Briard
A large, shaggy French herding dog: devoted, protective and thoughtful, with a coat that needs real care.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 62–68 cm · Females 56–65 cm
- Weight
- Males 30–40 kg · Females 25–35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- 60–120 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Double coat, long
- Colours
- Black, Fawn, Grey
- Bred for
- Herding, Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- France
- FCI
- Group 1, no. 113 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 4/5 – High |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 4/5 – High |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a loyal, protective family dog
- have space and an active lifestyle
- are prepared for regular coat care
Think twice if you …
- are a first-time owner
- want minimal grooming
- often have unfamiliar visitors at home
Care
Temperament
Briards are loyal, protective and affectionate with their family. They can be wary of strangers and may herd or guard children. They are sensitive and remember both kind and harsh treatment.
Exercise
Allow an hour or more of daily exercise with room to run. Herding, tracking, obedience and agility all suit them.
Grooming
Brush the long coat thoroughly a few times a week, down to the skin, to prevent mats. Shedding is moderate.
Training
Intelligent and willing but independent. Use calm, consistent, reward-based training and thorough socialisation from puppyhood.
Health
Hip dysplasia, bloat and inherited eye conditions, including congenital stationary night blindness, are known in the breed. Breeding dogs are usually hip and eye screened and DNA tested for CSNB, so ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
DNA tests
- CSNB (RPE65)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Briard, or Berger de Brie, is an old French herding breed that moved and guarded flocks on the farmland around Paris. It worked as both a herder and a guardian, and served with the French army during the First World War.
Briards are large, athletic dogs with a long, goat-like coat and double dewclaws on the hind legs. They are deeply devoted to their family and often reserved with strangers. They need daily activity, consistent training and early socialisation, and they do best in homes where they are included in everyday life.
Did you know?
Briards served the French army in the First World War, carrying supplies and helping find wounded soldiers.