Briard
The patient shepherd dog from France
The Briard is a large and robust dog breed that was originally developed to guard and herd livestock in France. With its intelligence, courage and strong protective instinct, the Briard has long been a valuable asset to farmers and shepherds. But despite his working background, the Briard has also proven to be a loyal and loving family dog who is committed to the well-being of his owners.
Origin
The Briard's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when they were originally developed in France as a herding and quail dog. Their exact origins are unclear, but it is known that the breed has been used extensively to guard and drive livestock in the French fields. These dogs are known for their patient nature, excellent memory and strong protective instinct, making them ideal herding dogs. Today, the Briard is still a popular breed in France and has also gained popularity in other parts of the world.
Traits and Temperament
Briards are known for their intelligence, independence and courage. They are strong and energetic dogs with a strong will to work. Despite their independence, Briards are known for their loyalty to their family and they are often very protective of their owners. These dogs are also highly trainable and thrive when they have a job to do, be it herding sheep, tracking, searching or performing tricks.
Size
Briard is a large dog breed. Females tend to be 58-63 cm at the withers while males are between 62-68 cm. The weight of a fully grown Briard can vary between 25 and 40 kg, depending on gender and individual genetics.
Appearance and Coat
The Briard has a distinctive appearance with its stocky body, large head and bushy beard. Their fur is long and wavy, giving them an intimidating yet majestic appearance. The colors vary but the most common are black, various shades of gray and sometimes even fawn. Keeping the Briard's coat in top condition requires regular brushing and grooming.
How much fur does a Briard shed?
Despite their long fur, Briards do not shed excessively. They have a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a harder, waterproof top coat. They usually go through a major shedding period once or twice a year, during which they can lose a significant amount of fur. Regular brushing can help manage shedding and keep the coat healthy and beautiful.
Are Briards family friendly?
Yes, when properly socialized and trained, Briards can be wonderful family dogs. They are loyal, loving and often very protective of their families. They generally get along well with children, especially if they have grown up together. However, due to their size and energy, interactions between Briards and very young children should always be supervised.
Acquiring a Briard
Getting a Briard is a big commitment and requires a careful thought process. They are active and intelligent dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are best suited to homes with access to a large fenced yard where they can run and play safely. Also, because of their working background, they do best in homes where they can have a job to do, be it guarding, herding, tracking, searching or agility. If you are considering getting a Briard, it is recommended that you speak with breeders and owners to understand more about the breed's requirements.