Beauceroodle

The Beauceron came from France in the 16^th century, is not very common, and is also known as the Berger de Beauce or Bas Rouge. They are large, independent dogs who are mainly used for herding sheep and cattle. This herding dog has unending energy and is bred from the Briard and possibly the Doberman. There is a manuscript from the Renaissance period dated 1578 with mention of the Beauceron being the largest and most courageous of the French Sheepdogs and were used by farmers to protect their herd as well as their family. Their name reportedly comes from the area of France near Paris known as La Beauce, where the dog originated. Until 1863, the French Sheepdogs were considered one breed but then they separated the Beauceron, which has a short coat, from the Briard, which has a long coat. The French Army used the Beauceron as a messenger during World Wars I and II because they were so adept at detecting mines and following directions. In fact, they are still used for some military and police work. The Beauceron Club of America was formed in 1980 but they were not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2007 where they are the 140^th most popular dog breed. The Poodle, while perfected in France, was originally from Germany. They are one of the oldest known breeds and also one of the most intelligent. At first, they were just used for hunting and retrieving but then it was discovered how clever they were and they became popular as show dogs and used in circus acts. Originally related to the French, Hungarian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, and German Water dogs, they were also bred with Asian Herding dogs and the Barbet. There are many stories about their history but the most popular dates them back to the first century when they were found in Egyptian tombs. There are two other sizes, which are the Toy and Miniature Poodles, which were created by breeding smaller Poodles with smaller Poodles until they reached the desired size. The Poodle is the 7^th most popular breed in the United States and was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1887.