The Berger Picard--often called just "Picard" for short--is a medium-sized, energetic herding breed. Though loyal and affectionate, the Picard can be independent and stubborn, which means these dogs will need early training and socialization in addition to plenty of daily exercise.
Below you'll find details on Berger Picard care including puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding tendencies. For answers to your questions about raising a Berger Picard, read on!
These dogs are both athletic and energetic, so Berger Picard exercise requirements are pretty extensive. As a herding breed with a strong work ethic, the Picard will need a variety of activities that both condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). They make good jogging and bicycling companions as well.
The typical adult Berger Picard will need up to 90 minutes of exercise per day. You can start exercising your Picard puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.
A few things to consider with Picard exercise: first, puppies younger than nine months old shouldn't do too much jumping, running on hard surfaces, or navigating of stairs, as these can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And all Picards, regardless of age, will need to be leashed when in public. For one thing, these dogs have strong herding instincts, and might try to control or "herd" moving objects--joggers, bicyclists, even cars!--if allowed. Picards are also protective, and though they're not aggressive, they may be defensive or confrontational around unknown people or animals. A leash will help you control your Picard in these situations. Even when exercising in your own yard, the area will need to be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off. Otherwise, dogs of this breed are healthy and hardy, and can exercise in a variety of situations and weather conditions.
Precautions aside, it's important to exercise your Berger Picard every single day. These dogs are task-oriented and quite vocal, and without consistent activity they'll make up their own "exercise"--namely, barking nonstop and tearing things to shreds! Regular daily exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind. A few Berger Picard exercise ideas:
When indoors, it's good to give your Berger Picard access to balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that you establish a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.
In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs need moderate care. Berger Picard shedding is fair for most of the year, but heavier during the twice-yearly shedding seasons; drooling isn't an issue.
Picards have wiry, shaggy, double-layered coats of moderate length. Shedding is not too much of a problem for most of the year--but when these dogs "blow" their undercoats in the spring and fall, the shedding can get pretty profuse. Most of the time, owners will need to brush their Picards weekly with a pin brush to reduce the shedding, and cleanup--vacuuming the floors and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be necessary from time to time. During shedding season, cleanup and brushing will obviously be required more often. During this time owners can also use a de-shedding tool (like an undercoat rake) to help collect extra dead hairs.
A Berger Picard rarely drools, though. If your Picard is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.
A Picard, bred to be outdoors, will tolerate both hot and cold weather with equal ease.
Read the grooming requirements for Berger Picards including coat care and other maintenance.
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