Herding group

Berger Picard

A scruffy, tall-eared French herder with a mischievous grin.

Berger Picards are rugged, shaggy herding dogs from northern France with tall erect ears and a quirky sense of humour. They are loyal and affectionate, but independent and sensitive, needing exercise and patient training.

Height
21.5–25.5 in55–65 cm
Weight
50–70 lb23–32 kg
Life expectancy
12–13 years
Size
Large
Group
Herding
Origin
Picardy, France

Coat: Harsh, crisp, medium-length shaggy coat. Colours: Fawn, Brindle.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness2.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Picards are observant, loyal and often goofy with their families. They are usually good with children and form strong bonds.

They are independent thinkers and can be stubborn. Many are reserved with strangers, and they are sensitive to harsh handling.

Living with a Berger Picard

Exercise

Needs 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. They enjoy herding, tracking and long hikes.

Grooming

Low maintenance: brush a few times a month; the harsh coat resists dirt and should not be trimmed.

Training

Intelligent but independent; keep sessions varied and positive. Early socialisation is important.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and usually with other dogs. Reserved with strangers.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time once exercised; boredom can lead to chewing or digging.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Berger Picard right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Berger Picard matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Berger Picard typically lives 12–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

    An inherited form occurs in the breed; a DNA test is available.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Eye disease

    Retinal and other inherited eye conditions occur; annual eye exams help.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • DNA test for PRA

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Berger Picard; Berger Picard Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The Berger Picard is one of France’s oldest herding breeds, possibly brought by Celts to northern France. It herded sheep and cattle in the Picardy region.

The breed was devastated by both World Wars, since Picardy was a major battlefield. It gained fame in the 2005 film “Because of Winn-Dixie” and was recognised by the AKC in 2015.

Did you know?

  • The dog in “Because of Winn-Dixie” was played by Berger Picards.
  • Picards are known for a distinctive, crooked-grin expression.
  • The breed nearly vanished after both World Wars.

Library guides for Berger Picard owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Berger Picards good family dogs?
Yes, for active families. They are loyal and good with children.
Do Berger Picards shed?
Lightly to moderately; their coat is low maintenance.
Are Berger Picards rare?
Yes, they remain rare.