Briard | Dog Breed Overview

The Briard is an active, intelligent, and loyal companion.

Breed Overview

The Briard is an old French breed, perhaps the oldest specifically French breed in existence. The Briard is an old working breed, known for pulling carts and herding sheep throughout history. The modern version of the Briard is a close cousin to other French herding breeds, though a bit smaller on average.

They’re an active breed, needing plenty of exercise, and easy to train. Though they’re fairly rare in the US, they’re still highly popular in their native France. Briards are loyal, courageous, and loving companions.

Care and Grooming

The Briard’s coat requires quite a bit of care, but they’re fairly low-maintenance in the grooming department. Their coat is dense and wiry, and requires weekly brushing to keep it free of tangles and mats. Bathing is recommended roughly once every 3 months or so.

As with all breeds, nail trimming and regular ear cleaning are important as well. Being a herding breed, they benefit from having their coat professionally trimmed about once or twice a year.

Training and Socialization

Briards are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, though their herding nature mean they can be stubborn. They’re very loyal and need an owner who will take the time to train them consistently.

Early socialization with other dogs and a variety of people will help the Briard feel comfortable in their new environment. Socialization is important for any breed, but is especially important for this breed due to their guard dog tendencies.

Health and Wellness

The Briard is a fairly hardy breed, but is prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common ailments seen in Briards include hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye problems, and skin allergies. Having routine veterinary care is important to help identify and treat any health issues early.

Living Environment

The Briard is not a “couch potato” breed and is best suited for an active lifestyle. They don’t need to live in a sprawling rural property, but they do need regular exercise. Daily walks and activities will help keep this strong-willed breed happy and healthy.

They do well with apartment living, as long as they’re walked regularly. It’s important that they not be left alone for too long, since they’re prone to separation anxiety.

Temperament and Personality

Briards are a confident and independent breed, but they’re also loyal and affectionate. They’re alert and have a good sense of humor. They can be protective of their family and home, and are good watchdogs.

Common Challenges

The Briard is an intelligent breed, but that can lead to stubbornness and a bit of bossiness. They may be protective of their space, family or things, leading to aggressive behaviors if not socialized properly. And due to their high energy levels, they can be destructive if not properly exercised.