Berger Picard Care: Temperament, Training, Grooming and Health
In this article
By Dr Duncan Houston
Quick Answer
The Berger Picard is an active French herding dog that benefits from rewarding training, varied exercise and close involvement in family life. Its tousled coat is usually easier to maintain than its appearance suggests. Hip and eye health deserve particular attention, and new reluctance to move or navigate in dim light should prompt a veterinary examination.
Also called the Picardy Shepherd, this breed developed in northern France. Its upright ears, wiry fawn or brindle coat and shaggy face are distinctive, but choosing one should depend on daily care needs and individual temperament as well as appearance.
Understand the dog behind the look
Picards may be affectionate and playful with family while taking time to feel comfortable with strangers. They can be observant, vocal and independent. These tendencies vary, so meet adult dogs and ask a breeder or rescue how a particular dog handles visitors, other animals and time alone.
A secure outdoor area is useful, but the quality of exercise and interaction matters more than the size of a garden. A smaller home may work for an owner who can meet the dog's needs. Supervise children and pets together, and provide a quiet retreat rather than expecting every dog to enjoy busy gatherings.
Exercise the body and the mind
Combine walks and sniffing with food searches, play and short training sessions. Suitable sports can include tracking, agility or supervised herding, depending on health and preparation. Build fitness gradually and allow recovery. Puppies need manageable activity and rest, while older dogs may need a gentler routine.
Use reward-based teaching for recall, lead walking, settling and grooming. Keep tasks clear and varied. If a dog stops participating, consider whether the task is confusing, the environment is overwhelming or movement is uncomfortable before labelling it stubborn.
Socialisation should offer positive experiences at a tolerable distance. Forcing greetings or prolonged exposure to frightening situations can worsen fear. Persistent anxiety, guarding or aggression needs professional assessment, starting with a vet when pain or illness may contribute.
Maintain the natural coat
Brush and comb regularly to remove loose hair and debris, with extra attention during shedding. Check the beard, feet and areas where equipment rubs. Bathe when dirty using a dog-appropriate product and rinse well. Extensive styling is not necessary for comfort; ask a groomer familiar with the breed if tangles or skin problems make maintenance difficult.
Inspect ears, keep nails comfortable and introduce daily toothbrushing. Routine ear cleaning is not automatically needed just because the ears are upright. Redness, discharge, head shaking, persistent odour or pain calls for a veterinary check.
Feeding and preventive health
Feed a complete diet for life stage, measure portions and adjust for body condition rather than assuming every active dog needs extra calories. Keep treats within the daily allowance. Supplements do not replace balanced nutrition or prevent every joint or eye condition.
Keep vaccinations, parasite prevention and dental care current. Ask to see parental hip and veterinary ophthalmologist screening results when considering a puppy. Discuss family history, including heart or other significant disease, and arrange the individual dog's screening plan with your vet.
Pay attention to vision and movement
Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, is a recognised concern in Picards. Early signs can include hesitation in dim light, bumping into objects or reluctance to go out after dark. An eye examination helps distinguish retinal disease from cataracts and other problems. A normal examination describes the eyes at that time; it does not guarantee that future disease will not develop.
Arrange prompt assessment for changes in vision. Sudden sight loss, squinting or a painful red eye needs urgent care. Do not begin eye drops or supplements without a diagnosis.
Stiffness, limping or difficulty rising may reflect hip disease, injury or another painful condition. Reduce strenuous activity and book an examination. Collapse, severe breathing difficulty or sudden inability to stand requires emergency attention. Being a relatively uncommon breed does not establish that a dog is free of inherited or acquired illness.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Berger Picard need hours of running every day?
No fixed target suits every dog. Provide regular varied activity and judge the routine by comfort, fitness and ability to rest afterwards.
Is the shaggy coat difficult to groom?
It is generally fairly manageable with regular brushing and checks. Neglected tangles, trapped debris or skin disease can still cause discomfort.
Can a dog with normal puppy eyes develop PRA later?
Yes. Some inherited eye conditions develop later, which is why follow-up screening and attention to changes matter.
Will socialisation make every Picard outgoing?
No. It can support confidence, but temperament varies. Comfortable neutrality around strangers is a reasonable goal.
Read the Berger Picard Club of America's guidance on grooming, eye health and breed health concerns.
ASK A VET™ can help you assess changes in your Berger Picard's confidence, vision or activity and plan appropriate veterinary follow-up.
