French & Belgian shepherds
Only pedigree dogs from the herding and cattle-driving breeds listed below are allowed to participate in this World Championship, specifically the French and Belgian shepherd breeds that are active in the relevant disciplines.
We place great importance on animal welfare and compliance with applicable regulations. Procedures on animals involving the removal or alteration of sensitive body parts are prohibited. Dogs with cropped ears or docked tails are therefore not permitted to compete.
Briard
The Briard (Berger de Brie) is a powerful, medium-sized herding dog from France, with a long, rough coat and a distinctive beard and moustache. He is balanced, fearless, and self-confident. Intelligent, loyal, and watchful, with a strong bond with his family, he is both a capable working dog and an active family companion.
Beauceron
The Beauceron (Berger de Beauce) is a large, robustly built herding and guard dog from France, with a short, dense coat and a powerful, well-muscled body. He has a confident, fearless, and open demeanor, and an alert yet calm expression. This intelligent and well-balanced dog was bred to herd and protect livestock. He combines loyalty, vigilance, and strong work drive with a deep bond with his family.
Picard
The Picard (Berger Picard) is a medium-sized, strong, and well-muscled French herding dog with a rough, medium-length coat and a lively, alert expression. He is balanced, fearless, and intelligent, neither aggressive nor fearful. He is bred to protect and herd livestock. In addition, he is an excellent guard and family dog with a strong bond with his people.
Pyrenean shepherd
The Pyrenean Shepherd (Berger des Pyrénées) is a small to medium-sized, lively and athletic herding dog from the French Pyrenees.
He has a weather-resistant coat that can be either long or short, and an alert, intelligent expression. Originally bred for herding sheep, he shows great initiative and agility in his work, combining liveliness and loyalty with a strong bond with his family.
Flemish cattle dog
The Flemish cattle dog (Bouvier des Flandres) is a powerful, robust, and compactly built working dog from Belgium and northern France, with a rough, dense coat and a distinctive beard and moustache.
He is calm, balanced, and self-confident, with a vigilant and courageous nature. Originally bred for herding cattle and as a versatile farm dog, he combines strong work drive and endurance with loyalty and a close bond with his family.
Ardennes cattle dog
The Ardennes cattle dog (Bouvier des Ardennes) is a medium-sized, sturdy herding dog from the Belgian Ardennes, with a rough, shaggy coat and an alert, lively expression. He is energetic, intelligent, and tireless, with great adaptability and a strong work drive. Originally used for herding and guarding livestock, he is a versatile working dog that is loyal and closely bonded to his family.