Grooming the Berger Picard
COAT
The Berger Picard’s coat is intentionally rough, dry, and weather-resistant. This is not a soft, silky, or sculpted coat—it is a functional working coat developed for herding and farm work in harsh conditions. The breed standard describes a harsh, wiry outer coat with a slightly softer undercoat, designed to repel dirt, moisture, and debris.
The Picard coat should always look natural and a bit unkempt. A properly groomed Berger Picard should never appear fluffed, blown-out, or heavily styled. Texture is the hallmark of the breed, and preserving that texture is the primary goal of grooming.
CHARACTER
The Berger Picard is intelligent, sensitive, and deeply loyal to its people. Bred to work independently while remaining responsive to human direction, Picards are thoughtful rather than reactive. They are observant dogs with a strong sense of humor and a natural skepticism of strangers.
From a grooming standpoint, Picards do best with calm, predictable routines. They tolerate grooming well when it is purposeful and low-drama, but they do not respond well to excessive restraint or overhandling.
RECOMMENDED CINDRA GROOMING PRODUCTS
- Texturizing Shampoo
- Reconstructor – Dog Coat Repair Treatment
- Super Coat
- Maxi Care Leave-In Conditioner
COMMON BERGER PICARD COAT PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coat becoming soft or fluffy | Over-conditioning or frequent bathing | Reduce bathing frequency and avoid creamy conditioners. Use Texturizing Shampoo only when truly dirty to restore correct coat feel. |
| Dry skin under a harsh coat | Climate, seasonal changes, or aging coat | Support skin health without softening texture by using Reconstructor diluted and applied to the skin only, then rinsed thoroughly. |
| Matting behind ears or friction zones | Collars, harnesses, or lack of routine checks | Perform weekly hands-on checks and finger-separate small tangles early. Lightly mist Super Coat to reduce drag and breakage while preserving the coat’s natural feel. |
| Dull or dusty-looking coat | Environmental buildup or infrequent cleansing | Occasional bathing with Texturizing Shampoo removes buildup while keeping the Picard’s correct rustic finish. |
| Excessive shedding | Seasonal coat change | Hand stripping loose coat and routine brushing during shed cycles helps remove dead hair without softening the coat. |
HOW TO GROOM THE BERGER PICARD
Grooming a Berger Picard is about maintenance, not transformation. The goal is a clean, healthy coat that still looks natural and functional.
Routine brushing (weekly)
Brush once or twice a week using a pin brush or slicker, followed by a wide-tooth comb in friction areas. This removes debris and loose hair without stripping texture. Avoid over-brushing, which can soften the coat over time.
Hand stripping & coat maintenance
Some Picards benefit from occasional hand stripping to remove dead coat and maintain proper texture, especially around the neck, shoulders, and topline. This should be minimal and conservative—never sculpted.
Bathing (as needed)
Berger Picards do not need frequent baths. Bathe only when dirty or odorous. Use Texturizing Shampoo diluted, rinse thoroughly, and allow the coat to air dry whenever possible.
Static and friction management
In dry climates or during seasonal coat change, a very light mist of Super Coat can be used on hands or tools to reduce friction without softening the coat.
What not to do
- Do not blow-dry or fluff the coat.
- Do not use shine-enhancing or softening products.
- Do not over-bathe.
- Do not sculpt or style the coat to look “finished.”