The Briard is an old breed, used for guarding and herding stock in France. This breed has also been used by the French Army as a messenger, sentry, and to search for wounded soldiers due to its fine sense of hearing. Because of their ability to learn commands fast, they were used in all types of herding situations. It was their job to move the sheep day-to-day from the farm to the graze areas and back again at night. Especially at night they were alert and protecting the shepherds and flock from wolves and thieves. Till this day the Briard serves as a herder and flock guardian just as an esteemed companion dog. Some of the Briards talents are search & rescue, military work, police work, herding, guarding and watchdogging.

Appearance and Temperament

The Briard is a very loyal breed and a wonderful, alert watchdog. Playful, sensitive, and obedient, but with definite minds of their own. Briards are very goog with children of all ages, but they should be socialized early. This breed doesn' t like to be teased so it is s important to train them early and treat him with affection. Training must be consistent with much patience and love combined with a knowing hand. Briards have a very good memory. Once a lesson is learned, if good or bad, the knowledge will be retained for a long time to come. They bark only as a warning, but when they do, both bark and growl are fearsome. This breed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Briards are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The Briard needs a lot of exercise. They like to swim or run alongside your bicycle and make an excellent jogging companion. Briards aren' t fussy eaters. They can be fed a variety of foods such as fresh mince, pet-roll, raw chicken necks or whole raw chicken carcasses, mixed with a good quality dog kibble. They also like any table scraps! The Briard is a large muscular herding dog. The neck is strong and well constructed. It is strongly muscled and has good length. The ears can be cropped or left natural and are usually clipped into a rounded shape so the hair cascades from them into the rest of the coat. The nose is black, the muzzle square and long. Feet are strong and rounded, being slightly oval in shape. The toes are strong, compact and well arched. The pads are well developed, compact and elastic, covered with strong tissue. The nails must be black and hard. The Briard has a double coat. The outer coat is coarse, hard and dry, lies down flat and falling naturally in long, slightly waving locks. The undercoat is fine and tight on all the body. All uniform colors are permitted except white. The colors are black, various shades of gray and various shades of tawny. The Briard's elegant gait is floating and agile - the dog almost seems to not touch the ground. Height/Weight: Height 24-27 inches (62-68kg Bitches 22-25 inches (56-64 cm.) Average Weight: 75 pounds (35 kg.). Health Problems: Briards are generally healthy dogs. Sometimes they are prone to PRA, cataracts and hip dysplasia. As with many large-chested breeds, they can prone to bloat. The Briard has a life span 10 to 12 years.

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