Where it all began

Morphology

During this section of the French exam, each dog is measured and evaluated individually for its overall structural conformation. The measurements are taken to ensure correct proportions as outlined in the Beauceron breed standard. The dog should be presented in its natural stance and should not be hand stacked in any way. Morphology is based on eight sections:

1. The Head

2. The Topline

3. The Underline

4. Fore Limbs

5. Hind Limbs

6. Tail

7. Coat

8. Movement

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Rankings for Puppies (Age 4-12 Months):

• Disqualified

• Bon

• Prometteur

• Tres Prometteur

Rankings for Adults (Age 12+ Months):​

• Disqualified

• Bon

• Tres Bon

• Excellent

• Excellent +

Temperament

The temperament test is designed to see how well each dog reacts to certain stimuli as is appropriate for the breed. 

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Enter the Testing Area:

The secretary greets the exhibitor and the dog. The dog’s collar is removed and replaced by a new one by the judge (neutral non-choke collar and used by all testing dogs), attached to a long line. Instructions are given to the handler while the judge observes the dog’s reaction and behavior and evaluates its sociability.

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Gunshots:

The dog and handler are asked to walk away toward one end of the testing area. A single shot is fired in the air at a minimum distance of 65 feet while the pair has its back to the judge. When the handler and his/her dog reach the far end of the testing area, they turn to face the judge and another gunshot is fired in the air. Should the dog’s reaction be somewhat unclear, it is possible the judge may fire one or more shots. The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate the dog’s sound sensitivity and behavioral reactivity. This exercise is only available to dogs 12 months of age and older.

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Threat with a Stick:

The judge then walks toward the dog and handler. When he is at about 6 feet away from the pair, the judge threatens the dog with the stick, swinging a three-foot stick in a downward fashion. The threat takes place only once the dog is aware of the presence of the judge and not less than 6 feet away. Should the dog react with fear, the judge will not put any more pressure on the dog. However, in case, the dog’s reaction is not clear to the judge, it is possible that he may pretend to attack the handler thus getting a positive reaction from the dog. The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate the courage of the dog.

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The dog and handler return to the starting point where the judge interacts with the team. The dog is expected to have recovered from the test and will allow the judge to approach him and the handler. The judge then scans the dog for his microchip or checks his tattoo. The collar and leash used for the test are removed and after the dog is fitted back to his own collar and leash, the handler and their dog leave the judge’s station. The sociability of the dog is evaluated during the entry and exit of the testing area.

At no time during the testing is the handler allowed to correct or talk to the dog. The purpose of the test is to evaluate the innate qualities of the dog’s temperament: his sociability, his sensitivity, and his courage. These three simple exercises are set up in a way that is not traumatizing to the animal, yet still, give a good indication of the steadiness of temperament that is required in a good Beauceron.

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Rankings for Temperament include:

• Disqualified

• Bon

• Tres Bon

• Excellent

Type

Should a dog receive an Excellent+ in Morphology and an Excellent in Temperament, they will move on to compete against each other in the classes. This is similar to standard conformation competitions except only the most excellent dogs are allowed to compete. At no point may dogs be hand stacked, all dogs must stand freely and naturally. Dogs are divided into classes and genders and are as follows:

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Puppy (does not require temperament testing):

• Bébé (4-6 months)

• Puppy (6-9 months)

• Juene (9-18 months)

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Adult Classes

• Intermédiaire (15-24 months)

• Ouverte (15+ months)

• Travail (15+ months plus original working certification)

• Vétéran (8+ years)

• Champion (must be a recognized champion in work or conformation)

• Altered (+15 months and sexually altered)

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Specialty Classes:

• Breeders - At least 3 but no more than 5 dogs, male or female, produced from the same breeder already entered in individual classes. Ranking will be given to the breeder based on the homogeneity and overall breed type of the group as a whole.

• Producer - A male or female dog accompanied by a minimum of 3 but no more than 5 of their 1st generation decedents already entered in individual classes. Ranking will be given to the Producer based on the homogeneity and overall breed type of the group as a whole.

Points worksheets must be completed for each dog being represented for the specialty classes.​