Briard
Also known as Berger de Brie
- Height at the withers
- 56 to 68 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 45 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, powerful French herding dog with a luxurious long, wavy double coat, a distinctive beard and eyebrows that fall like a curtain over the face, and a loyal, intelligent temperament.
History and origins
An old French herding breed, developed over centuries to guard and protect flocks. It served the French army in World War I as a sentry, messenger and pack animal. Nearly extinct after the two world wars, it was saved by devoted enthusiasts.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Congenital night blindness (RPE65 gene)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Moderate shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Briard FAQ
How big does the Briard get?
The Briard stands 56 to 68 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 45 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Briard shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs a great deal of care. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Briard live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Briard need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Briard good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Briard live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat).
