Page 254 - ShowSight - February 2020

Berger Picard Q & A
“A dog with a strong herding and guarding instinct needs to be communicated with effectively for what a typical home without sheep REALLY needs their help with. They need to learn they don’t need to help with kids, cats, chickens or visitors.”
Lisa Naert continued
My wife is retired but has taken the role of Head Dog Wrangler at BeauVol Berger Picards.
I’ve worked for 33 years in R&D in pharmaceuticals and excipi- ents for a major corporation. Outside of dogs, I do gardening, tend my few chickens and if there’s time, I do cross stitch. Even though it’s not outside of dogs, I’m the president of our UKC club, the Berger Picard Club of the United States and I’m founder and presi- dent of the Berger Picard Research Fund that is a 501c3 for raising money for research for our breed.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? I’d be pleased if the breed did a very slow climb up in the numbers. I wouldn’t want the breed to become too popular too fast, for fear that homes would want them but not understand them and they wouldn’t do well with them. The best thing breeders and owners can do for the breed, is to educate people of the pros and cons before they get this breed over another. I don’t think our placement within the recognized breeds should be a ‘com- petition’ though, because where we are isn’t relative to how well we are doing to protect and preserve the breed.
Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? Nev- er! If someone new recognizes my dogs for a Picard, I know they are either a dog show person or have seen the movie “Because Of Winn Dixie” and researched what breed(s) the dog is. Often, when I say Berger Picard or Picardy Shepherd, the response is, “I’ve never heard of that breed!” and I tell them, “Don’t feel bad, most people haven’t.” It IS amusing though to hear the mix breed combinations some people guess before they ask the breed!
What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house? Since Picards are rustic farm dogs, one of the reasons I wanted one was to feel safe in my home. I can tell you, no one will ever sneak in my home without me knowing it! Since they’ve got good herding instinct, they feel the need to watch “their flock”, so that means they prefer to be with their humans too. Since getting my first Picard over 11 years ago, I’ve never felt lonely.
What about the breed makes them an ideal companion? With many things, the same advantage can be a disadvantage. The Picard is loving and attentive, but some people can see that as very needy. We love it though!
A dog with a strong herding and guarding instinct needs to be communicated with effectively for what a typical home without sheep REALLY needs their help with. They need to learn they don’t need to help with kids, cats, chickens or visitors.
Picards can be good judges of character, so when one of my Picards really takes to someone, I hope that person considers it a great compliment.
Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? Many people here “shepherd” or “herding” and they envision a Bor- der Collie or a dog that HAS to constantly be doing something for their whole lives. Picard pups have that puppy energy, but Picards have an “off button” because they like to be with their humans. So if we’re having a lazy day, our Picards are typically content with that too.
What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? I’d have too much to say about this, so
let’s just pass. But I’m thankful for the people who seek out well- bred puppies from responsible breeders because they understand their worth.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Show worthiness is not only structure but also temperament. I start to see temperaments as the pup’s personalities start to shine at five weeks. Just after seven weeks, temperament seems more defini- tive. At seven to nine weeks, when pups are able to trot around and look like young dogs and not infants, it stays rather true to their worthiness.
The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? The Picard is meant to see over his flock, so we want a sturdy and solid dog that is well balanced.
The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? As in any sport, good sportsmanship is the first key. Inclusion, edu- cation, education and education are all keys. I don’t expect every Picard to be suited for show, sport or breeding, so we need support and involvement from the owners whose dogs’ only purpose is to be companions to their people.
My ultimate goal for the breed? My goal is to have a breed with a reputation for being healthy and vital. We have only been breed- ing Picards in the USA for a few generations, so we are starting to see health issues come up we might not have known were prevalent. Together, with shared information, new research and contributions, I hope we can learn more and breed better dogs.
My favorite memory was not too long ago at a UKC show when my then four-month-old puppy, The Dude (BeauVol’s On The Nose) won “Best Puppy”. I knew it wasn’t a big venue or a big win, but it meant the world to me. I don’t come to tears easily, but this day, I had to keep from breaking down.
You see, we had almost lost Dude to an infection at five weeks, which is just the age when puppies are starting to make red blood cells for themselves. My vet quickly determined that he needed a blood transfusion or he would have died. On our two-hour drive to the intensive care emergency veterinary hospital, I kept promising this sweet, little exhausted puppy, “If you keep trying, I’ll keep try- ing.” I’m still so thankful for all of my social media friends who sent love, healing energy, good juju and prays for him. He came home two days later with meds and more tests to be done until he fully recovered. We could see as he got better, that he had turned out to be a very good dog indeed. He’s just seven months old now, but I’m still trying (learning to be a better handler) because he kept his part of what I asked him to do.
I’d also like to share about the breed that Berger Picards are not for everyone. I learned so much about patience and reading dogs since having my Picards. If they aren’t given good guidance/train- ing, they’re going to think for themselves and try to run the place.
They’re fun to live with because they’re silly and playful. I have some who love balls and some who will do anything to get to go out and catch discs I throw. Mine all love water and we are now getting into dock diving. Picardy Hugs are the best thing when you’re feel- ing down! Yes, their big black rubber noses are really that big!
252 • ShowSight Magazine, February 2020