Berger de Savoie

The Berger de Savoie: The herding dog from the Alps

History of the Berger de Savoie

The Berger de Savoie has its roots in the French Alps, particularly in the Savoy region. It was originally bred as a working dog to herd and protect livestock. Its ability to work in extreme weather conditions made it an indispensable partner for shepherds. The exact history of this breed is not fully documented, but it is believed to be a mix of old shepherd dogs and local working dogs specially selected for the harsh conditions of the Alps.

Who is the Berger de Savoie suitable for?

The Berger de Savoie is ideal for active people and families who spend a lot of time outdoors and can provide a dog with sufficient physical and mental exercise. This breed is less suited to living in a small apartment or in the city, unless you have the opportunity to give it plenty of exercise every day. A house with a garden or regular outings in the countryside are perfect for this energetic four-legged friend.

Character and temperament

The Berger de Savoie is known for its intelligence, loyalty and strong protective instinct. It is an attentive and eager worker that learns quickly and is easy to train. These dogs are also known for their friendliness and attachment to their family, which makes them great family dogs. They generally get along well with children and other pets as long as they have been properly socialized.

Appearance of the Berger de Savoie

The Berger de Savoie is a medium-sized dog with a robust and muscular build. It has a dense, weatherproof coat that protects it from the harsh conditions of the Alps. Coat color varies, but black, gray and various shades of brown are common. Its alert eyes and upright posture give it a watchful and intelligent expression.

Size and weight

Males reach a shoulder height of around 55 to 65 cm and weigh between 25 and 35 kg. Females are somewhat smaller and lighter, with a shoulder height of 50 to 60 cm and a weight of 20 to 30 kg.

Care of the Berger de Savoie

Coat care

The dense coat of the Berger de Savoie requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep the skin healthy. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient, but more frequent brushing may be necessary during the spring and fall shedding season.

Health

The Berger de Savoie is generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years. However, as with many large breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia and eye problems can occur. Regular visits to the vet and a balanced diet are important to ensure your dog's health.

Exercise and movement

This breed needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks, hikes and outdoor playtime are essential to keep the Berger de Savoie happy and healthy. An under-stimulated dog can develop destructive behavior, so it's important to keep them busy.

Training recommendations

The Berger de Savoie is an intelligent and eager to learn dog that responds positively to consistent and reward-based training. Early socialization and basic obedience are important to ensure that your dog gets along well with other people and animals. Due to his herding instincts, he can sometimes act independently, so clear and consistent leadership is necessary.

Behavior with children and other animals

The Berger de Savoie is generally patient and gentle with children, especially if he has been used to their company from an early age. He also gets along well with other dogs and pets, provided he has been properly socialized. However, his protective instinct can make him wary and cautious in new situations.

Recognition by the FCI

The Berger de Savoie is not currently recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Nevertheless, it enjoys great popularity in its home region and among fanciers worldwide.