Lapponian Herder vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison

Lapponian Herder vs Berger Picard - Breed ComparisonLapponian Herder is originated from Finland but Berger Picard is originated from France. Lapponian Herder may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Berger Picard. Both Lapponian Herder and Berger Picard are having almost same weight. Both Lapponian Herder and Berger Picard has same life span. Both Lapponian Herder and Berger Picard has almost same litter size. Lapponian Herder requires Moderate maintenance. But Berger Picard requires Low maintenance

History

lapponian herder - historyThe Lapponian Herder hails from Finland. He is a dog which was developed for the Sami people who needed a strong dog to herd and guard their reindeer. The Sami people knew that they could reply on these Spitz-type dogs to efficiently manage their reindeer herds.

As with many other dog breeds, their numbers dwindled during and after the Second World War, and breeders then stepped forward to restore the herding dog populations. The dog was developed from Spitz-type herding breeds which were crossed with black and white Karelian Bear Dogs as well as other dog varieties.

Both the Lapponian Herder and the Finnish Lapphund were recognized as the same breed, with the Lapponian being separated into its own breed in 1966.

The dog is one of Finland’s five national dog breeds and in 2017, the Lapponian Herder was accepted to the Foundation Stock Service program.

berger picard - historyIn the Picardie region of northeastern France saw visiting Celts/Franks enter the region along with a shepherd dog. They arrived in the Pas de Calais in 800 AD and might be the oldest shepherd dog of France. Named for Pacardy, the Berger Picard is certainly one of the most ancient of today’s French breeds. Some believe this shepherd comes from the lines of Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, while other insist he is related to the Beauceron and Briard.

Never popular as a show dog due to its shaggy appearance, even though it was entered in Frances first dog show in 1863, the breed was almost extinct following the second World War. Currently there are a little under 5000 left in the world with most of them, 3000, in France. The Picard is a good herding dog and loved by the shepherds of the Picardy region. The United Kennel Club recognized the rare breed in 1994, but the AKC did not recognize it until 2016.

The Berger Picard is a loyal, people-oriented dog, good with children and families if socialized as a puppy. In 2006 the Berger Picard Club of America was formed as more and more dogs are being imported from France. There was a genetic study done this year that proposes that 7 breeds of shepherd all descended from a European herding dog that was all over Europe before 1859. This dog was the father of the Berger Picard, the German Shepherd, The Bergamaso Shepherd, the Lupino de Gigante, the Cane Paratore, the Cane da pasore della Lessinia e del Lagorai , and the Pastore d”oropa. After recognition, the Picard was shown for the first time at Krufts in March 2016. They followed that with a best of breed win by Gabby, Guess V.D. Benedicks

Description

lapponian herder puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized dog and both male and female dogs stand between 43 and 51cm in height and weigh in the region of 30 to 35kg.

The average litter size for these dogs is 5 to 8 puppies.

They have a medium length double coat which is straight and fairly harsh to the touch. They are moderate shedders.

Looking much like a combination German Shepherd and Wolf, the Lapponian Herder’s coat can be dark grey, cream, dark brown and black. He has erect ears, brown eyes and a long bushy tail which can be held low but which he raises somewhat over the back when he is alert. The head is wedge-shaped with tapering muzzle and black nose.

Temperament:

Energetic and lively while also being calm, the Lapponian Herder makes an excellent family pet.

As a very active breed, he is going to need an active, outdoor-type of owner. He is an intelligent, independent dog who wants to be kept busy. Because of his smartness he is easy to train ad socialize, being a dog that wants to please.

Training and socialization will do wonders for him, particularly because he is a vocal dog, loving to bark and air his views. With the training you can call out to him ‘be quiet’ and he will, as he becomes an obedient dog who is a pleasure to have around in all kinds of situations.

berger picard puppy - descriptionThe Berger Picard is a muscular, medium sized, faithful companion. He is especially great with an owner who is athletic and energetic. They have a rugged constitution, slightly longer back, and full tail. The coat is thick, strong and harsh. They are never overweight or bulky. This gives the Berger Picard the look of a mixed breed dog. They have erect ears and thick eyebrows. This lanky looking dog is alert and lively. Movement is efficient, free and tireless. They have strong bones with a sturdy build and a take charge personality.

They have a strong rectangular head that is not massive. His eyes are oval and medium sized, never round or protruding. Eye color should be dark and never yellow. Cheek muscles are strong, and muzzle is smooth, ending abruptly at the nose. Scissors bite, deep chest and round feet. There should not be any dewclaws on the back legs.

Characteristics

lapponian herder dog - characteristicsThe Lapponian Herder is a great family pet who is social and who loves being in the company of his human family, being able to get on well with children in the home too, as well as pets.

He plays a protective role too, not being quiet when it comes to barking and warning his family of intruders.

They’re very energetic dogs but can be docile indoors. He is smart too, being able to learn quickly. Bring one of these Lapponian Herders into your home, and you’re guaranteed a splendid family pet.

berger picard dog - characteristicsThe Berger Picard needs to be a part of a pack with an owner who is clearly the pack leader. This is an intelligent, friendly, and sensitive to harsh voice scolding. They are not easy to train, and you need to be calm and patient when working with him. The Picard has a tendency to be stubborn with an owner who appears to be weak. If raised with or socialized to children and other animals, they will live fine with them. They are best in a rural environment rather than a close neighborhood. They are very quiet dogs, but they need a job and they excel at work.

Health Problems

lapponian herder puppies - health problemsThe Lapponian Herder, with good care, should be able to live for 10 to 14 years.

He is generally believed to be a healthy dog breed, but as with most other dogs, there are a few health issues which can crop up. These can be eye- and infections as well as skin allergies. These can be highly irritating for your dog and painful too, and veterinary intervention may be required.

Other serious dog problems can be bloat and joint dysplasia.

berger picard puppies - health problemsThe Berger Picard is not a heavy or extra-large dog, but they still can have hip dysplasia, though it is not nearly as prevalent as it is in larger breeds. Eye infections can present in puppies more than adults and hereditary eye issues such as PRA and RD are all too common. (Progressive Retina Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia)

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

lapponian herder dogs - caringThe Lapponian Herder has a dense coat and he is considered to be an average shedder with some seasonal shedding.

To keep the coat sleek and shiny, get into the habit of brushing him twice a week. With the assistance of the right grooming tools you will be able to clip his nails if he doesn’t wear them down naturally. Just be careful though, because cutting to far down can mean cutting him where the nerves are and this can cause your pet great pain.

When you brush him, check his ears at the same time and use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess wax and dirt.

His teeth should also be cleaned with canine toothpaste and toothbrush. If you are apprehensive about keeping up with these grooming procedures, there are professional dog grooming experts who will attend to your dog’s grooming needs.

Diet:

The Lapponian Herder is a medium sized dog full of energy.

If you feed him commercially manufactured kibble, you’ll read on the packaging about the type of food it is and what portion sizes to give him. Always go for the top quality brands that are made with good meaty ingredients and not filled with the likes of colorants and preservatives.

It is healthier to give him 2 smaller meals a day as opposed to one large meal. Try and give him some home-cooked food to bring in some variety. Excellent food for him would be some cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and some cooked or raw vegetables added into his kibble. Every now and then it can be good for him to have a bit of raw meat added into his food.

Your Lapponian Herder must have constant access to cool, fresh water. Remember to wash the bowl out regularly, as the dog’s saliva enters the water when drinking.

Feeding

berger picard dogs - caringThis is an athletic and active breed with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality food that is full of nutrients and not empty calories. Don’t overfeed him as some will have a tendency to become obese. They should be fed twice a day in equal proportions. Treats are good when training but don’t overdo it.

Health issues

Since the Berger Picard has not been overbred, there are not a lot of genetic disorders in the breed. They do have some

  1. Hip Dysplasia
  2. Eye Infections
  3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  4. Retinal Dysplasia

You should have your puppy certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and then the Canine Eye Research Foundation that they do not have these issues and if they do, resolve them. The results of these tests should be published in the OFA registry. This breed is also a participant in the Canine Health Information Center. This means their eyes and hips have been checked and the results published. Their blood is being stored for DNA purposes and one of the following have been evaluated: heart, elbows or thyroid. There is an OFA Berger Picard health survey whose results are available to anyone who asks. This does not track individual dogs but the breed as a whole.

Exercise and games

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise. She likes to swim, take long walks, take runs with you on your bike. They love to jog with you as well. Agility, obedience and any other type of competition will appeal to your Picard. However, don’t expect them to excel at competition because they are not consistent performers. But if they don’t get enough exercise and fun they will become very destructive. Barn hunt and non-competitive herding activities are perfect for the Picard.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Finland
France
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
21 - 31 kg
46 - 69 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
2 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Lapinporokoira, Lapp Reindeer dog, Reindeer Herder
Picardy Shepherd • Berger de Picard • Bacardi Shepherd • Berger de Picardie Picard
Colors Available:
dark brown, Dark grey, cream, black
grey, grey-black, blue-grey, red-grey, and light or darker fawn brindle
Coat:
Medium length, straight, harsh
harsh, waterproof, tough, tusseled
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  3. Queensland Heeler vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  4. Red Heeler vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  5. New Zealand Huntaway vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  6. Norwegian Buhund vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  7. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  8. Mudi vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  9. Schapendoes vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  10. Nenets Herding Laika vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  11. Scotch Collie vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  12. Smithfield vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  13. Smooth Collie vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Water Dog vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  15. Swedish Lapphund vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  16. Swedish Vallhund vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  17. Thai Bangkaew vs Lapponian Herder - Breed Comparison
  18. Lapponian Herder vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Lapponian Herder vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  20. Lapponian Herder vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Lapponian Herder vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  22. Lapponian Herder vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  23. Lapponian Herder vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Lapponian Herder vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Lapponian Herder vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  29. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  30. English Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Cur vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  32. Catalan Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  33. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  34. Bergamasco vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  35. Berger Picard vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  37. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Berger Picard vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  39. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  40. Berger Picard vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  42. Berger Picard vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  44. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  45. Queensland Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  46. German Coolie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  47. Bohemian Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  48. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  49. Red Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds