The Beauceron, also called the "Beauce Sheep Dog" or "Red Stocking", is a member of the herding dog breed class. They feature a short black coat with tan or grey markings. The breed is assumed to have first originated in the 1500s where they were first bred for herding and guarding sheep. Nowadays they're a suitable choice as a herding or companionship dog. They can be recognized by their high intelligence, courage and demand for challenges. They're known to have come from France and they were developed from shared ancestors with another French breed in the Briard.

They're classed as a medium to large sized breed of dog. The standard female size is 65-85 pounds with a height of 24-26.5 inches, while the male measurements are 65-110 pounds with a height of 25.5-27.5 inches. The breed is recognized for their courageous and loyal disposition. They can be suitable as a protection dog, as they are usually suspicious towards strangers. In comparison to every other breed, they are recognized as being extremely clever, and rank quite highly when being trained to understand new things.

They're fairly suitable as a family pet, as they're good towards children. Animals like other dogs and cats do get along well with them if they're socialized properly. Taking care of their coat is a simple job. They should have a proper groom every 4 to 8 weeks, and occasional brushing of their coat once every week (more in the shedding season). They like having a large yard that gives them room to run around, and won't always be suitable for living in an apartment.

As is the case with most medium to large sized breeds, they are for the most part shorter-lived with a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Their main health problem is hip dysplasia, and they can also be vulnerable to bloat and PRA. They can be entertained with things such as herding, swimming, agility and games of fetch. They require long walks (with varying routes) each day to prevent the threat of bad behavior because of their high amount of energy.

If you choose the Beauceron you need to be prepared to meet their high demand for leadership, exercise and mental stimulation. They are not an ideal option for those with a less active lifestyle, but a good choice for active owners or those with a job for them. One of the reasons people go for this particular breed is the fact it can be a great choice for defending the home and family due to its courageous and loyal nature.