Briard Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Briard?

Let's start off by taking a look at the history of this intelligent breed. Known as herding dogs, you may have seen these dogs herding sheep, either in person or on television. An intelligent dog, a Briard puppy can be the perfect family companion when properly socialized and exercised.

Often considered guard dogs, this breed originates from France and dates back to the 8th century. The breed's original name was Chien Berger de Brie, which is thought to have come from the region of Brie. However, this dog breed was found in many locations in France.

Some people believe there is more of a romantic explanation for the name. They believe it is a distortion of Chien d'Aubry. Legend from the 14th century claims that a courtier of King Charles V, Aubry de Montdidier, constructed a cathedral to remember a valiant Briard that rescued and saved the life of his son.

No matter where the name really came from, the breed can be linked back to Emperor Charlemagne via his depiction in early tapestries.

It is believed that Briards were first imported to the United States by Thomas Jefferson. However, the country’s National Breed Club, known as the American Kennel Club, recognised the breed in 1928.

It’s surprising to learn that Briards were not introduced into the neighbouring country of the UK until the late 1960s.

Who are Briard dogs best for?

The Briard dog breed is ideal for any owner who wants an active, intelligent, and large dog for hiking, herding, and other outdoor activities. They also make excellent guard dogs and watch dogs, so if you are looking for a family pet who can make you feel protected, a Briard is definitely worth considering.

How much grooming does a Briard need?

Briards do have long double coats, which are shaggy, and so they are considered to be very low shedding. Despite this, there is no such thing as a non-shedding canine. The outer coat falls in long, gentle waves, and is coarse. Their long coats do need quite an extensive amount of grooming. 

The American Kennel Club advises owners to start grooming their Briard puppy long before he actually needs to be groomed. By doing this, you can make sure that your dog gets used to being bathed and brushed. When your pet grows up and these grooming activities become a frequent part of his life, you won’t have a struggle on your hands every time.

Do Briard bark much?

In terms of barking, we would say that Briards are moderate barkers. They can bark at other dogs, but they are far from being the worst offenders out there!

Do Briard bite?

Briards can be quite aggressive, viewing strangers as suspicious. This is why it is important to train your dog properly. 

As this type of dog is naturally suspicious of people that are not in his “flock”, it is vital to encourage your Briard puppy to be friendly with strangers. If a Briard is not correctly trained and socialised, it can result in the dog being aggressive toward animals or people it believes to be a threat.

What is the temperament & personality of a Briard?

You can expect a typical Briard dog to be intelligent, loyal, and brave. They will be loving and good-natured, as well as thriving when participating in family activities. This is a house dog that will love being around you and anyone else who lives in the home.

Briards are also known to be protective, which can make them aloof when around strangers. They can also be willful and stubborn yet they can be persuaded to come around if you give them plenty of positive reinforcement and encouragement. 

There are a number of factors that can impact your dog’s temperament, including socialisation, training, and heredity. Puppies that have nice temperaments are playful and curious, as well as willing to approach people and be held by them.

What is the weight & size of a Briard?

An adult dog will be around the following size:

Weight: Between 32 and 45 kilograms.

Height:  Between 55 and 68 centimetres tall at the shoulder

How much training does a Briard need?

You will be pleased to know that the Briard is a dog that is considered easy to train. These dogs are eager to please and intelligent. They were intended to carry out tasks without direction or supervision. 

While Briards do need a firm hand during training, they certainly will not respond well if you approach them with anger. If you frequently communicate with anger, your Briard could end up becoming very timid.

Offering positive support and appreciation is highly beneficial when you are training a young Briard puppy. You should never penalise or shout at a young Briard puppy for not listening.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Briard?

As is the case with all dogs, there are certain diseases you need to be mindful of if you own a Briard. They can experience diseases such as gastric torsion and canine hip dysplasia (CHD).

They are also known to experience minor health problems, such as night blindness. Briards can also succumb to illnesses such as progressive retinal atrophy and heart problems. However, they are generally a healthy breed.

What is the lifespan of a Briard?

Lifespan: 10 - 12 years 

How much should you feed a Briard?

Briard dogs can gain weight quite easily, so this is something you are really going to need to manage in your dog. Make sure their diet consists of vegetables, ground bones, healthy fats, and biologically appropriate proteins. Their food should have all of the essential minerals and vitamins that are needed for optimal health and performance.

What is the price of a Briard in Australia?

You can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $800 from a reputable breeder for a Briard pup.

On average, you will spend around $1,500 AUD per year if you own this type of dog. Expenses include the likes of pet supplies, insurance, toys, preventative medicine, vaccinations, vet care, and food.