A lanky French herder with erect ears and a shaggy, wiry coat, the Picard is high-energy and independent. The AKC says it spent centuries as an independent problem-solver.
Lots of daily exercise
The AKC says the Picard is a high-energy breed that needs lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation, and says it needs a good outlet for all that drive. It expects at least one long walk daily, and says Picards like hikes, swimming and fetch. The grass field, large fenced play areas and daily walks fit that profile.
At the line between two kennels
A 50 pound Picard can use Economy at $52 a night, but the AKC range runs to 70 pounds and 25.5 inches, and most adults are more comfortable in Business Class, 5x6 ft, about 30 square feet inside plus 60 outside, at $59. Two Picards from one home share Business Class at $59 and $50.
Shaggy dog, 100-degree days
A shaggy double coat holds heat, and Dixon runs about 100 days a year at 90 degrees or more by the NOAA Vacaville normals. The inside run is air-conditioned in summer, and a Picard can choose inside or out through the doggie door.
Shaggy, wiry, waterproof
The AKC says the double coat has a soft, dense undercoat under a shaggy, wiry, waterproof topcoat. During shedding season it wants brushing every day or two with a rake and slicker brush, and otherwise once a month. Bathe only occasionally, with shampoos made for crisp coats. That is the double-coated column, $65 at 51 to 75 pounds on the bath chart effective January 1, 2024, or $55 at 26 to 50. Please ask to confirm.
Rates in plain numbers
A second dog from your home sharing the run is $50 a night, and from 14 nights the rate drops to $53. The balance is due at pick-up, and check-out is by 11:30 AM.
For 10 nights, one Berger Picard in Business Class (5x6 ft) is 10 x $59 = $590 on the 2026 rates. Military families pay that same reduced rate, about 10 percent off; the sheet does not list the two as combining, so call 707-678-6600 to confirm.
See also the large dogs guide and the boarder bath chart.