Briard

Berger de Brie
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Face-On View
3/4 View
Sideways View
Standing View

Summary

  • The Briard is a large, loyal herding dog with a long coat that needs regular grooming. They are intelligent and protective, requiring a good amount of exercise and early socialization.

Origin and Purpose

  • The Briard is an ancient French herding breed, traditionally used for guarding and herding sheep.

Appearance

Dimensions

GenderHeightWeight
Female22 to 25 1/2 inches55 to 80 pounds
Male23 to 27 inches75 to 100 pounds

Coat

AttributeNotes
Color
  • Black, gray, tawny, or shades of these colors, sometimes with lighter shading on the extremities. Some can have a combination of these colours, which can sometimes include blue.
Type
  • Double coat, with a long, coarse outer coat and a fine, dense undercoat.
Length
  • Long (at least 6 inches)

Care

AttributeNotes
Shedding
  • Moderate
Grooming
  • Regular brushing, at least weekly, daily when shedding.
Drooling
  • Low

Body

AttributeNotes
Head
  • Large and rectangular, with a well-defined stop.
Skull
  • Slightly rounded
Ears
  • Set high and covered with long hair, may be cropped or uncropped.
Eyes
  • Dark, expressive, and oval-shaped.
Nose
  • Square and black
Muzzle
  • Strong and broad
Teeth
  • Scissor bite
Neck
  • Muscular and arched.
Forequarters
  • Muscular and well-angulated
Fore Legs
  • Straight, strong and well muscled.
Hindquarters
  • Muscular, with well-angulated stifles and hocks.
Hind Legs
  • Well muscled.
Feet
  • Round and compact, with well-padded toes.
Tail
  • Long, carried low, with a slight J shape at the end, covered in long hair.
Gait
  • Flexible, agile, smooth and fluid with good reach and drive.

Temperament

  • Loyal, intelligent, protective, and sometimes independent.

Social

AttributeNotes
Affectionate with Family
  • Very affectionate
Good with Children
  • Generally good, especially when raised with them. Supervision is recommended.
Good with Dogs
  • Can be good with other dogs if properly socialized.
Good with Cats
  • May be good with cats if raised with them. Can have a high prey drive.
Openness to Strangers
  • Reserved or wary of strangers.
Playfulness Level
  • Moderate
Protective Nature
  • Highly protective
Adaptability Level
  • Moderate, does best in a home with a good amount of space.

Working Roles

  • Herding, guarding, search and rescue, police work and personal protection.

Exercise Needs

  • High, requires significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Health

  • Generally healthy, but can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), bloat, and hypothyroidism.

Additional Notes

  • Needs early socialization and consistent training. Not recommended for first time dog owners.

References