Pet Wiki

Berger Picard

Also called Berger de Picardie, Picardy Sheepdog, Picardy Shepherd, Picard

A lively, affectionate herder with a calm core.

SizeLarge
Weight23 to 32 kg (51 to 71 lb)1
Height55 to 66 cm (22 to 26 in)males 60 to 66 cm, females 55 to 61 cm231
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
CoatRough, harsh double coat
OriginFrance, in the Picardy region of the north-east, where it worked as a shepherd's dog.23
GroupFCI group 1
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
even-tempered
good with children
independent problem-solver
234

Personality what they are like

A lively, affectionate herder with a calm core. It is watchful around the home and bonds well with children, but it likes to think for itself, so it responds best to early socialisation and reward-based training.234

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Berger Picard. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough, harsh double coat

A shaggy, crisp outer coat around 5-6 cm long lies over a soft, thick undercoat, giving a slightly tousled look that stands up well to wet and wind. Tall, naturally erect ears and a lanky, athletic frame complete the outline.23

Coloursfawnfawn with dark overlayfawn brindlegreydark greygrey-blackgrey-bluegrey-redbrindle23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic working breed that needs daily exercise and something to do; herding, long walks and training games suit it well.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The rough coat is designed to be low-fuss: an occasional brush through keeps it tidy, and it is meant to look natural rather than trimmed.23

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active home with room to move and regular outdoor time; the weatherproof coat copes well with cool, damp weather.13

Company who they like around

A family-oriented dog that enjoys being involved with its people and gets on well with children when raised with them.23

The story where it all began

One of France's oldest sheepdog types, the Picard was shown at the first French dog show in 1863 and recognised in France in 1925. Fighting across Picardy in both World Wars left very few dogs, and breeders rebuilt the breed afterwards, founding the Les Amis du Berger Picard club in 1955.213

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The film Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) starred a Berger Picard, and the producers brought five Picards over from Europe for the shoot.1

  2. 2

    The breed was at France's very first dog show in 1863.2

  3. 3

    A German Picard called Joker played a starring role in six Bavarian comedy films between 2014 and 2021.1

  4. 4

    Its naturally upright ears, set high on the head, are one of the breed's trademark features.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Berger Picard' comes from the French word 'berger' meaning 'shepherd' and 'Picard' referring to the Picardy region of France where the breed originated. The breed is also known as Picardy Shepherd or Picardy Sheepdog.1

Name ideas for your new friend

PicardRustyFleurBeauCocoGastonMiloZoeRexLilyOscarSasha

A day in the life told by a Berger Picard

This morning, I race to the field before my human even opens the gate. I sniff every clump of grass, then run back to check on them. We play fetch with a stick, I drop it, then grab it again, thinking it's my idea. My human laughs. At home, I sit by the window, watching the road. A squirrel darts past; I whine but stay put. Later, my human teaches me a new trick with a treat. I figure it out quickly, then nuzzle their hand. When the kids come home, I bounce around them, careful not to knock them over. I curl up at their feet, happy.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard dated 04.08.2010, country of origin France. The standard notes first official recognition in France in 1925 and definitive recognition in 1959.2
UKC
Herding Dog Group; recognised 1 January 1994.3
AKC
Herding Group; full recognition on 1 July 2015 (per Wikipedia).1
The Royal Kennel Club
Accepted onto the import register on 1 April 2014 (per Wikipedia).1

Popularity Ranked 166th of AKC-registered breeds5

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Berger Picard, and at what times?

Feed your adult Berger Picard at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Times can be consistent with your routine; ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.6

What should a Berger Picard eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.7

How often should I bathe a Berger Picard?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, which is about every two and a half months. You can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty, but avoid over-bathing to keep the coat's natural oils.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Berger Picard need brushing?

Brush your Berger Picard every few days to keep the rough coat tidy, and increase to daily during heavy shedding seasons. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.23 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Berger Picard's nails, and how often?

Trim your Berger Picard's nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, avoiding the quick (the pink part inside). Ask your vet or groomer to show you if unsure.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Berger Picard need?

Your Berger Picard needs daily exercise, such as long walks, herding activities, or training games. This breed thrives when it has a job to do, so aim for at least an hour of active time each day.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Berger Picard's teeth and ears?

Brush your Berger Picard's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Clean ears gently with a vet-recommended solution, never inserting anything into the canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Berger Picard live?

A Berger Picard typically lives between 12 and 14 years with good care.1

Is a Berger Picard good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Berger Picard is affectionate with children and does well with other pets when properly socialised from an early age. It is a family-oriented dog that enjoys being involved.234

Can a Berger Picard be left alone?

This breed enjoys being with its family, so it may not do well left alone for long periods. The amount of alone time it can handle depends on the individual dog; ask your breeder or a trainer for guidance.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Berger Picard, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, AKC/KC recognition, population, fun facts
  2. FCI Standard No. 176, Berger de Picardie fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  3. UKC Berger Picard breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  4. AKC Berger Picard breed page akc.orgused for temperament, training
  5. AKC, The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.