Briard: temperament, size, care and health

About the Briard

The Briard is a large, rugged French herding dog, standing roughly 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55 to 100 pounds. The long, slightly wavy coat is coarse to the touch, like goat hair, and falls over the eyes and around the muzzle, giving the face a bearded, watchful look. Black, gray and tawny are the usual colors. Like the Beauceron, it has a double dewclaw on each hind leg, a mark of the breed.

A Briard was bred to herd flocks and guard them from predators on the farms of France, and it still has a strong sense of duty toward its family. Underneath the hair is a surprisingly agile and muscular dog that moves with a smooth, tireless trot. Fans prize its loyalty and sensible character.

Temperament and family life

A Briard is devoted to its household and wary of strangers, with a protective streak that must be guided from puppyhood. It can be reserved, aloof and slow to accept visitors, and it needs careful socialization to prevent excessive suspicion. Many have a dignified, serious manner but a goofy side with the family.

With children in its own home the breed can be gentle and patient, but the herding instinct and size can lead to nudging, bumping and nipping. It may be dominant with unfamiliar dogs. Briards mature slowly, often remaining puppyish for two or three years. A dog left alone or neglected can become unhappy and destructive.

Exercise and training

The Briard needs daily exercise of an hour or more, such as brisk walks, hikes and space to run in a secure yard. It enjoys herding, obedience, rally and tracking. The breed is built for stamina more than speed, and it is a strong, steady worker.

Training requires patience and a calm hand. The Briard is intelligent and remembers everything, but it can be stubborn and takes harsh methods personally. Use rewards, keep sessions short and enthusiastic, and begin socialization early. Teach it to stay out of the herd-and-nip game with children. Because the breed is large and strong, good leash manners and a firm recall are essential.

Grooming and shedding

The coat requires committed care. Brush and comb it down to the skin at least twice a week, concentrating on the mat-prone areas behind the ears, under the legs, on the chest and along the britches. A weekly bath keeps the coat clean and easier to handle, and many pet owners keep it trimmed shorter. Hair around the eyes should be kept out of the way, and the beard should be wiped after meals.

Shedding is moderate, with hair caught in the coat rather than falling on the floor, but the dog carries in mud and burrs. The double dewclaws on the hind legs need trimming. Check the ears, trim the nails and brush the teeth.

Health

The Briard is a hardy breed but is known for bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), an emergency in deep-chested dogs, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy and an inherited eye condition called congenital stationary night blindness, for which a DNA test exists. Responsible breeders test hips, eyes, thyroid and heart health. Large breeds like this one tend to have shorter lives than small ones.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The Briard is generally traced to France, and the name is linked to the Brie region east of Paris, although the dogs were found on farms across the country. They herded and defended sheep, and later served as military dogs in the First World War, carrying messages, finding the wounded and acting as sentries. The breed was shown at the first Paris dog show in 1863. The American Kennel Club recognized it in the 1920s.

Is the Briard right for you?

A Briard suits an experienced owner who wants a large, loyal and watchful companion and has the space, time and patience to groom and train it. It does not suit a small apartment, a very busy household or anyone who wants a social, easygoing dog.

Compare the shorter-coated Beauceron, the rough Bouvier des Flandres and the more rustic Berger Picard. The shaggy Old English Sheepdog is a friendlier alternative.