Let's talk Briard
Shaggy and self-assured, the noble Briard dog is the epitome of devotion and quiet sophistication. Hailing originally from France, though no accent can be detected in their bark … the breed is true to their Gaulish roots as an affable dog yet one that can be standoffish until they get to know all in their circle. A true protector, the Briard breed has worked their way into the hearts of families after centuries as a sheep herding and guard dog. They are powerful and at the same time quite open, a winning combination as far as Briard lovers are concerned.
Official name: Briard
Other names: Brie sheepdog, Brie shepherd
Origins: France
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Grooming needs | |
Cold weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Barking tendencies |  |
Can stay alone?* | |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * | |
| Compatibility with other pets | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
1 m 62 cm - 1 m 69 cm
Height
25 kg - 45 kg
Weight
Female
1 m 56 cm - 1 m 64 cm
Height
25 kg - 45 kg
Weight
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age: | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age: | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age: | 8 to 18 years |
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Get to know the Briard
All you need to know about the breed
With French breeding behind them, the hardy Briard exhibits some of the best aspects of temperament: Incredible intelligence, a fearless spirit, and great physical strength—not to mention style galore. That long coat is très chic!
Aaah, that coat. Splendid long, flowing hair unmistakable to the breed. But hiding under the canine equivalent of a 60s mop lies keen instincts and a strong work ethic. Ever the protector, they are wary of any newcomers to their territory, even a new baby. Until the Briard deems it safe, they won’t have done their job to the best of their ability. In other words, their family is the flock that needs protecting and any outsiders are foreign entities.
Historically, the Briard dog has proven themselves to be indefatigable French sheepdogs, found in many parts of France dating from the 8th century. Their name though is derived from the region of Brie in the northeast of the country. Over centuries Briard dogs were selectively bred for the guarding and driving of herds of sheep, developing into a very rugged and agile dog. Their large size made them capable of taking on predators, typically foxes and even wolves. To this day, the herding instinct is still strong, and if part of a family, your Briard may try to herd you!
The Briard’s behaviour is first-rate but they still need a firm, energetic owner. They are too intelligent to take commands mindlessly, and need to understand what’s being asked of them before taking on any task worth their salt. Training through force is a no-no, and has the potential to make them disobedient and worse, fearful. Positive reinforcement will be received well, and your Briard dog will give a lifetime of affection and loyalty in return.
The Briard dog breed is also endowed with an excellent memory and the ability for recall. They are thus used to showing a lot of initiative and finding solutions to any problem. They will consider, decide, then spring into action (something to think about if you’re able to take your dog to work!). As domesticated dogs however, socialising them early on brings out the best behaviour for the Briard, and means the family will have a best friend – and a guardian – for life.
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2 facts about Briards
1. They remember
The superb traits of the Briard are plenty but among the more significant is their fantastic memory, even giving them the ability to recall tasks and take initiative in any given situation. They are known for it.
2. En garde
Briard dogs aren’t big fans of strangers, which makes them good in the security department. But proper socialising can help curb an overprotective tendency. Introduce your Briard to different situations, people and places from a young age, to get them comfortable with novelty.
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History of the breed
Descended from centuries of European guard dogs, Briards were found in many parts of France dating from the 8th century. One of their first official recorded appearances however was in France in 1809 when they became known under the name Chien Berger de Brie, or Brie Shepherd Dog.
Briards proved themselves very useful to French farmers, doing double duty as tireless drivers and guardians of their herds. In fact, Briards are related to another French herding and guarding dog, the Beauceron.
The reputation of these strapping, loyal dogs was enhanced in the 18th century through not one, but two celebrity owners. Napoleon was said to have owned a Briard dog, and Thomas Jefferson took a Briard back with him after serving as ambassador to France. The latter faithful dog is cited as the beginning of the breed in America.
Jefferson wrote in praise of this impressive breed: “Their extraordinary sagacity renders them extremely valuable, capable of being taught almost any duty that may be required of them … the most watchful and faithful of all servants.”
They proved their loyalty and stamina again and again as the official dogs of the French army during war time. In WW1 Briards went to work delivering supplies, doing sentry duty and finding the wounded.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Briards
1. Feet
One of the few breeds with double dewclaws on hind feet.
2. Head
Head covered with hair, with a beard and moustache and hair over the eyes.
3. Body
Muscular and well-proportioned, with body a little longer than hind legs.
4. Tail
Tail is full and feathered, carried low into a hook at the tip.
5. Coat
Long, dry, wavy coat with a light undercoat.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Briard
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Caring for your Briard
Grooming, training and exercise tips
So how much exercise does a Briard dog need? A lot. If you’re sporty, your pet will be delighted to accompany you on fast walks, hikes, bike rides, or even long runs. Don’t let the frou-frou appearance of the long fur deter you from believing this breed is an athlete at base. If your home isn’t comprised of many acres, a sizable garden or yard in which they can run around, or even a nearby park, could help them use up some of their excess energy. As they’re naturally sporty, Briard dogs do well in physical competitions like tests of herding, tracking, or agility.
Despite not shedding much, grooming the Briard should be a regular practice, which means weekly brushing of their lengthy hair to prevent it getting matted or tangled—up that to daily in spring and autumn when shedding is at its highest. The Briards’ distinctive long coat and undercoat endows them with good resistance to the cold and wet but its abundance demands attention. Brushing their teeth on a regular basis at home can be punctuated by a professional cleaning, too. Keep the Briard’s ears clean and get their nails trimmed. Think of it as quality time well spent!
Briards were bred to be self-sufficient, so don’t expect blind obedience. They’ll need to understand you to return good behaviour in kind, and very much require a gentle but firm hand. As a sensitive dog, they have a keen understanding of most situations but don’t respond well to harsh criticism as it brings out their negative aspects. Training your Briard is a joy when everything’s in sync though. The breed is a robust, good size dog so training them to understand their limits needs to be kept in mind as well. Remember to maintain their interest, and use lots of positive reinforcement and treats along the way.
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All about Briards
Many dogs can lay claim to being great for a family but the Briard definitely settles in well with his human pack. On the homefront, their sheepherding traits transfer to their family, and the desire to keep them safe and secure kicks in. The Briard dog craves human companionship so is a bit of a velcro dog. They are at the same time quite independent when they feel your support. It’s a great team, for sure.
The Briard hails from France and has long roots in the nation as a herding and sheepherding dog. A tall and sturdy breed that’s quite muscular, the dog has traditionally been used for both rounding up flocks but also and guarding them—which is often not the case for dogs to be used for both purposes. They now take their place as beloved family dogs, protective of their human pack.
Read more on this topic
Keeping your dog cool in summer
Understanding your dog's urinary health and its diet
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/