Picardy Sheepdog: Nutrition And Character
The Picardy Shepherd Dog or Berger de Picardie is a dog of French origin, of medium size but very strong despite the elegant appearance. His character is calm and he is considered a good shepherd, perfect for guiding and protecting sheep. Let’s discover the nutrition and character of the Picardy Sheepdog.
Physical characteristics
This is a medium sized breed with a strong appearance and good musculature. However, it remains a very elegant dog, both stationary and in motion, and exudes energy. Its main function was to protect and guard the sheep. For this, it falls into the group of shepherd dogs.
This type of dogs is characterized by the visually larger size of males than females. The former measure from 60 to 65 centimeters, while the females range from 55 to 60 cm.
It can have a fur of different shades ranging from black to gray through ocher. It may also have gray or reddish streaks. Some specimens are a true mix of all these shades.
Character of the Picardy Sheepdog
The Berger de Picardie is a sensitive dog, with a docile and calm character. However, he is also known for his incredible stubbornness : he does not tolerate physical corrections to his behavior.
Either way, they are an incredibly intelligent and hardworking breed. She likes to move and do dynamic and outdoor activities so as not to get bored.
It has a calm character that allows it to socialize easily with other animals, even smaller ones, quickly finding new playmates. He likes to play, carry objects and carry things, small animals and even small children from one place to another.
Diet
The Picardy Sheepdog is an energetic dog that requires proper nutrition to be able to face its daily activities. His diet must be varied and treated in detail.
It is possible to choose different types of feed, either wet (pate) or dry (feed or crunchy). As a reward for behaving well, you can buy special snacks or cookies for him. He can also eat raw products of animal origin or preparations for dogs.
Depending on the age of the dog and its particular characteristics, the veterinarian will be able to carefully advise you on the type of diet to be followed. The most important aspect of all when deciding on your diet is to ensure the right daily energy intake.
Origins of the Picardy Sheepdog
The Picardy Sheepdog or Berger de Picardie is native to the ancient region of the same name in the south-east of France. The breed began to appear in the 19th century, around the year 1862. However, it was not recognized as a breed until 1922.
But its fame did not last long, as most of the specimens were massacred following the conflicts of the Second World War. In the Picardy area, both humans and animals were annihilated.
At the end of the Second World War, the Picardy Sheepdog was close to extinction. He only managed to save himself as a farm dog in rural areas.
Following the efforts of the breeders and the foundation in 1955 of the club “Les Amis du Berger Picard” ( Friends of Berger Picard), it was possible to ensure its survival. To date, there are about 3500 examples in France.
This dog is also widespread in other European and Scandinavian countries ; there are about 500 in Germany, in small groups. Although their original function was that of herding and guard dogs, today they are quietly used as companion dogs.
Curiosity
The Picardy Sheepdog appeared in a 2005 film called My Four-legged Friend, based on Kate DiCamillo’s book “The Ugliest Dog In The World”. The protagonist of the film is just a Berger de Picardie.
To make the film, shot in the United States, it was necessary to bring specimens of this breed from France. Shortly thereafter, the Berger Picard Club of America was created with the aim of providing a home and protecting the breed in America as well.
Currently, in North America the specimens of this breed perform two functions: as companion dogs or show dogs. In fact, in addition to their talent as shepherd dogs, they seem to lend themselves well to training.
The Picardy Shepherd Dog is an excellent companion dog that loves to live in the countryside, where it can give free rein to all its energy. He is also an excellent watchdog and a good sheep shepherd, elegant and intelligent.
