The early Briards were owned by Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette. This breed was used for herding purposes until its temperament was softened and it came to be used for police and military work, watchdog, guarding etc.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: France
Used for: Police and military work, watchdog
Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Color: Black, shades of gray and tawny
Coat: Double coat-long, coarse and strong
Average Height: 24-27 inches
Average Weight: 75 pounds
Group: Herding
History and Domestication
A man named Pierre Megnin differentiated two types of sheepdogs in 1853. The one with shorter coat came to be known as Beauceron and the one with longer coat became Briard. This dog became known only after the Paris dog show of 1853. Even a little while later, this breed had the reputation of being a flock dog that was brave enough to guard its flock but at the same time was also inclined to bite and snap in defense. The temperament of this breed was softened with selective breeding. Their talents include search and rescue, military and police work, watchdog and guarding.
Standard Physical Characteristics
This is powerful and large herding dog. It has a large head which is rectangular in shape. The muzzle is wide and has a beard and long mustache. The nose is square shaped and is black. It has a well-marked stop. The large black or brown eyes are set wide apart and are covered with hair. The ears can be cropped or left natural. It has large, round and compact feet. It has a double coat.
Care, Grooming and Health
The coat of Briard is similar to a goat’s coat- strong and coarse. Water and dirt do not always cling to it and if groomed well, this breed sheds very little. To have a healthy and attractive dog, you must take care of grooming. If not groomed well, its coat may become matted. The insides of ears must be kept clean and excessive hair between pads of feet and ears must be chipped off.
Briard is a working dog and needs ample amount of exercise or else it may develop behavioral problems or may get restless. They make excellent jogging companions and will be happy to run alongside your bike.
Briard is a healthy breed but it can be prone to hip dyslexia, PRA and cataracts. Like other large-chested dogs, they may also experience bloating and stomach torsion.
Living Conditions
This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They need an average sized yard and are moderately active indoors. They are happy to stay with family but also love outdoors. They do not like living in kennels.
Temperament
This breed has a kind temperament but with a song protective instinct. It makes an alert watchdog, sensitive and playful but with a mind of its own. Briards have a fine memory and are very intelligent. This is a trainable breed that is eager to please. They need natural leaders. They are good with children if raised together. Briards do not like to be teased.
