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Berger Picard
Herding breed from Picardy, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Berger Picard
The Berger Picard is a medium-sized herding dog from the Picardy region of France. It has a shaggy coat that is typically fawn or brindle, and its upright ears give it an alert, lively expression. The breed is known for being intelligent, loyal, energetic, alert, and affectionate. Its energy and trainability are rated high (4 out of 5), while grooming and shedding are moderate (3 out of 5). The Berger Picard is generally good with children (4 out of 5) and moderately compatible with other dogs (3 out of 5), but it is less suited to apartment living (2 out of 5). Adult males and females both weigh an estimated 23–32 kg and stand 60–65 cm tall. The estimated lifespan is 12–13 years. Note that these measurements are modelled estimates, not verified exact figures.
Quick facts
Berger Picard at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHerding
OriginPicardy, France
Lifespan12–13 years
Male weight23–32 kilogram
Female weight23–32 kilogram
Male height60–65 centimetre
Female height60–65 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Berger Picard is an ancient French herding breed from the Picardy region. It is considered one of the oldest French sheepdogs. According to historical accounts, the breed nearly became extinct after the World Wars but was restored by dedicated breeders. Its origins are firmly in Picardy, France, and it belongs to the Herding group. The breed's recognition status varies by registry, meaning it is not universally recognized by all kennel clubs. No specific dates or health claims are available from the supplied facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
23–32 kilogramAdult weight60–65 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShaggyCoat colorsFawn, BrindleRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentloyalenergeticalertaffectionate
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Berger Picard-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
Similar breeds
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Related comparisons
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Growth chart
Berger Picard puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight23–32 kilogramAdult female weight23–32 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Berger Picard?
The Berger Picard is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 23–32 kg, and height is 60–65 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12–13 years. These are modelled estimates, not verified exact figures.
What is the temperament of a Berger Picard?
The breed is described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, alert, and affectionate. However, individual dogs may vary. It has a high energy score (4 out of 5) and high trainability (4 out of 5).
How much exercise does a Berger Picard need?
With an energy score of 4 out of 5, the Berger Picard is an energetic breed that likely requires regular daily exercise. Specific exercise needs are not detailed, but its herding background suggests it benefits from physical and mental stimulation.
What are the grooming requirements for a Berger Picard?
The Berger Picard has a shaggy coat that is fawn or brindle. Grooming is rated 3 out of 5 (moderate), and shedding is also 3 out of 5. Regular brushing is likely needed to manage the coat.
Is the Berger Picard good for families with children or other pets?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability, indicating it is generally good with children. For compatibility with other dogs, it scores 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate compatibility. Individual temperaments may vary.
Can a Berger Picard live in an apartment?
The breed scores 2 out of 5 for apartment suitability, meaning it is less suited to apartment living. It likely does best in a home with a yard or ample space to exercise.
Where does the Berger Picard originate from?
The Berger Picard originates from the Picardy region of France. It is an ancient French herding breed and is considered one of the oldest French sheepdogs.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.