Ratings

Breed Introduction

The Briard is a handsome dog, energetic and alert, strong but not coarse, with a robust skeleton and well-developed muscles, showing the strength and agility necessary for a herding dog. Male Briards stand 23-27 inches at the shoulder; females stand 22-25.5 inches. The body structure of the Briard is not of the short-legged type, and the body length is equal to or slightly greater than the shoulder height. Females may be slightly longer. They are suitable for urban living, adaptable to cold climates, require regular grooming, can be troublesome with other dogs, and are excellent guard dogs.

The Briard is a very old breed among French working dogs, depicted in tapestries from the 8th century and mentioned in 12th-century literature. The accurate description of the breed was during the 12th to 16th centuries. Initially used to protect goods from wolves and theft, after the French Revolution, the Briard’s role shifted to guarding poultry and keeping sheep on unfenced pastures, while also protecting the owner’s property. An article from 1809 first adopted the name Briard Sheepdog, and throughout the rest of the century, the dog participated in various dog shows.

Despite its name, the Briard does not originate from the Berry region. Many claim the ‘Briard Sheepdog’ is a variant of ‘chien d’aubry,’ stemming from a 14th-century story about Aubry de Montdidier’s brave dog. The extraordinary character of the Briard has endured over the centuries, with French shepherds, known for their practicality, consistently keeping Briards with exceptional abilities.

Today’s breeders strive to protect the breed’s valuable characteristics: cleverness, loyalty, and gentleness. Even competitive Briards display herding instincts, often nudging their owner, and they pay close attention to commands, enthusiastically performing tasks. The Briard continues to roam property and sometimes enforces boundaries for children, and the breed is highly praised in the United States.