After I put Cody down, my trainer and I developed a good friendship. Once in a while, we talk through text message on our cell phone and he knows that I want to do ring sports.

We met for lunch and had a long serious conversation about Malinois, Doberman, and german shepherd. He said that malinois is the only breed that excels in ring sports; however, he is not comfortable with the idea of me dealing a malinois. I agree with him on that. I have asked him about doberman and he said that it seems to more suitable for me, but it will be hard to find a good one and those health issues that come with it.

He recommends that I should start with German shepherd and do schutzhund first. I have not made any decision yet, and I'm still looking around and taking my time. I have heard of beauceron, but I have never met one in person. I'm wondering anyone has met them before? What do you guys think of the breed? Will it be a good compensation for me if I want to do ring sports? Is it similar to malinois?

On May 2nd I'm going to San Diego, Ca for vacation with a friend. On Saturday that weekend, I asked two ladies who have a lot of knowledge on ring sports to meet up, talk, and watch them training with their dogs. Sounds like a great fun.

I have never had one, but I have a breeder earmarked for the future. I love the look of them and from what I've read they seem alot like the temperment of a well bred shepherd. Personally, I think they'd be a great breed,... curious to see what others think!

I have seen one used for the Search and rescue team for the Detroit area. The dog is now 11 and being retired (to be replaced by a Malinois). They said she was a great dog. The guy did talk about how much fire the Mal had, so I assume the Beauceron was a bit easier to deal with, heh.

I thought I'd mention this since the Beauceron and Mal were doing the same job.

As you can see by this link, they are indeed used in French Ring.
http://www.pawsnclaws.us/les_kennel.htm

Ms. Koehler, I mean no disrespect but you should not buy dogs like you buy art. That said the Beaucerons genetic heritage has, for the most, part been lost because of breed stock selection, i.e., pet and show homes. Every working breed is now replete of stories of what they used to do, but few unfortunately have stories of what they do now. It is one thing you want this breed for a companion, but if you want this breed to work or compete, that is quite another. All you have to is look at how many out of the tens of thousands that do compete are Beaucerons. You will find very few of them. Then research the police or military working canines and find how many of those dogs are Beaucerons, again very few. It is good to remember that police and military handlers don’t need there dog for points but for there survival. Now the Beauceron of old could work but we are talking about the Beauceron of today. Again I am not saying they don’t exist but the numbers are so small that the chances of you finding one, well let’s just say they are not very good. IMO your chances in getting what you want are much better with a well bred German Shepherd Dog. Good luck.Norman

Hi Lindsay, I believe Karla Armendariz has a great male GSD puppy available!

It would be extremely difficult to find a Beauceron that has the overall drive, temperament and especially nerve of even a mediocre GSD. They simply "don't have it" - it would be the exception for the breed, not the norm, to find one that could work. I have seen quite a few tested for Schutzhund, and have not seen even one that would have any hope getting anywhere in the protection phase. The ones that I have seen doing SAR "do it" but a good GSD could do it much better.

molly

Lindsay, last year I was also looking at this breed for my brother in law. I really like the look of the Beauceron. There are obvious signs that breed could do some work. I think if you invest the time and do your homework, you can still find a good one to compete.

Lindsay,
A few years (4 or 5) back I had correspondence with this person about an unrelated topic. I provided this link as FYI. Although I am not very knowledgeable about the breed, I was comfortable within the confines of correspondence that was exchanged between us.

http://www.angelfire.com/mi2/beauceron/

Sue may be able to provide some additional insight or answers for you. Good luck.

Tony

Lindsay
I used to live in North County San Diego and went to see a breeder with my ex SIL because she was interested in the Beauceron.....from what I saw they were beautiful, high drive, working dogs. I could PM you with the name of the breeder and where she was located if you're interested. BTW, ex SIL decided against the breed because the ones we saw looked like quite a handful. They were doing French Ring while we were there.......she also had Mals.

Staffron,

Yes, I believe I know who you are talking about, Debbie right? I am meeting her and other lady on May 3th. It will be my first time to meet her beauceons. I will find out more about their temperaments when I go to there. I'm sure she and I will talk and find out if this is the right choice for me.

Hopefully they are less handful than malinois.