Showsight - November 2017

THE BERGER PICARD A STANDOUT IN THE HERDING GROUP by VALERIE BLACK

S ince entering the Herding group in July 2015, Picards have received attention, inter- est and accolades from judges as well as onlookers. Their numbers are slowly increasing in the United States. The Berger Picard Club of America was formed to preserve and protect the breed as the French intended. It’s impor- tant to know at least some of the history of this rustic breed in order to appreci- ate how they should be presented in the show ring. For centuries they were a utilitar- ian shepherd’s dog and an all around farm dog, with the duty of moving large flocks of sheep from place to place and patrolling the perimeter. They were never a fancy, groomed dog, in fact, in the late 1880s, several Picards were turned away from a dog show as they appeared to be too rustic! The Berger Picard Club of America has fought to maintain that rustic, tousled appear- ance as well as the function of this wonderful breed.

Hallmarks of the breed BUILD

a looser lead with the head nearing the topline in movement .With smaller ring sizes, it is suggested the examiner move dogs more than once around the ring to demonstrate this fluid, lovely motion. HEAD Heads are strong, without being bulky, with parallel planes formed by the top skull and muzzle. Roman nos- es are incorrect. The eyes are almond shaped, lined with dark pigment and a rich dark brown, with slightly lighter shades of hazel and medium brown acceptable—but never yellow. The head has ears held naturally erect, possess- ing an intelligent alert expression. The naturally erect ears are striking and an

This is an athletically built dog of rustic appearance. This means dogs should be in good physical condition, naturally muscular but slim who look like they can do their job all day. GAIT The gait should be efficient, dem- onstrating effortless, fluid movement. These dogs must be sound and solid, built to work all day without tiring. They should be slightly longer than tall (10% longer at the most) with smooth, effortless movement, each long stride covering maximum distance in a smooth, easy gait. They are shown on

“THE CLUB HAS FOUGHT TO MAINTAIN THAT RUSTIC, TOUSLED APPEARANCE AS WELL AS THE FUNCTION OF THIS WONDERFUL BREED.”

314 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , N OVEMBER 2017

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