10 things to know before owning a Berger Picard
Are you considering acquiring a Berger Picard for your family?
Or do you already have a Berger Picard at home but want to learn more about it?
The Berger Picard is a purebred dog that can grow to be between medium and large in size and is classified as a herder. They are often known as the Picardy Sheepdog, Berger de Picardie, or the Picardy Shepherd.
Here are the things you need to know more about them!
They are generally a healthy breed.
Berger Picards tend to be quite robust. They have an average lifespan of between 12 to 15 years. However, they can be prone to different health issues.
This includes the following:
While these health issues can be concerning, it's important to note that not all Berger Picards will develop these conditions, and some Berger Picards may never experience any health problems at all.
In order to minimize the risk of health issues, it's important to:
- choose a reputable breeder
- keep your Berger Picard at a healthy weight
- provide them with a balanced diet
- give them regular exercise
- and schedule regular veterinary check-ups.
They need regular maintenance and grooming.
The Berger Picard's double coat serves two purposes:
- to provide insulation and protection
- and to keep the element out.
These dogs shed a little, so it is important that you brush them more often during shedding season to remove the dead hair before it settles on your floor and furnishings. A Picard simply needs a weekly brushing for the rest of the year.
If your dog has excessive hair around the ears, you can trim it regularly. Their coat is prone to matting which can also cause skin irritation if not brushed regularly.
Berger Picard requires seldom bathing. When bathing your dog, make sure you choose a shampoo made specifically for dogs with tough coats. Use a mild dog shampoo and avoid getting water in the ears.
These dogs also love swimming. You better give him a thorough freshwater rinse to remove any chlorine, algae, or salt after he's been in the water.
The rest is just standard grooming which you can do at home. Trim your pet's nails once every week or two and wash their teeth once daily with a pet toothpaste recommended by your vet to keep them healthy and smelling great.
The Berger Picard is a very active dog that needs regular exercise.
The Berger Picard is a high-energy, athletic dog with a lot of drive because it was bred to work in the fields. This breed's tremendous energy requires significant daily exercise and mental stimulation. This means they must be given plenty of opportunities to engage in activities that challenge their minds.
Exercising your dog regularly is vital because :
- it can help keep your dog healthy
- prevent more pressing health problems like obesity
- help reduce behavioral issues
- and help build a strong bond between you and your dog.
To handle a high-energy dog like the Berger Picard, you must:
- take it for daily walks
- play fetch or frisbee in the yard
- enroll them in agility training
- explore herding trials
- give them dog puzzle toys
- practice obedience training
- and spend one-on-one time with your dog.
These dogs benefit greatly from early training and socialization.
All dog breeds benefit greatly from training and socializing beginning at a young age to help prevent the development of bad habits. Berger Picard puppies need early training and socialization to thrive.
Even though Picards might be stubborn at times, they are also quite bright and eager to please their owners. They are resistant to harsh teaching methods and are more motivated by positive reinforcement like affection and praise.
You need to expose your dog to various people, animals, and environments in a positive and controlled way. Socializing your dog can:
- help your dog learn appropriate behaviors
- teach your dog how to interact with other dogs
- become less fearful or anxious in new situations
- reduce stress and anxiety
- help your dog develop social skills
- make them more confident and well-adjusted.
Without proper socialization, your dog may become fearful of new situations and people, which can lead to aggression and other behavior problems.
They make excellent family pets.
These dogs are known to be loyal, affectionate, and independent, which can also be an advantage and a disadvantage. They form strong bonds with their owners and are known to be very devoted and protective of their families.
Their loyalty makes them excellent watchdogs. While their intelligence makes them excellent candidates for obedience and dog sports such as agility and herding.
Their independence makes them excellent workers and decision-makers. However, the Berger Picard's independence can also be a disadvantage if they are not properly socialized and trained. This trait can also make them difficult to train.
One advantage of the Berger Picard's loyalty and affection towards their family is that they make great companions. However, the disadvantage is that they can be wary of strangers and unfamiliar people, which can lead to shyness or aggression if not socialized properly.
The Berger Picard generally gets along well with children of all ages, but they can have a natural predisposition to herd them. Training and socialization of this breed with children from an early age is necessary to produce the best socialization results.
They are very intelligent dogs.
The Berger Picard is a highly trainable breed due to its high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. But they can also have a mind of their own and may not always follow commands without convincing.
You need to use positive reinforcement training methods with Berger Picards to help create a positive relationship with you. You must also be consistent and patient when teaching them new commands. I also recommend short and frequent training sessions than long, infrequent ones.
Berger Picards needs a protein-rich diet.
Feeding your Berger Picards a high-quality, protein-rich diet that meets their nutritional needs is essential. Here’s why:
- A proper diet provides the essential nutrients necessary.
- It can help prevent health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and joint problems.
- It can help support muscle development and maintenance.
- A healthy diet is essential for a high-energy breed like the Berger Picard.
Here are some tips for choosing your Berger Picard diet:
- Choose a high-quality, protein-rich dog food.
- Choose a diet appropriate for your dog’s age and activity level.
- Follow feeding instructions on the food packaging.
- Avoid overfeeding or free-feeding.
- Avoid feeding table scraps or human food.
- Consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions about their diet.
- Regularly monitor your Berger Picard's weight.
- Adjust their diet and exercise when necessary.
They are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Training one of these canines may be challenging for first-time dog owners. This is because they:
- need regular playtime
- don't get along with other dogs
- call for rigorous practice, consistent focus, and careful instruction.
These dogs can be costly.
Berger Picards can be expensive to buy or adopt so be sure to plan your budget accordingly. Owning a Berger Picard can be expensive due to the breed's rarity, which may result in higher purchase or adoption fees.
Here are some expenses that can add up quickly:
- food
- vet care
- grooming
- special care
- emergency vet visits
- and unexpected health issues.
These additional veterinary cost can be avoided by:
- choosing a reputable breeder
- buying a pet insurance
- regular preventative care
- vaccinations
- and parasite prevention.
They are very adaptable dogs.
These dogs are very adaptable to different living arrangements. They do well in homes with large yards or on farms as long as they are appropriately exercised and socialized.
This simply means these dogs can easily adjust to a new home environment. They are also very versatile dogs that can excel in a variety of activities, including herding, agility, and obedience.
If you are ilivng in an apartment or a small house, you can still meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs by:
- taking them to dog parks
- giving them plenty of playtimes
- providing them with interactive toys and puzzle games
- giving them obedience training
- giving them plenty of attention
- and socialization opportunities.
Indeed, Berger Picards are a unique and wonderful breed! However, they require a significant time, money, energy, and commitment from you as their owners. From proper socialization and training to regular exercise and grooming, owning a Berger Picard requires a lot of dedication. Are you willing to give them the love and care they deserve? If you do, then you will surely earn a best friend that can bring you lots of joy and love too!
