There is something about the Berger Du Languedoc that we might consider a paradox. Even though it was created by breeders from France, nowadays it can be found in very little places in this country.
Moreover, the F.C.I. Registry dropped this breed because it was thought to be nearly extinct. The only few remaining individuals now live in the mountainous regions of France, Lower Languedoc or Lower Provence.
The Berger Du Languedoc was very common in southern France. We know this because it had many different names related to this area: Berger de Camargue, Berger de la Crau (Rhone), Berger des Cevennes or Farou Sheperd. Some even say it might be an ancestor of the Bouvier des Flandres.
Little is known about this breed, due to the scarce population. Yet we still have some relevant information about it, which would help us recognize it, if we were ever to see such a dog.
Berger Du Languedoc is a small to medium sized dog, with a height ranging from 38 to 51 cm, and has an average weight of about 27 pounds. It can live up to 14 years, when looked after and properly taken care of. Its coat is usually short, but it can sometimes be of medium length. Most frequently, the colors of the fur include shades of fawn or black and tan. This dog has a well-proportioned head, with the skull more or less arched and quite broad. The medium-sized muzzle tapers to the nose, which is black. The naturally erect ears are widely set apart. The cute, dark eyes, combined with the round and short feet, might give you the wrong impression about this dog. Its strong jaw and the teeth meeting in a scissors bite are not to be taken lightly.
But the most important thing that sets the Berger du Languedoc apart from other similar dogs is that it is believed to be the most ingenious and the strongest of all shepherd dogs.
And if we take a moment to think about it, this might be true. Leaving its herding skills aside, it is known that, when properly trained, this dog is highly sociable and gets along with children very well, making a great guardian for kids. Furthermore, its gentle nature applies to the other animals around the house as well.
Researchers say that there are a few hundred individuals at best out there and, what is even worse, in a short period of time (within fifteen to twenty years), the breed will go extinct if nothing is done.
But, in the midst of all these, there is still hope. The Societe Centrale Canine is conducting a project designed to preserve these rare dogs. By identifying and registering all the individuals, this French society is focusing all its efforts towards a better understanding of this breed. And probably the only reason why we will still see a Berger Du Languedoc in the future is thanks to these people, who think the loss of such an extraordinary dog is not an option.
