Berger Picards are intelligent, sensitive herding dogs that bond closely with one person, tend to be reserved with unfamiliar people, and have a strong motion/prey drive—so fast movement, small pets, or a crowded lobby can trigger alerting, staring, or herding-type nudging. They often cope better with calm, predictable handling and space to observe first; sudden approaches, direct, prolonged eye contact, and loud or novel noises (construction, clippers, door chimes) can increase stress. Many are selective about food rewards, so ask owners if they brought preferred treats or if food isn’t motivating when anxious. Separation from their person in busy settings may elevate distress; quicker rooming and allowing the owner to stay within sight can help. If the owner reports collapse, blue/gray gums, or labored breathing en route or on arrival, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Picards can be a bit aloof with new people and may react to fast movement or small pets. Would you prefer we room you on arrival and keep some distance from other animals? Do they have favorite treats or handling preferences we should note, or would they do better with minimal petting at first? If you notice collapse, blue gums, or trouble breathing at any point, please tell me right away so I can get the medical team.
Generally healthy but Berger Picards have documented breed‑linked risks: hereditary eye disease (progressive retinal atrophy with early‑ or late‑onset patterns), orthopedic issues (hip dysplasia; elbows appear less common), heart disease including dilated cardiomyopathy, low thyroid (hypothyroidism), and cancers including nail‑bed/digital squamous cell carcinoma. Front‑desk red flags to escalate include new night‑vision problems or bumping into objects; persistent hind‑limb lameness or difficulty rising; coughing, labored breathing, blue/pale gums, fainting/collapse; a swollen, painful toe, repeated nail loss, or toe bleeding; or new seizures. ([bpclubofamerica.org](https://bpclubofamerica.org/berger-picard-health))
Front desk script: Picards can be prone to eye issues (PRA), hip problems, some heart disease, low thyroid, and occasional toe tumors. If you’re seeing night‑vision changes, a swollen or bleeding toe, or ongoing lameness, we should book a same‑day visit. If your dog has trouble breathing, blue gums, faints/collapses, or has repeated seizures, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest ER now. ([petmd.com](https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/berger-picard))
Berger Picards are medium, athletic herding dogs that bond closely with their people, are often reserved with strangers, and need daily exercise plus mental work (training, sports, puzzle toys). Their rough, low‑odor coat usually needs only weekly brushing, with extra brushing during seasonal sheds. Plan on secure, on‑leash or fenced activity due to a strong chase drive. Lifespan averages 12–13 years. Ask breeders for health screening records (e.g., OFA hips and annual ophthalmology exams) and watch for night‑vision changes (possible PRA) or any signs of labored breathing, blue gums, collapse, or fainting—those require immediate care.
Front desk script: They’re active working dogs that do best with daily exercise and engagement; a quick weekly brush usually handles the shaggy coat. We recommend a baseline exam and can discuss typical screenings (hips, yearly eye exam) for the breed. If an owner reports blue gums, trouble breathing, collapse, or sudden night‑vision problems, advise them to go to the nearest emergency clinic now.
Front desks most often hear from Berger Picard owners about: activity-related limping or stiffness (breed reports hip issues); eye changes such as bumping into things or trouble in dim light and requests to book routine ophthalmology/CAER checks (PRA occurs in this breed); high-energy/chase behaviors prompting training or leash/fence questions; seasonal shedding/rough-coat care questions; and occasional calls after a vet mentions a heart murmur or possible thyroid screening as part of breed club CHIC-style health checks. Escalate immediately if there is a tight/swollen abdomen with unproductive retching, collapse, blue/gray gums, severe breathing trouble, or sudden painful/red eyes or abrupt vision loss—advise ER now.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Berger Picard. This breed commonly comes in for exercise‑related limping, eye/vision concerns, and behavior or coat‑care questions, and we’re happy to schedule an exam. If your dog is non–weight‑bearing, showing new night‑vision problems, or has eye redness/discharge, we recommend a same‑day appointment. If you see a swollen hard belly with gagging/retching, collapse, blue gums, or severe breathing difficulty, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest ER and we can call ahead.
Berger Picards have a harsh, crisp, weather‑resistant double coat (rough topcoat over a dense undercoat) that is naturally low‑oil and low‑odor, so routine care is light: brief brush‑outs are usually needed only occasionally, but plan longer de‑shedding appointments during seasonal coat “blow” (spring/fall). Bathe only when dirty to preserve coat texture, and avoid clipping/scissoring or shaving, which can damage double coats and is contrary to the breed’s rustic presentation; refer clients to groomers experienced with double‑coated/wiry‑textured breeds. Front desk should watch scheduling around shedding seasons and set expectations for more hair at home during those periods. Escalate if owners report sudden intense itching, raw “hot spots,” foul ear odor/discharge, persistent head‑shaking, or a swollen ear flap—these warrant same‑day veterinary assessment.
Front desk script: This breed’s coat is meant to be rustic and low‑maintenance: light brushing most of the year, but schedule extra brush‑outs during spring/fall shedding. Baths are only when dirty, and we advise against close clipping or shaving—ask for a groomer familiar with double‑coated breeds. If you notice severe itching, raw spots, or ear odor/discharge with head‑shaking, please call us so we can see your dog today or direct you to urgent care.
Berger Picards are medium–large, athletic herding dogs; during intake, screen for breed-noted orthopedic (ask about new limping or reduced jumping) and eye concerns (ask about night-vision changes, bumping into objects, red/painful eyes), and note any history of heart murmurs/cough, exercise intolerance, or low energy/weight gain that might prompt cardiac or thyroid screening at the vet’s discretion. Route routine wellness/vaccines normally; book sooner if owners report chronic stiffness, intermittent vision issues, or new cough in an adult/senior. Same day: acute non–weight-bearing lameness, painful/red eyes, or sudden vision change. Emergency: non-productive retching with a tight/swollen abdomen, pale/blue gums, collapse, severe breathing difficulty—advise immediate ER and warm‑transfer. Breeders/new adopters may have CHIC/OFA eye and hip results—offer to upload to the record.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Berger Picard—let me ask a few quick questions about mobility, eyes, breathing, and energy so we route you correctly. For wellness or ongoing minor issues, I can book our next available exam; if you’re seeing sudden limping that won’t bear weight, eye redness/pain, or a sudden change in vision, we’ll aim to see you today. If there’s non-productive retching with a tight or bloated belly, collapse, severe trouble breathing, or very pale/blue gums, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest ER now and I can stay on the line to help you get there. If you have CHIC/OFA health results, I can attach them to your pet’s chart.
Lifecycle touchpoints for Berger Picards: puppies need frequent visits every 3–4 weeks to complete vaccine series, microchip, and early behavior/socialization check-ins; young adults (to ~7–10 years) transition to 6–12 month wellness and preventive care with common owner questions on exercise outlets, training, and screening priorities for hips, eyes, thyroid, and heart; seniors (~10+ years) benefit from twice‑yearly exams with doctor-directed screening as mobility, vision, and energy change. Red flags at any age—rapid or labored breathing, blue/gray gums, fainting/collapse, or a suddenly swollen, firm belly—require immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: For a Berger Picard puppy, we’ll book wellness and vaccine visits every 3–4 weeks through the series and schedule a spay/neuter timing consult. For adults, we recommend wellness every 6–12 months and will ask about exercise, behavior, and any joint, eye, thyroid, or heart changes. Seniors (about age 10+) are typically seen every 6 months with any screening the doctor advises. If you report rapid breathing, blue gums, collapse, or a sudden hard belly, please go to the emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Berger Picards are intelligent herding dogs that can be reserved with strangers and have a strong prey drive; set expectations by offering a quiet-room or side-door check‑in, asking owners to arrive on a secure leash/harness with a few favorite treats, and letting the dog approach staff at their own pace. Use calm, neutral greetings and avoid crowding; confirm any handling preferences or past stress notes in the chart. Remind owners to keep their dog close in the lobby (away from cats/small pets) and to text on arrival if their dog is wary. If an owner reports unproductive retching, sudden abdominal bloating/tightness, excessive drooling, restlessness, or collapse, advise immediate emergency care and direct them to the nearest ER.
Front desk script: “Thanks for choosing us for your Berger Picard. They can be a bit reserved with new people, so we’ll keep greetings low‑key and can room you right away—please arrive on a secure leash and bring a couple of favorite treats.” “If your dog seems stressed in the lobby, just text us on arrival and we’ll escort you straight in. If you ever see non‑productive retching, a tight or swollen belly, heavy drooling, or sudden collapse, that can be an emergency—head to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.”
Berger Picards are generally healthy but have breed watchouts the front desk should flag for proactive scheduling: annual dilated eye screening (CAER) for heritable disease such as PRA; orthopedic monitoring for hip/elbow dysplasia—book earlier evaluation if new or persistent lameness is reported; routine cardiac checks given parent-club notes of dilated cardiomyopathy risk—same-day visit if new cough, exercise intolerance, fainting, or blue gums; discuss bloat/GDV awareness with owners of this deep‑chested, active breed—if nonproductive retching, sudden abdominal distension, collapse, or extreme restlessness are reported, direct to the nearest ER immediately; consider mid‑life thyroid screening if owners note weight gain and lethargy.
Front desk script: For Berger Picards, we recommend scheduling an annual ophthalmology screening (CAER) and keeping up with yearly wellness checks that include heart and joint reviews. If you see new limping that lasts more than a day, we’ll get you in promptly. If your dog has nonproductive retching, a suddenly bloated belly, collapses, or struggles to breathe, this is an emergency—please head to the nearest 24/7 ER now and call us on the way. For new cough, fainting, or marked exercise intolerance, we’ll book a same‑day appointment.
Berger Picards are bright, athletic herding dogs that bond closely with their person and can be reserved with strangers; they do best with calm, low‑pressure greetings and time to approach on their own. In reception, avoid looming over or reaching quickly; keep them on a short leash, offer a quieter space if the lobby is busy, and note any strong prey‑chase or watchdog barking. What usually matters: they need ample exercise/mental work, may be noise‑ or handling‑sensitive, and the breed has noted predispositions to eye disease (PRA/vision changes over time) and orthopedic issues (hips)—so ask owners about night‑vision hesitancy/bumping and any hind‑limb stiffness or lameness history.
Front desk script: “Picards are smart herding dogs and can be a bit aloof with new people, so we’ll keep greetings low‑key and let your dog come to us—would a quieter room help today?” “For our notes, have you noticed any night‑time hesitancy or bumping into things, or any hind‑leg stiffness or limping?” “If you ever see a suddenly red or painful eye, rapid vision loss, collapse, blue gums, or your dog can’t bear weight, please tell us immediately—those need same‑day/emergency care.”
Rare French herding breed; expect smart, high‑energy dogs that can be reserved with strangers at intake—use calm handling, secure leashing, and double‑door/fenced areas to reduce flight risk. For placement, match to active homes able to provide daily exercise and mental enrichment; many have a prey drive, so advise cautious introductions to cats/small pets. Coat is a low‑maintenance harsh double coat (occasional brushing; no routine trimming), but check for burrs and debris at intake. Known health considerations reported for the breed include progressive retinal atrophy (vision loss), hip dysplasia, and heart disease including dilated cardiomyopathy; encourage adopters to verify any prior OFA/CHIC screening listed by breeders. If an adopter reports fainting/collapse, blue or gray gums, labored or rapid breathing, or a suddenly swollen abdomen, instruct them to seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for adopting a Berger Picard—they’re athletic working dogs and may be shy with new people at first. Please keep them leashed and in secure areas during transitions, and plan for daily exercise and enrichment. If you ever notice trouble breathing, fainting/collapse, blue or gray gums, or a rapidly enlarging belly, go to an emergency veterinary hospital right away. We can also share the breed club’s rehome/contact resources if needed.
Berger Picards are alert, intelligent herding dogs that can be reserved with strangers and often bond most strongly to one person; they are sensitive to harsh handling and may shut down if pressured. For check-in and waiting rooms: keep them leashed with their primary handler, use calm/slow introductions, and minimize wait times to reduce restlessness. Seat away from cats and small pets due to high prey drive; avoid tight, crowded spaces and overhead reaching. Ask owners for preferred cue words and whether the dog is comfortable with the scale; many respond better to praise/toys than food and some may exhibit submissive/excited urination—have cleanup supplies ready. If you observe escalating stress (stiff body, hard stare, growling, lip lift, lunging), move the pet to a quiet room and notify the clinical team immediately; if there is collapse or extreme distress, alert the veterinarian at once.
Front desk script: Welcome! Berger Picards can be a bit reserved with new people, so we’ll seat you in a quieter spot and let our team greet slowly using your cues. Please keep your dog leashed and with you; we’ll guide a calm weigh‑in when you’re ready. If you see signs of rising stress (stiffening, growling, lunging), tell us right away so we can move you to a private room. If your dog shows sudden severe distress or collapses, we will alert the veterinarian immediately.
For Berger Picards, escalate immediately to an emergency hospital if any of the following are reported: suspected bloat/GDV (sudden firm abdominal swelling, repeated unproductive retching, restlessness/pain, pale gums, weakness/collapse—treat as an emergency and direct to ER now); any breathing difficulty or blue/white gums; seizures lasting more than 3–5 minutes or occurring back-to-back; suspected toxin exposure; heat-related illness (excessive panting/drooling, confusion, vomiting/diarrhea, collapse); inability to urinate/straining without urine; severe trauma; or ocular emergencies (eyeball out, penetrating eye injury). Arrange same-day clinician triage for new eye pain/redness or squinting, sudden non–weight-bearing lameness, or persistent vomiting/diarrhea in a stable pet.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this could be an emergency for your Berger Picard. Please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now; I can provide the address and alert the clinician. If breathing is normal and the issue is new eye pain/redness, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, or sudden severe limping, we will schedule a same-day evaluation. If anything worsens en route, go directly to the ER and call us from the car.