Briard Dog - Breed Information

Image credit: krisnreine

Briard - Breed Profile:
Origin: France
Colors: All except white
Size: Large
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Daily
Grooming: Regular
Trainability: A bit difficult to train
Combativeness: Can be slightly dog-aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Average barker

Physical characteristics

Briards are very recognizable by their long wavy coat, a shaggy beard, eyebrows, and moustache. The eyebrows are so long that sometimes you cannot even see the eyes. The muzzle is square with a black nose. The ears are very often clipped into a rounded shape, which makes their hair harmoniously cascade to the rest of the coat. The ears can both be docked and left natural. The tail is long and feathered, with a crochet hook at the tip. Basically, Briards are muscular and well-built dogs with an athletic body. Their gait is very agile and elegant: when a Briard walks, it looks like the dog is floating over the ground without touching it.

The height of these dogs is 22 to 27 inches, and the weight ranges from 60 to 90 pounds. Females tend to be smaller.

Temperament

Big dogs with a big heart - this is how Briards can be best described. Usually, they are very sweet-tempered, extremely loyal and brave, they know no fear and have a strong protective instinct. Briards are pretty intelligent and full of initiative. Wilful at times, they are also sensitive and trainable, but they do need a firm owner to establish leadership. Also, they need socialization at an early age, especially if you have children: they are best with children if grew up with them. Train a Briard from puppyhood and treat it with affection, and you will have an amazing family dog.

Coat and grooming

Briards come in all colours except white. Their coat is double, long and a bit wavy. You will have to spend about 2 hours a week for grooming, otherwise this luxury is very likely to mat and tangle. Briards are average shedders. Excessive hair in the ears or between the foot pads should be trimmed.

Photo by Aggpup photography

Health

Basically, Briards are rather robust, but, as well as other big dogs, they are prone to hip dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Also, keep the ears clean to avoid infections and inflammation.
The lifespan of Briards is 10 to 12 years.

Other interesting facts

Briards have an incredible hearing ability.

Briard

Physical characteristics

Temperament

Coat and grooming

Health

Other interesting facts

Curly Haired Dog Breeds