Introduction
The Briard is a time-honored French herding dog, renowned for its rugged charm and a storied past brimming with nobility and purpose.
Also known as the Chien Berger de Brie—named after the French region famous for its luscious Brie cheese—this remarkable breed traces its roots back as far as the 8th century. You can even spot Briards woven into tapestries alongside Emperor Charlemagne himself. Fast forward about a millennium, and the lineage of this noble dog includes keeping company with none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. The breed’s prestige crossed the Atlantic when Thomas Jefferson was gifted a Briard during his tenure as U.S. ambassador to France.
Bred with dual roles in mind, Briards were expertly honed to guard and herd sheep, excelling at both with impressive prowess. Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1928, the breed standard vividly describes their movements as “like quicksilver,” allowing swift turns, explosive starts, and abrupt stops—skills essential for a dedicated sheepherding dog.
This impressive agility becomes even more striking considering the Briard’s substantial stature, standing 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 55 and 100 pounds. The breed standard also praises the French Briard as “a dog of heart, imbued with spirit and initiative, wise and fearless with no trace of timidity.”
Caring for a Briard
Though originally bred for rugged outdoor labor, the Briard thrives when nestled indoors, forging close bonds with their human families. The Briard Club of America (BCA) reminds us that these dogs are happiest by their people’s sides, yet their working roots mean they still crave purpose and activity.
In fact, Briards need “a job” — some meaningful, physical outlet to channel their abundant energy and strength. Fortunately, their talents extend beyond herding sheep; they’re fantastic companions for hiking, biking, and running adventures.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please are balanced by a distinctive independence, forged by generations of making decisions without human presence. This heritage explains their strong instinct to herd young children in their care, as well as their natural caution around unfamiliar pets and strangers.
Veteran Briard enthusiast Mary Jeanne Millner of Petscarelab notes that a bustling home full of lively children who engage playfully with their dog creates the ideal environment for a Briard pup. Growing up amid the joyful chaos of a young family helps socialize these spirited dogs into confident companions.
Briards can coexist harmoniously with other dogs, though Millner advises choosing a canine companion of the opposite sex to minimize conflicts. For households wanting cats, adopting the feline first is wise—giving the cat the chance to establish boundaries and gently show the young Briard their place in the home hierarchy.
Briard Health Issues
Generally a robust and hearty breed, Briards enjoy an average lifespan of about 12 years. However, like every breed, they have predispositions to certain health concerns that owners should know.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, resulting in looseness that can cause painful osteoarthritis. Mild cases may be eased through physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication, but severe situations might necessitate surgical intervention.
Keep an eye out for these common signs of hip dysplasia in your Briard:
- Limping or favoring a leg
- Hesitance to rise or jump
- Shifting weight toward front limbs
- Noticeable muscle loss in the hind legs
- Signs of hip discomfort or pain
Eye Conditions
The Briard’s genetic lineage carries susceptibility to several eye disorders:
- Congenital stationary night blindness means your dog has had difficulty seeing in low light since birth. Though this condition neither worsens nor improves over time, Briards with it can lead fulfilling lives with some extra care from loving owners.
- Hereditary cataracts cause the lens of the eye to cloud, obstructing light from reaching the retina and resulting in vision loss. If you spot cloudiness or notice your dog becoming clumsy, consult your veterinarian promptly. Cataracts progress over time, and surgery is the only definitive treatment.
- Corneal dystrophy manifests as a white, opaque patch centrally located on the cornea. While it typically causes no pain or discomfort, if the lesion enlarges, it may impair vision or lead to ulceration. In such cases, contact a veterinary eye specialist for guidance.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, disrupts metabolic functions across the body’s organs. Lifelong hormone replacement therapy through oral medication is necessary to manage this disorder.
This condition often affects medium- to large-breed dogs such as the Briard, particularly between ages four and ten. Common symptoms tied to a slowed metabolism include:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Persisting lethargy
- Difficulty staying warm
- Reduced mental alertness
- Frequent skin and ear infections
What To Feed a Briard
Every Briard is unique, so partnering with your veterinarian is crucial in selecting the right diet. Your vet will guide you toward foods that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and provide complete nutrition tailored to your dog’s age, size, and health needs.
How To Feed a Briard
Adult Briards typically thrive on two meals per day—morning and evening. Puppies, with their faster metabolisms, benefit from three daily meals, including a midday feeding, to meet their energetic demands.
Consult your veterinarian to develop a customized feeding schedule that fits your Briard’s life stage perfectly.
How Much Should You Feed a Briard?
Begin with the feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging, which estimate portions by your dog’s weight. For precise guidance, however, lean on your veterinarian’s expertise. They’ll factor in your dog’s age, weight, body condition, activity level, and health to recommend an accurate amount.
Remember to count treats toward your Briard’s daily calorie allowance—they should never exceed 10% of total intake.
Nutritional Tips for Briards
If your Briard eats a nutritionally balanced and AAFCO-compliant diet, supplementation is generally unnecessary. However, supplements can sometimes play a role in managing or preventing health issues. Always consult your veterinary team before introducing any supplements or new foods.
Briard Personality and Temperament
Petscarelab’s experts liken living with a Briard to sharing your home with a spirited teenager: “They want guidance, even when they don’t admit it, and they show their affection in their own unique way.”
Briards blend keen intelligence with a streak of independence, shaped by their historic role as self-reliant guardians. To thrive in a family, they require consistent, loving leadership.
Their sheepherding heritage fuels their strong urge to herd youngsters in the family and contributes to their natural wariness of newcomers—both human and animal.
These instincts surface in their reserved approach toward strangers and new pets, as well as their tendency to gently herd children. While they can integrate with other animals, introductions must be slow and thoughtful to foster harmony—whether meeting a cat or a fellow dog.
Though they’re no longer working dogs in the traditional sense, Briards still need purposeful activities, ample mental and physical exercise, and close companionship to flourish. Still, they cherish lounging on the sofa alongside their favorite humans.
Briard Behavior
Briards possess a vigilant nature and may be reserved around strangers, reflecting their guarding ancestry. Early socialization paired with regular mental engagement and lifelong training can temper these traits and help them embrace new experiences.
Daily exercise and bonding time with their family are vital. A bored Briard, restless and alone, may channel energy into unwanted behaviors like persistent barking or destructive chewing.
Briard Training
Socializing your Briard puppy between birth and 16 weeks is essential. This critical period offers the chance to introduce your pup safely to a wide array of people, animals, environments, and stimuli, helping develop confidence and adaptability.
Discuss socialization practices with your breeder and consult your veterinarian to discover safe activities suited for your puppy’s age and developmental stage.
While Briards are celebrated for their intelligence and eagerness to please, their independent streak means they can also be a bit headstrong. Consistent, positive reinforcement training—focusing on rewards rather than punishment—is the most effective strategy.
Training also doubles as a vital source of mental and physical stimulation, while strengthening the bond between you and your dog. When treating your Briard during sessions, account for those calories in your daily feeding plan. Rewards can also include playtime, favorite toys, or whatever delights your companion.
Fun Activities for Briards
- Jogging alongside you on morning runs
- Hiking through forest trails
- Participating in herding trials
- Tackling agility courses
- Competing in rally obedience
- Tracking scents in search-and-rescue-style games
- Obedience training sessions
- Learning new skills and commands
Briard Grooming Guide
The Briard boasts a magnificent long, coarse, wavy double coat available in striking shades of black, tawny, and gray. Designed to withstand harsh outdoor elements, their low-shedding coat naturally repels dirt and water, but regular grooming remains essential.
Expect to dedicate at least two hours each week to keeping your Briard’s coat in top condition, according to the Briard Club of America (BCA).
Skin Care
Healthy skin starts with diligent coat care. Regular brushing helps dislodge twigs, burrs, and debris that can tangle in the Briard’s fur and irritate their skin.
How often you bathe your Briard depends on their lifestyle and activity level; over-bathing risks stripping essential oils and compromising skin health.
Be alert for changes such as persistent irritation or recurrent infections—which can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Consult your veterinarian promptly if you detect anything unusual.
Coat Care
To prevent matting and keep that luxurious coat gleaming, brush your Briard several times weekly. Consistent grooming also boosts circulation and keeps your dog comfortable.
Eye Care
Eye conditions are a concern for Briards, so regularly inspect their eyes for redness, discharge, cloudiness, or sudden vision changes. Prompt veterinary attention is key at the first sign of trouble.
Ear Care
The Briard’s floppy, furry ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to infections. Work with your veterinary team to develop a routine ear cleaning schedule and choose safe, effective products.
Seek veterinary advice if you notice signs of infection, including redness, foul odor, itching, pain, or frequent head shaking.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Thinking about welcoming a Briard into your life? Consider these important questions first:
- Do I have the time and energy to provide daily exercise for a large, active dog?
- Can I commit to at least two hours per week of dedicated grooming?
- Am I patient and skilled enough to invest in socialization and lifelong positive training?
- Do I spend enough time at home to offer close companionship every day?
- Is my financial situation ready to support routine and unexpected veterinary care?
- Am I prepared to provide a loving home for 12 years or more?
If you answer “Yes!” with enthusiasm, you could be the perfect match for a Briard companion.
How much does a Briard cost?
Prices for Briard puppies vary by breeder, but you can expect to start at around $1,000.
Are Briards good pets?
For the right family, Briards make wonderful pets. Intelligent, courageous, and devoted, they thrive with early socialization, consistent positive training, daily exercise, and close human connection.
Do Briards have hair or fur?
Briards are covered in long, coarse hair with a gentle wave. Their coats shed minimally but require frequent brushing—in fact, several times a week—to stay shiny and healthy.
