Berger Picard
The scruffy survivor of Picardy — big ears, wry eyebrows, an old soldier's heart.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium-large · 55–65 cm |
| Weight | 23–32 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–13 years |
| Energy | High — 60+ min/day |
| Shedding | Light, with seasonal peaks |
| Coat | Harsh, tousled double coat · fawn, brindle |
| Group | Herding · FCI №176 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to drive sheep across the open farmland of northern France, the Picard is energetic, observant and quick — but with a sensitivity herders prized: it reads its handler's mood and sulks under harsh treatment. Expect a witty, slightly stubborn companion that works brilliantly for someone it trusts and not at all for someone it doesn't.
Habits & quirks
The eyebrow raise
Those wiry brows telegraph every opinion — and a Picard has many.
Selective hearing
It heard you; it's just weighing whether the request makes sense.
Ear semaphore
The huge upright ears track every sound on the property, often independently.
Velcro at a distance
It likes to keep you in view from a few metres away — supervising, herder-style.
Care
| Exercise | An hour daily of running, hiking or herding-style games — a bored Picard invents projects. |
| Training | Short, cheerful, varied sessions; heavy-handed methods shut this sensitive breed down. |
| Grooming | Refreshingly low-fuss — a monthly brush-through and occasional hand-tidying, no trimming. |
| Socialisation | Naturally reserved with strangers, so wide early exposure keeps that from becoming shyness. |
Common questions
Are Berger Picards rare?
Yes — even in France there are only a few thousand. Expect a waiting list and a breeder who interviews you as thoroughly as you interview them.
Are Berger Picards easy to train?
They're clever and willing but independent-minded, bred to make decisions in the field. Positive, varied training works; repetitive drilling bores them into mischief.
Do Berger Picards shed much?
Lightly for most of the year, more in spring and autumn. Their harsh coat needs no trimming and resists dirt surprisingly well.