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The Briard is a French breed originally kept on farms, where it was used for tasks such as herding livestock. It is one of the oldest European dog breeds. The Briard is a long-haired herding dog with an impressive, elegant, and lively appearance. Today, the breed is popular as a companion dog, but it is also suitable as a guard dog, rescue dog, or service dog. The Briard is a truly versatile breed!
The Briard, also known as the Berger de Brie or Chien de Berger Français de Plaine, is a French dog breed originating from the Brie region. For a long time, it was kept as a farm dog. It is one of the oldest European dog breeds, with its history tracing back to the 12th century. The breed likely originated from a cross between the Barbet and the Beauceron. Herding livestock was one of its primary tasks. During wartime, its talents were also used in search and messenger roles. This caused the Briard to become endangered, but fortunately the population has been restored, and it is now a beloved companion dog.
The Briard is very friendly, cheerful, lively, and loyal. He can be reserved with strangers and is protective of his owner, making proper socialization important. The Briard is alert, intelligent, independent, and courageous, which makes him an excellent farm and guard dog. Thanks to his intelligence and desire to please his owner, the Briard is highly trainable. His friendly and social nature also makes him good with children.
The Briard is a large, long-haired herding dog with a fairly muscular and robust build. He has a broad chest, strong legs, and a slight slope to his back. The muzzle is strong and broad with black lips. The head is fairly round, and the skull is the same length as the muzzle. Due to his dense coat, much of the head is not visible. The ears are set high and are relatively small. The Briard has a double coat: the outer coat is wavy, coarse, and dense, while the undercoat is woolly, soft, and thick. The coat can come in various colors, but it must be solid-colored. Common colors include black, brown, white, gray, and chestnut red. The breed standard favors black, gray, and fawn. The Briard also has double dewclaws on the hind legs.
The Briard is naturally a very active dog and loves spending time outdoors. It is important to challenge him both physically and mentally and ensure he gets enough exercise. If a Briard doesn’t get enough activity, he may become bored. Aim to walk him for about 2 hours per day. Since the Briard enjoys being outside and playing, a rural environment is ideal. In addition to physical activity, he also needs mental stimulation, such as puzzles or training games.
The Briard requires proper grooming to stay healthy and look good. His long double coat needs regular care. Brush the outer coat daily to keep it clean and free of tangles. While the Briard sheds very little, his coat still needs maintenance. Trim the nails when they get too long, and don’t forget the dewclaws on the hind legs—they may also need trimming. Good dental care is also important: you can keep his teeth healthy by brushing or using dental products and supplements. Lastly, his ears and eyes should be regularly checked and cleaned to prevent infections.
Like many purebred dogs, the Briard can be prone to certain hereditary conditions. As a herding dog, hip dysplasia is relatively common in this breed—a condition where the hip joint develops abnormally. Dystocia, or difficult labor, is also known to occur due to narrow birth canals or large puppies. The Briard is also at risk of gastric torsion (bloat), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself. Additionally, some eye diseases are known in this breed, for which DNA testing is available.
The Briard has many unique traits, but there are other breeds with similar characteristics and appearances:
When buying a Briard, it’s important to find a reputable and responsible breeder. This breed has specific health needs and a unique personality, so choose a breeder who prioritizes both the physical and mental wellbeing of their puppies. A reliable breeder is transparent about health testing, such as screenings for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia and eye disorders, and will provide guidance to ensure the puppy is a good match for your family.
The price of a Briard can vary greatly depending on the breeder. Factors such as the care put into breeding, the pedigree, and health testing can all influence the price. While price is a consideration, it’s more important to focus on the health and socialization of the puppy. A lower price may mean less attention was given to crucial aspects like parent screening, health tests, and socialization.
It is therefore always recommended to choose a recognized and trustworthy breeder who contributes to the long-term health and wellbeing of your future pup.
The Briard is a versatile dog that can adapt well to its owner. However, it also has specific needs that make it particularly well-suited for a certain type of owner. If you’re considering bringing a Briard into your home, it’s important to understand what qualities are required to care for this breed properly. Below are some key points to help determine whether this breed is right for you:
The Briard is suited for an owner who:
The Briard is therefore a great match for dedicated owners who have time for grooming and can meet its physical needs. This breed thrives best with someone who lives in the countryside and enjoys being active together.
The Briard is generally very trainable due to its intelligence and desire to please its owner. However, proper training and education remain essential.
The Briard is suitable for both beginners and experienced dog owners, provided enough attention is given to socialization, grooming, and meeting its physical needs.
This blog article discusses 10 common large dog breeds with the most important characteristics associated with these breeds. Large dog breeds are dogs with an adult weight heavier than 25 kg. Interested in another breed not listed in our top 10? Then take a look at our dog breeds page.
The answer to the above question is subjective and depends on your own preference and that of your dog. We’ve made an overview of the most popular diets in every category, using our extensive range of dog foods.
If you've ever owned a dog, you'll know that every dog is unique. Dogs can have breed-specific characteristics, though, like joint or coat issues. To support these specific characteristics, Royal Canin has created special nutrition that meets the needs of individual dog breeds. Read all about breed-specific dog food in this article!
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