Dog Breed Guide
Briard
Profile
- Size
- Large
- Country of origin
- France
- Origin
- Middle Ages
- Bred for
- Sheep herding, Watchdog, Military dog
- Height
- male 62 - 68cm (24 - 27in), female 56 - 65cm (22 - 26in)
- Weight
- 25 - 45kg (55 - 99lb)
- Life span
- 10 - 12 years
A large sheepdog with a long, wavy coat, a fringe covering the eyes and an impressive mustache and beard. Colors are black, fawn and gray. The breed standard calls for double dewclaws on each hind leg, a feature so important that a dog with only one is disqualified.
The Briard is smart, brave and deeply loving and loyal to its family. Described as "a heart wrapped in fur," it has a gentle nature and stays close to its people. At the same time it is strongly protective of its flock and home and approaches strangers with caution.
It needs a lot of exercise and should get plenty of activity every day. The long coat tangles easily, so frequent brushing is essential.
Good to know
It is considered one of France's oldest herding breeds, and dogs resembling it are said to appear in tapestries from the time of Charlemagne in the 8th century. Napoleon is also said to have owned Briards.
The breed has deep ties with America too. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, is said to have brought a pregnant Briard home when he returned from his post in France in 1789, and the puppies were born aboard the ship. He continued to obtain Briards afterward through the Marquis de Lafayette.
In both world wars Briards served the French army as military dogs, carrying supplies, standing sentry and searching for wounded soldiers on the battlefield. The Briard was once the official dog of the French Army.