When judging the Beauceron it is critical to remember the breed must be versatile. The dog’s original purpose was to herd and move large herds of stock 30 or more miles in a day. This would require a dog of solid structure, fluid movement, and great endurance. Today’s Beauceron is used as assistance dog for the disabled, search and rescue dog, and police dog.
Remember, the three key points judging the Beauceron:
HEAD
MOVEMENT
TEMPERMENT
Size & Substance
Beauceron’s must give the impression of depth, solidity and strength; Being well muscled, but without showing bulkiness or heaviness. On the other hand, dogs lacking in substance should be severely penalized. Correct Proportion is of primary importance, as long as the dogs size is within the standard.
Temperment
Temperment is a key point in Beaucerons. . The dog should be a picture of alertness and power
Beaucerons are not aggressive by nature but will keep a close eye on you. It is imperative you do not reward timidity or aggression.
Head & Expression
The Beauceron’s head should be long and well chiseled. The skull and muzzle should be of equal length, with parallel planes. The skull is flat or slightly rounded near the sides of the head, with a median groove only slightly marked.
The nose is always black and the bite is always scissors. The eye is slightly oval, dark brown, but never lighter than dark hazel. When judging a Harlequin Beauceron, a walleye is acceptable. Walleye’s in Black and Tan’s are considered a disqualification.
The ears should be set high and may be natural or cropped.
Natural ears are half pricked or drop-ears, that stand off the cheeks. In addition the Natural Ear is flat, short; their length is equal to half the length of the head.
The Beauceron’s expression is of primary importance as it should show an alert and confident dog, and he should have a frank and unwavering expression.
Body, Topline and Tail
The length of the body should be slightly longer than the height of the dog at the withers. The topline should be straight, with a broad, short muscular loin. The tail should be carried down and should descend to at least the point of the hock, forming a slight “J” without going to the right or left. When moving, the tail may be carried higher becoming an extension of the topline, but never over the back.
Forequarters, Hindquarters & Gait
The dogs ability to work and his resistance to fatigue is crucial for the Beauceron. Therefore proper construction is vital for proper movement. They should display an effortless fluid movement, with long reaching strides. When moving the head should be lowered, approaching the same level as the topline. Beaucerons are to be shown on a loose lead. The feet are large, round and compact, with black nails. 
In a natural stance the toes may point slightly out. However, when moving the dog should single track without any appearance of being cow hocked. Double dewclaws on the front legs do occur and it is the owners’ preference to remove them or not. Beaucerons are to have double dewclaws on the rear legs. Expect the double dewclaws on the rear legs to rub against each other as the dog single tracks.
Coat and Colors
The outer coat is 1 ¼ - 1 ½ inches, and coarse and dense. The Beauceron is to be shown in a natural state, with absolutely no trimming.
Beaucerons come in two colors:
Black and Tan: Pure Black with squirrel red markings above the eyes (dots), sides of the muzzle, fading off the cheeks, and two spots on the chest, on the throat, under the tail and on the legs from the pasterns to the feet. Some white hairs are tolerated on the chest.
Harlequin (Grey, Black and Tan): Black and Tan base color with evenly distributed blue-grey patches, sometimes with a predominance of black.
