The Briard (sometimes called the "Berger Briard" or "Berger de Brie") is among the oldest French herding breeds and features a shaggy black, gray or tawny coat that has often led to them being mistaken for a haystack. The breed came into existence during the 1300s, and they were originally used for the key intention of guarding homes and sheep from intruders and predators.
Some of their most typical traits are often seen in their fearless and protective temperament - which all help in making the Briard a fitting preference for a family guard dog, herding and guarding sheep, military or police work and search and rescue.
The Briard originated in France during the 1300s and was bred with the initial purpose of guarding homes and flocks of sheep from wolves and human intruders but later was primarily used for herding sheep. In World War I they were used for delivering messages and locating wounded soldiers, and during this time they nearly became extinct. They are
understood to be a descendant of the Berger Picard with later cross-breeding occurring with the Beauceron and Barbet.
Briards are classified as a large-sized dog. The suggested standard size for the Briard male is 23-27 inches tall from paw to shoulder and a weight of 75-100 pounds, while the recommended size for female Briards is 22-25.5 inches high from paw to shoulder with a weight of 50-65 pounds.
The Briard is recognized for their protective, fearless and loyal personality. They are often reserved with unfamiliar people, which can make them highly suitable as a guard dog.
The Briard is also demonstrated to be quite intelligent - scoring equal 30th in comparison with other dogs based on their ability to learn obedience directives. They are also well-known to be gentle with kids but may try to herd them without proper training - making them fairly suitable as a family pet. The Briard is not always friendly with other dogs and may become aggressive due to their protective nature but when socialized properly they can learn to get along with other pets.
The Briard loves to have at least an average-sized yard to run around in, but they can be somewhat suitable for life in an apartment just as long as they are walked on a regular basis. They love the outdoors but feel most at home wherever their family is.
The Briard gets pleasure from hobbies that include agility, flyball, herding, tracking, swimming or going for a jog alongside a bicycle. They have a medium amount of energy and this calls for exercise every day in the shape of long walks or jogs to keep them in good physical and mental health.
The Briard can be the perfect breed of dog for an active owner who will be their firm and confident leader. They are well-matched to anybody who is able to carry out a high amount of grooming and allow time to provide them with early socialization with children or other pets and obedience training to establish leadership as well as take them for long walks each day and present a very high quantity of company and devotion - they thrive on human contact and do not like to be left alone all day. Although they could be somewhat inappropriate in many households, if you are able to meet their needs for firm guidance and attention then the Briard may possibly be the perfect breed of dog for you.
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