Shepherd De Auvergne is a breed originating from central France, where it was bred as a versatile hunting dog. The coat coloration pattern of some dogs of the breed is reminiscent of the coat of hyenas. They are dogs with a developed hunting instinct, intelligent and with a great capacity for training.
General details
The dogs of the breed are of medium size with a weight ranging between 20 and 30 kilograms in males, and between 19 and 26 kilograms in females. The height varies between 50 and 58 centimeters in males and between 45 and 53 centimeters in females. The life expectancy of this breed is 10 to 12 years. The breed is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Breed history in brief
The Auvergne Shepherd breed has a long history that began in central France, in the Auvergne region, where it was bred for hunting. The dogs were valued for their endurance and ability to work in difficult terrain. In the early 1980s, the importation of Border Collies to this French region caused the displacement of the Auvergne Shepherd, which was on the verge of extinction in the 2000s.
Despite the preservation work of many followers and breeders of the breed, today, the Auvergne Shepherd is rare, even in its native region.
Breed characteristics
The Auvergne Shepherd is a dog with a robust but not heavy build and a rustic appearance. The length of the body is slightly longer than the height. The skull is slightly narrower than long. The eyes are slightly oval and hazel in color, although they may show colorations such as blue or multicolored if they have the merle coat pattern. The ears are triangular in shape, of medium length and are usually carried semi-erect or semi-lapped.
The coat is dense and harsh, and can also be short, harsh or of medium length, but never long. Coloration is varied including fawn, brindle, black, merle or a combination of some of these patterns. In addition, the coat can be with or without marbling.
The breed is characterized by being intelligent and versatile. The Auvergne Shepherd has an assertive and reserved character, but at the same time friendly and self-confident. They enjoy time spent exercising outdoors, as they are high energy dogs.
Common health problems
Information on the most common diseases in the breed is very limited. Despite this, it may show predisposition to suffer from some of the most common diseases or disorders in dogs such as hip dysplasia, allergies, obesity, cataracts, glaucoma and retinal dysplasia.
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