Beauce Sheepdog

Beauceron

Beauce Sheepdog – front view — Photo: Momondo, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Beauce Sheepdog – head — Photo: Gwgrind, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Key facts

FCI group	1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of origin	France
Category	Large
Height at withers	61–70 cm

Recognition features

Big, muscular dog with a short, harsh coat, black-and-tan or harlequin
The typical "red stockings": tan markings on the legs, over the eyes and on the cheeks
Double dewclaws on the hind legs are required by the standard

Purpose

A French sheepdog and guard dog of the open plains, still used today in service and protection work.

History

"Beauce Dog", "Beauceron" and "Red-Stocking" became the established names at the end of the 19th century for the old French lowland sheepdogs bred to drive and guard flocks. The tan markings on the legs earned them the nickname "red stockings".

Coat

Short (3–4 cm), thick, harsh coat lying close to the body over a fine, dense mouse-grey undercoat; black and tan or harlequin (grey-black with tan).

Similar breeds

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.