Picardy Shepherd
Alert, loyal, and full of energy, the Picardy Shepherd thrives as an active companion. Its shaggy coat and affectionate spirit make it a standout family dog.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
60–65 cm (male)
55–60 cm (female)
WEIGHT
28–32 kg (male)
23–27 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–13 years
Picardy Shepherd: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Picardy Shepherd isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Picardy Shepherd's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Picardy Shepherd is known for being loyal, alert, and gentle, with a calm demeanor toward family but reserved around strangers. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners.
Key Personality Traits
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Learns quickly, responds well to training
Needs daily vigorous physical and mental activity
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to changes in environment
Strengths
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn
- Strong work ethic and stamina
- Excellent natural watchdog instincts
- Adaptable to various living environments
Challenges
- Needs significant daily mental stimulation
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Requires regular coat grooming and maintenance
- May herd children or other animals
Protect your Picardy Shepherd
Picardy Shepherd are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Picardy Shepherds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, responding well to consistent, positive training methods. Picardy Shepherds thrive when given clear guidance and mental challenges.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
90–120 minutes daily
recommended per day
Picardy Shepherds are energetic and require regular, vigorous physical exercise along with mental stimulation. Daily activities such as long walks, play, and training sessions help meet their activity needs.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Picardy Shepherds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Picardy Shepherd would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced handler for training and socialization
Apartment Living
Needs space and dislikes confinement in small areas
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active families who provide daily exercise and stimulation
Kids
Generally gentle, but supervision is needed with very young children
Multiple Pets
Can coexist with other pets if properly socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes long periods of isolation and may develop anxiety or destructiveness
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Picardy Shepherds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Picardy Shepherd
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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