Dog class - Herding
Average height - 22 to 27 inchs
Average weight - 55 to 100 pounds
Size - Large and strong
Coat - Double coat: fine under coat; coarse, hard, dry outer coat, which is 6 inches or more and slightly wavy. Does not shed very much.
Average life span - 10 to 12 years

The Briard is a French dog used for herding and guarding. He has a medium to long coat which comes in grey, black, tawny, or a combination of those colours. This is an independent breed that needs obedience training and exercise.

A herding and guarding dog developed in France over a thousand years ago.

Briard can be used for herding, although they are used to contain rather then chase. Schutzhund is also a possible activity for the serious owner and enthusiast. Talk to some experienced Briard owners about other possible activities that breed may be suitable for.

They do not shed very much at all but their hair keeps growing. Because of this, they require a lot of grooming. Briard's also like to receive attention from their family, but are generally aloof with strangers.

Overall a healthy breed, but hip dysplasia is the major concern. Any Briard used for breeding should have its hips checked and cleared. Bloat, cancer, PRA, allergies, autoimmune thyroiditis, von Willebrand's disease, and night blindness are concerns that should be openly discussed with the breeder.

Briard's can be hard to train unless a lot of patience and non-punishing techniques are used. This breed should be trained and needs attention from its owner(s), this is not a good outside dog. May not be good around kids unless well socialized and trained, then all interaction should be supervised as Briard's may nip at children as though to herd them. Some individual Briard's may be aggressive towards other dogs that it is unfamiliar with. Some Briard's have poor temperaments, as do individuals from all breeds, but make sure the parent dogs of your pup have proper and correct temperament.

This breed has two or more dewclaws on the inside of each back foot.

Further Briard Dog Resourses

Looking for information on puppy and dog care? Our sister site DogLics.com has articles on dog care tips, healthy dog diet ideas, dog grooming tips and techniques. DogLics is your best resource for new puppy training tips, dog health care articles and dog training articles.