Berger Picard vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Berger Picard vs German Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBerger Picard is originated from France but German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Both Berger Picard and German Shepherd are having almost same height. Berger Picard may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than German Shepherd. Both Berger Picard and German Shepherd has almost same life span. Berger Picard may have less litter size than German Shepherd. Both Berger Picard and German Shepherd requires Low maintenance.

History

berger picard - historyIn the Picardie region of northeastern France saw visiting Celts/Franks enter the region along with a shepherd dog. They arrived in the Pas de Calais in 800 AD and might be the oldest shepherd dog of France. Named for Pacardy, the Berger Picard is certainly one of the most ancient of today’s French breeds. Some believe this shepherd comes from the lines of Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, while other insist he is related to the Beauceron and Briard.

Never popular as a show dog due to its shaggy appearance, even though it was entered in Frances first dog show in 1863, the breed was almost extinct following the second World War. Currently there are a little under 5000 left in the world with most of them, 3000, in France. The Picard is a good herding dog and loved by the shepherds of the Picardy region. The United Kennel Club recognized the rare breed in 1994, but the AKC did not recognize it until 2016.

The Berger Picard is a loyal, people-oriented dog, good with children and families if socialized as a puppy. In 2006 the Berger Picard Club of America was formed as more and more dogs are being imported from France. There was a genetic study done this year that proposes that 7 breeds of shepherd all descended from a European herding dog that was all over Europe before 1859. This dog was the father of the Berger Picard, the German Shepherd, The Bergamaso Shepherd, the Lupino de Gigante, the Cane Paratore, the Cane da pasore della Lessinia e del Lagorai , and the Pastore d”oropa. After recognition, the Picard was shown for the first time at Krufts in March 2016. They followed that with a best of breed win by Gabby, Guess V.D. Benedicks

​​

german shepherd - historyIn 1882 german shepherd was introduced in a show at Hanover. They were created by the cross breeding of the rural sheep dogs by a man named Max. In 1906 they were first exported to America. After that the breed became very popular in UK.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
France
Germany
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
61 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
Height Female:
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
55 - 61 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
34 - 44 kg
74 - 98 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 31 kg
46 - 69 pounds
34 - 44 kg
74 - 98 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 14 Years
9 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
1 - 15
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Picardy Shepherd • Berger de Picard • Bacardi Shepherd • Berger de Picardie Picard
Alsatian, Alsatian wolf dog, Berger Allemand, Deutscher Schaferhund, Schaferhund
Colors Available:
grey, grey-black, blue-grey, red-grey, and light or darker fawn brindle
Black and Tan, Sable, Bicolor, Black and White
Coat:
harsh, waterproof, tough, tusseled
dense and thick, short, medium thick, thick and fluffy, long, furry around their chest, ears, tail or backs of their legs
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Stubborn
Aggressive, Alert, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

berger picard puppy - descriptionThe Berger Picard is a muscular, medium sized, faithful companion. He is especially great with an owner who is athletic and energetic. They have a rugged constitution, slightly longer back, and full tail. The coat is thick, strong and harsh. They are never overweight or bulky. This gives the Berger Picard the look of a mixed breed dog. They have erect ears and thick eyebrows. This lanky looking dog is alert and lively. Movement is efficient, free and tireless. They have strong bones with a sturdy build and a take charge personality.

They have a strong rectangular head that is not massive. His eyes are oval and medium sized, never round or protruding. Eye color should be dark and never yellow. Cheek muscles are strong, and muzzle is smooth, ending abruptly at the nose. Scissors bite, deep chest and round feet. There should not be any dewclaws on the back legs.

german shepherd puppy - descriptionThe GSD is very good for being a watchdog and hence it do not welcome guests to home. But when trained from a puppy it will suit itself for making new friends. GSD like to be always with somebody and they can be its master or his family members or else its partner. The GSD is very intelligent and active hence they should be always kept busy, exercised and playing. Nowadays many of them are trained well and made as four legged stars.

When we see all around the world many of them are involved in helping the physically challenged people. Also they are very important personnels in working with police and military for finding the criminals. Their excellent sniffing power works very good when given proper training for finding illegal smuggling. But basically the breed was set in to herd the sheep and protect them from predators.

Based on the popularity they are ranked 2nd in US and 4th in UK.

Characteristics

berger picard dog - characteristicsThe Berger Picard needs to be a part of a pack with an owner who is clearly the pack leader. This is an intelligent, friendly, and sensitive to harsh voice scolding. They are not easy to train, and you need to be calm and patient when working with him. The Picard has a tendency to be stubborn with an owner who appears to be weak. If raised with or socialized to children and other animals, they will live fine with them. They are best in a rural environment rather than a close neighborhood. They are very quiet dogs, but they need a job and they excel at work.

Children friendliness

german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe GSD is a very good child friendly dog, they love to play with kids.

Adaptability

They adopts both hot and cold climates, but they like cold weather very much and also their body is suitable for cold than hot.

Learning ability

The GSD has high ability to learn tricks and also they are interested in learning. As they have very high intelligence they learn very easily and quickly.

Health Problems

berger picard puppies - health problemsThe Berger Picard is not a heavy or extra-large dog, but they still can have hip dysplasia, though it is not nearly as prevalent as it is in larger breeds. Eye infections can present in puppies more than adults and hereditary eye issues such as PRA and RD are all too common. (Progressive Retina Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia)

german shepherd puppies - health problemsThe GSD has the chances for getting orthopaedic diseases such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Other common orthopaedic problems which affects GSD are Panosteitis, Osteochondritis and cruciate ligament rupture.They also get some skin problems such as allergies and pyoderma. Digestive problems such as chronic diarrhea and colitis are also seen in GSD.

Hair fall

GSD is a continuous shedder. They are having a two layer coat. They should be brushed daily as it will remove the dead fur and thus prevents shedding.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

berger picard dogs - caringThis is an athletic and active breed with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality food that is full of nutrients and not empty calories. Don’t overfeed him as some will have a tendency to become obese. They should be fed twice a day in equal proportions. Treats are good when training but don’t overdo it.

Health issues

Since the Berger Picard has not been overbred, there are not a lot of genetic disorders in the breed. They do have some

  1. Hip Dysplasia
  2. Eye Infections
  3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  4. Retinal Dysplasia

You should have your puppy certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and then the Canine Eye Research Foundation that they do not have these issues and if they do, resolve them. The results of these tests should be published in the OFA registry. This breed is also a participant in the Canine Health Information Center. This means their eyes and hips have been checked and the results published. Their blood is being stored for DNA purposes and one of the following have been evaluated: heart, elbows or thyroid. There is an OFA Berger Picard health survey whose results are available to anyone who asks. This does not track individual dogs but the breed as a whole.

Exercise and games

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise. She likes to swim, take long walks, take runs with you on your bike. They love to jog with you as well. Agility, obedience and any other type of competition will appeal to your Picard. However, don’t expect them to excel at competition because they are not consistent performers. But if they don’t get enough exercise and fun they will become very destructive. Barn hunt and non-competitive herding activities are perfect for the Picard.

german shepherd dogs - caringThe GSD should be given an cool environment which they will enjoy a lot.

Feeding the puppy

The GSD puppy should be fed small quantities of food but several times per day as it needs to gain 2 gms weight per day. The preferred food for them is dry food along with raw liver pieces which would provide them excellent energy. The protein food given to puppy should contain 25 to 30% calories. Puppies consume more food when compared with adults.

Feeding the adult

The GSD needs a food which has a considerable amount of protein. They are carnivores in the nature. The protein can be given from cooked meat. The artificial food products will not be suitable for them. When are provided with protein food they will gain fat from itself. The recommended fat content for GSD is 5% to 8%.

Points for Good Health

The GSD should be provided with a nutritional food for their good health.

Games and Exercises

Physical exercises are very much needed for GSD since they are very energetic and power packed. It is highly recommended to make them play and run daily as they don't need to get bored. They can be made to climb in hilly areas as they want to explore their surroundings. They can be made to swim or play hide and seek and find the missing objects. Regular morning walk will be very good for them.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  4. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  5. English Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  6. Catahoula Cur vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  7. Catalan Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  9. Bergamasco vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  10. Berger Picard vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  12. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Berger Picard vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  14. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Berger Picard vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Berger Picard vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  19. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  20. Queensland Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  21. German Coolie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  22. Bohemian Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  23. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  24. Red Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Akbash Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Abruzzenhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Briard vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Rough Collie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Bouvier des Flandres vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Saarlooswolfhond vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Siberian Husky vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Rottweiler vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. American Bully vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Boxer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Akita vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Samoyed vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Labradoodle vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Cane Corso vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds