietly beside their loved ones indoors.
What is the life expectancy of a Berger Picard?
On average, Berger Picards enjoy a healthy lifespan of 12 to 13 years.
