Beauceroodle Basics
The Beauceroodle is a highly energetic dog who brings together the intelligent characteristics of the Standard Poodle with the loyal, protective instincts of the Beauceron for a great potential watchdog and, when properly trained and socialized, a wonderful addition to the family.
The Beauceroodle is a high-energy combination of the Standard Poodle and the loyal and loving Beauceron.
Origin
The Beauceroodle is a designer dog and dates back to the 1980s when breeders began mating pure-bred dogs to produce pups that possessed the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a popular breed. With the Beauceroodle, he is the end result of breeding a Standard Poodle from Germany and a Beauceron from France.
Pedigree
Because the Beaueroodle isn’t a purebred dog, he is not eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds are members in good standing. The Poodle joined the AKC’s “non-sporting” group back in 1887 while the Beauceron became a member of the “herding” group as recently as 2007.
Food/Diet
The Beauceroodle is a large, highly active dog and will need a top-quality kibble that reflects his age, size and activity level. Because he comes from 2 breeds that can be prone to bloat and digestive issues, food should be a low-fat variety and always served in 2 to 3 meals versus free-feeding. Avoid foods with fillers that may cause your dog to over-eat to feel full and because joint issues can present later in life, avoid allowing your pooch to become obese.
The Beauceroodle is the product of two highly intelligent and trainable breeds.
Training
The Beauceroodle is the product of two highly intelligent and trainable breeds that respond well to a strong pack leader. Because he can become extremely protective of his family, it’s important his owner be established as the pack leader to ensure he responds quickly to command. His natural leeriness of strangers means he will need extensive socialization from a young age in order to ensure he plays nice with other animals. This dog will respond best to firm, consistent training that includes lots of rewards and verbal praise for a job well done.
Weight
Your Beaueroodle is a large dog who will weigh between 65 and 85 pounds when fully grown.
Temperament/Behavior
The Beauceroodle is highly loyal to his human pack and therefore has great watchdog potential. Because of his protective instincts, he can become aggressive towards strangers and this, coupled with his strong prey/chase instincts (that mean he will likely try to herd the kids and other pets) means early socialization is crucial to turning this dog into a great family pet. Vigorous exercise is essential for this dog or he can become bored and destructive.
Common Health Problems
Designer dogs are typically bred specifically to side-step the health issues that can plague their pure-bred parents however one should always be familiar with what their new pup could inherit. For the Beauceroodle, that can include not only joint issues but bloat and gastric issues from both the Poodle and the Beauceron.
Life Expectancy
The average life span of a Beauceroodle is 11 to 13 years.
Exercise Requirements
The Beauceroodle is a dog with boundless energy and he’s ready to walk, run or play at all times. It’s important that he be exercised daily and that should include at least 90 combined minutes of brisk walking or jogging. He comes from working stock, so this boy needs rigorous playtime in his yard or at a dog park that will allow him to jump, chase and meet his need for mental stimulation. A lack of adequate exercise can result in destructive behaviors. Note that he could be prone to bloat so exercise should be timed well after any feeding.
The Beauceroodle is highly loyal to his human pack and therefore has great watchdog potential.
Recognized Clubs
While the Beauceroodle isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), he is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
The Beauceroodle has a thick, dense coat that is typically the same coloring as a Doberman Pinscher. Brushing 3 to 4 times per week to prevent tangles and matting will keep the hair in check and although he is considered a low- to moderate-shedder the Poodle DNA in your dog means a trip to a professional groomer every few months will be needed to keep his coat looking its best. Bathing can be done as needed and because of his floppy ears, a weekly inspection and cleaning is needed to prevent infection.
Puppies
Beauceroodle puppies grow to be big dogs that can be overly protective of their family and therefore don’t play nice with other animals or people. As a result, extensive socialization is required for this dog when he is still young. Because Beauceroodles can suffer from the same joint issues of their parent breeds, care should always be taking when handling or beginning a exercise regiment to avoid injury to tiny bones.
Photo credit: Nick Chase 68/Shutterstock.com; Nick Chase 68/Shutterstock.com; Tracey Patterson/Shutterstock.com
