Breed numbers. Beauceron. French smooth-Shepherd
(Shepherd in red stockings. Shepherd of the Beauce province)
Beauceron — old French breed of dogs. Not so long ago this dog was little known outside their homeland. She never became an object of fashion and remained virtually unchanged over the last hundred years.
This large black and tan (sometimes marbled tan) dog with a confident look intelligent brown eyes look like on trans-glance, a very powerful Doberman with longer hair and undocked tail or lightweight vysokonogoy Rottweiler. But this breed Bose-Rhone no one confused, and not only because of the double dewclaws, which must be on its hind legs. There are in this dog is something that attracts her new lovers.
The history of the province of Beauce Shepherd
There are several theories of the origin of the breed of hairless French sheepdogs, and difficult to name any of these theories is the only true.
Beauceron — the largest of the French sheepdogs. This breed group began to take shape a few centuries ago in what is now France, in the province of Beauce. Here in ancient times lived large dog performs the function of guards, shepherds and even hunters. On the development of the breed significantly affected the foreign type Molossians and possibly greyhounds. Much of the shape and character Beauceron indicates the influence of mastiff dogs on the formation of this representative group dogs. The first mention of these dogs belong to 1587.
In 1809, a manual on agriculture priest Rosier mentions French herding dog that could graze and guard the flock, to protect the owner and his home, including about Shepherd of the Beauce province. Names, but Rozier first described the differences in the types of dogs and used the terms Berger de Brie (Berger de Brie, t. E. The shepherd of Brie or briar) and Berger de Beauce (Berger de Beauce — Shepherd of the Beauce, or Beauceron). Thus, the flat area Beauce (Beauce) gave the name of the breed, known also under the name of Bas Rouge, which means red stockings (this is related to tan Beauceron). Beauceron taken out and used as a herding and guard dogs, but there is evidence that their ancestors used for hunting.
The story begins with a modern Beauceron dog show in Paris in 1863. There they were first shown under its current name.
Beauceron first registered in the stud book Kennel Society of France in 1893. They found a dog named Berger de la Chapel (Bergere de la Chapelle), born in 1891. He became the first champion Beauceron beauty.
In 1896, a French shepherd breeders made the final decision to call long-haired dogs shepherd of Brie (Briard), and short-haired — shepherd of Beauce (Beauceron).
Beauceron was never widely distributed outside France. Even now, when rock fans interested in many countries, it is considered that the number of these sheepdogs does not exceed 7 000 animals worldwide. In French pedigree books fewer than 80,000 Beauceron for the entire period from the date the rocks more than a hundred years ago.
Twice in its history, the breed was on the verge of extinction: after the First and Second World Wars. These dogs took part in the hostilities; they were used in the French army as messengers, sentries and minorazysknyh. After World War II, the breed was restored from a population of only about fifty heads.
In the 60-ies of XX century Beauceron breed is not in good condition, and the Ministry of Agriculture of France began to take measures to preserve these ancient shepherds. Since that time, the popularity of Beauceron in France began to grow.
Relatively recently, the breed became known outside of his homeland. Currently Beauceron found its admirers in many countries in Europe and in the United States. This dog has attracted attention because of their appearance, character and good health. What breed never became the subject of fashion, has allowed it to develop peacefully and undoubtedly benefited. Developed as a breed by the end of the XIX century, the modern Beauceron retains many character traits and exterior, reaching almost to the present day in its original form.
Beauceron in Russia
In our country, these dogs were brought to the end of the XX century.
Despite its uniqueness, Beauceron was never in Russian commercial species, and it is very good, as it we deal only true lovers, and investing (in financial terms) in their pets more than they receive. All attempts to make money on the puppies Beauceron in our country end in tears, first of all, unfortunately, for the dogs.
Fifth June 2002 created the National System of RKF Beauceron breed club. By this time the breeding of the breed, launched in Club fans working dogs «Garda» RKF, actively developed. The country has been received six litters Beauceron: two in Moscow, two in Kaliningrad and one in Chelyabinsk and St. Petersburg.
In autumn 2002, the NPC held its first National Exhibition Beauceron, which recorded 12 dogs. Became the first champion of the club Place, Russian breeding dog, and Panther Deux Assiers Noire (Black Panther of Assyria); BOB appeared Place. In the catalog II National Exhibition, held May 25, 2003 in Moscow, was recorded 16 Beauceron.
Since then, the traditional national exhibitions Beauceron held annually in May. From year to year the number and quality of the exhibited dogs on them. The club tried to invite experts-breed specialists, including from France. Since 2006, the Beauceron from Russia perform successfully in the international arena. They occupy the top places on the mono-breeds exhibitions in France and become world and European champions.
Livestock Beauceron in our country is gradually increasing. But representatives of this breed rarely see at shows. Most Russian owners of these dogs are not very active. Most often Beauceron we are just a family dog ​​(in this role they are proven), a companion and guard of country houses. But there are fans among the owners who have successfully engaged with them in training and various sports. In addition, these shepherds used in the MOE, controllers and other services.

Beauceron in Europe and the US
Many years Beauceron was little known outside their homeland, and now, when the breed clubs already Existing-exist in many countries, it is considered that the best Bose-Rhône — France, the birthplace of the breed.
In 1911, France was founded Beauceron Club (Club Les Amis du Beauceron). Over time, the club began to publish a magazine about the breed. The first issue of the Beauceron — Le Bas Rouge («Red Stockings») — was released in June 1933.
The club holds exhibitions and competitions Beauceron, strictly controls the quality of the breeding dogs of this breed in France. Beauceron are special, pretty tough test for the character that allows cull dogs with troubled psyche and various deviations from the standard of behavior.
Every year in France is a big specialized Beauceron show, which involved hundreds of dogs, and not only from France, enthusiasts come here to the largest exhibition Beauceron, from many countries, including Russia. These days, a large gathering of spectators are exterior rings, various competitions and tests of character. Everyone can see what it takes to one or the other dog, and the dog had a problem with the mentality not pass the test and get admission in breeding.
In Belgium, the Beauceron is also a well-known breed; there are good nurseries engaged in breeding and exhibition Beauceron workers. Thanks to the close proximity to the birthplace of the breed Beauceron in Belgium — also of good quality and are often close relatives of their French counterparts.
Clubs of fans of this breed there are also many countries in Western and Eastern Europe as well as in the US.
Purpose: universal dog
Beauceron — big strong dog harmonious addition of black and tan, or (rarely) and tan marble. Color markings must be saturated reddish hue that is reflected in one of the breed’s name — «red stockings». To the uninitiated it looks like a large and heavy Doberman with a tail, double dewclaws and slightly longer hair. The similarity with the Doberman is not accidental: it is believed that the Beauceron was used in deriving the Doberman breed. Previously, when cupping his ears were permitted, look Beauceron was more stylish, but, according to many, and more threatening. Despite the similarity with the Doberman, Beauceron — it’s still a shepherd, though with a more independent character than, for example, «German» or «Belgian». This is probably due to the fact that the Beauceron has something molosoidnoe (remember its origin). But it Beauceron agile and has a flexible character, as Shepherd. It only gradually: Contact Shepherd and its propensity to work in tandem with a man, but not reaching to servility, independence Moloss but not stubbornness, mobility, but not hysterical, and poise. Berger de Beauce, in addition to the propensity to shepherd service, good for its versatility. Many noted the high intelligence of these dogs.
Character: rural nobleman

In France, the Beauceron is called «rural nobleman», and it is difficult to find a more apt definition. Yes, he is a gentleman from the nose to the tip of the claws of their dewclaws. He is full of self-esteem — is the foundation of his character.
Beauceron — one of the largest dogs among shepherds, representatives of group I FCI. When it is necessary to consider the education of its independent character. This is — a dog owner, it is very hard going through separation from those whom he loves.
If the expression «country gentleman» fit the profile of Berger de Beauce, the adjectives «reasonable» and «bold» says everything about his character.
Beauceron — the dog that barks little and only in the case. This is a faithful and devoted friend, able to perform a variety of functions, including the protection and reasonable. Beauceron — a large and active dog that feels better in the country; when the content in the urban environment need to think about how to provide your pet the opportunity to frolic on freedom.
Beauceron in dog sports and special services
Beauceron is used in the service of the police, customs, military and search and rescue teams. In addition, it is possible to do almost all kinds of dog sports. Agility obidiens, freestyle, flaybol, skijoring, shepherd’s office, OKD, ZKS, French, Belgian, Russian (more) rings, mondoring, IPO and other protective and complex types — this is not a complete list of opportunities for employment with the Beauceron. This dog is highly developed pastoral instinct, and in France and some other countries Beauceron actively participate in competitions shepherd service.
Olga Shilov, president NKP RKF «Beauceron» from 2002 to 2007, an expert on working qualities of RKF

Excerpts from the standard
General impression. Beauceron — large, strong, hardy, strong, powerful, well-built, muscular, but not loaded dog.
Behaviour / character. This is an open, self-confident dog, obedient and fearless.
Dimensions. Height at the withers: Males from 65 to 70 cm, females — from 61 to 68 cm.
Head. Length: its length is 2/5 of the height at the withers.
Occiput expressed. The transition from forehead to muzzle is moderate. When viewed in profile, the skull and muzzle lie in parallel planes. Muzzle should be neither narrow nor pointed. Nose always black.
Teeth. Strong. Scissor bite.
Eyes. Horizontally raised slightly oval. The iris is dark brown, the color should never be lighter than dark hazel even if the light tan colored. For color «Harlequin» colored eyes are permitted.
Ears. Set high, flat and relatively short. Semi-erect or pendulous. Should not be pressed to cheeks. Ear length must be equal to half the length of the head.
Neck. Muscled and harmoniously connected to the shoulders.
Torso. Back straight. The croup is slightly sloping. Withers sufficiently expressed. Chest broad, deep and long, lowered to the elbow. Length of body should be slightly longer than the height at the withers.
Tail. Long, reaches at least to the hock, without deviation, slightly curved in the shape of J. Carried low. During the movement of the dog can carry the tail at the level of the topline.
Of course. Front: muscular forearms. Feet: Large, round, collected; nails are always black. Pillows are strong, but flexible. Rear: thighs broad and muscular. Feet: Large, round, collected. There dewclaws (traditionally herders leave dog double dewclaws), which form well separated «thumbs» with nails. It is desirable that dewclaws as close as possible to the paw.
Movement. Flexible, soft and loose. The limbs move parallel. Beauceron should move loping trot.
COAT. The coat is smooth on the body — a short, thick, stiff and tight to the body, 3-4 cm long. The back side of the thigh and the lower side of the tail necessarily framed slightly longer hair. Undercoat short, soft, thick and fluffy, preferably mouse-gray, adherent and is not visible from under the top coat.
Color. Black and red (black and tan), «red stockings». Black color — bright, saturated; red color — like proteins. «Harlequin» (gray marble with red and tan): gray, black and red. Number of black and gray should be approximately the same, the spots well distributed, sometimes with a predominance of black. Fallen like a black and tan.

Literature
1. Le Berger de Beauce. Monique Reverdy. — France: PB Editions, 1999.
2. Le Berger de Beauce. Catherine Dauvergne. — Paris: Editions de Veccihi, 1999.
3. The New Encyclopedia of dogs. Eva-Maria Kramer. — M .: Aquarium 2004

The journal «Friend» №3 (March 2009)