Beauceron.Akita.Golden
Posted : 1/10/2008 9:59:07 AM
The beauce I'd say is similar to the GSD, or even Malinois (though id think not quite as high drive, tho ive never worked a Malinois personally) They are a high-drive working dog though, and they need a job. Although they are new to the U.S. (very popular in their home country of France) many have already proven the breed can excell at many sports from herding, tracking, obedience, agility, and ring sports. Tessa (my beauce pup) has been great. She is quite laid back, and can calmly rest in her crate or stay in a long down stay when i need her too, but at the same time she'll glady go on a 2 mile walk for with me without tiring. We havent done any extensive sports yet (no jogging/hiking, no agility, no herding on our cattle) sence she is only 6 months old, and i do not want to stress her growing joints and bones, but im sure she will be ready for all of those activities when she gets older. They are used to drive cattle/sheep, and should be able to go many miles without tiring. Talk about endurance! The AKC standard list females between 24 1/2"-26 1/2", I think males are 25.5"-27.5", weight between 80-110 lbs..so again very similar to the GSD. She is 55 lbs at almost 6 months old, and plays well with my 110lb akita, and with a friends 6 lb brusselsgriffon/maltese mix. The standard also list that the beauceron should never be timid or aggressive. We've had no problems with aggression with any animals or people. Of course socialization is important wtih ANY breed to insure that. As for grooming..definatly a wash and go dog. After having a long haired breed (golden ret) and a breed with alot of White (akita) , Tessa always seems so clean compared to them! Short coat (a little fringe along the legs, tail, and head), so she doesnt pick up dirt/junk from the pasture, and dark colors, so all i have to do is brush her down and she looks clean! If your ever interested in showing a dog in conformation, there is NO trimming done to the beauce for the ring. Just bathe, dry, brush, and trim nails. (all 22 of them!)