The Elegant and Powerful Beauceron
The elegant and powerful Beauceron is an ancient French breed that some call the "King of sheep dogs".
A good herding dog is not trained to round up sheep it does so instinctively, that's because a dog's herding and hunting instincts are intertwined.
A sheep dog is likely to handle its flock roughly as prey.
Unless trained otherwise the Beaucerons hunting instinct is particularly fierce and close to the surface, and that's is why a well trained Berger de Beauce makes a superlative shepherd.
With no hesitation it takes the offensive against stray sheep or approaching strangers.
The Beauceron is mainly found in continental Europe where during the last century it was responsible for containing sheep within postures and herding them along roads.
Since only two dogs were necessary to control 200 to 300 sheep, they were indispensable on farms where manpower was limited.
Since then, industries have strayed to the countryside, claiming large chunks of open pasture and animal husbandry has become scientific.
Today, the Beauceron's job as a sheep dog is limited to escorting flocks from one fold to another.
The dogs hunting instincts are increasingly valued however.
With its quick reflexes, readiness to attack, and deep seated mistrust of strangers it is an ideal guard dog.
Not even another dog should stray into its territory as the Beauceron will lunge at its throat.
But such spontaneity and natural aggressiveness, some say viciousness and brutality are tempered by unconditional loyalty to its master and an aptitude for obedience.
The trick is to train this intelligent Dog carefully.
Its independent disposition makes it very difficult to control, and it does not readily accept changes of hand.
Some Beaucerons, if poorly handled or unloved, can prove extremely dangerous, and no amount of discipline or eviction can condition this dog to accept city life.
Yet if raised at the same time as the master's children a Beauceron can prove to be an affectionate and protective pet.
The Beauceron has a solid, powerfully built, muscular but not heavy body.
That's tough, intimidating sheep dog bears some resemblance to the Doberman pinscher.
A good herding dog is not trained to round up sheep it does so instinctively, that's because a dog's herding and hunting instincts are intertwined.
A sheep dog is likely to handle its flock roughly as prey.
Unless trained otherwise the Beaucerons hunting instinct is particularly fierce and close to the surface, and that's is why a well trained Berger de Beauce makes a superlative shepherd.
With no hesitation it takes the offensive against stray sheep or approaching strangers.
The Beauceron is mainly found in continental Europe where during the last century it was responsible for containing sheep within postures and herding them along roads.
Since only two dogs were necessary to control 200 to 300 sheep, they were indispensable on farms where manpower was limited.
Since then, industries have strayed to the countryside, claiming large chunks of open pasture and animal husbandry has become scientific.
Today, the Beauceron's job as a sheep dog is limited to escorting flocks from one fold to another.
The dogs hunting instincts are increasingly valued however.
With its quick reflexes, readiness to attack, and deep seated mistrust of strangers it is an ideal guard dog.
Not even another dog should stray into its territory as the Beauceron will lunge at its throat.
But such spontaneity and natural aggressiveness, some say viciousness and brutality are tempered by unconditional loyalty to its master and an aptitude for obedience.
The trick is to train this intelligent Dog carefully.
Its independent disposition makes it very difficult to control, and it does not readily accept changes of hand.
Some Beaucerons, if poorly handled or unloved, can prove extremely dangerous, and no amount of discipline or eviction can condition this dog to accept city life.
Yet if raised at the same time as the master's children a Beauceron can prove to be an affectionate and protective pet.
The Beauceron has a solid, powerfully built, muscular but not heavy body.
That's tough, intimidating sheep dog bears some resemblance to the Doberman pinscher.
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