Origin
France
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
25–45 kg
Height
56–69 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Black · Gray · Tawny
Briard
About This Breed
The Briard is an ancient French herding breed known for its long, luxurious wavy coat and strong protective instinct. Charlemagne, Napoleon, and Thomas Jefferson all kept Briards, and they served as sentries in World War I.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Briard
Origin
| Origin | France |
| Group | Herding |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 25–45 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Height | 56–69 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Black · Gray · Tawny |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Loyal · Intelligent · Protective · Spirited |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Coat care can take more time. Check for tangles and choose a brushing routine that suits the coat.
Can shed a lot. Regular brushing can help manage loose hair.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Briard is an ancient French herding dog with a rugged appearance and star-studded history. Also called Chien Berger de Brie (named after the region of France responsible for producing Brie cheese), the Briard dog breed dates back to at least the 8th century, as they can be seen depicted in tapestries alongside Emperor Charlemagne. Roughly 1,000 years later, another emperor—Napoleon Bonaparte—reportedly kept Briards, and Thomas Jefferson received a Briard as a gift for serving as an U.S. ambassador to France.
Care Guide
Despite being bred for outdoor work and life, the Briard Club of America (BCA) notes that Briards are house pets that are happiest by their human’s side. But that doesn’t mean you should disregard their working ways; understanding their instincts is key to providing Briards with the best care. Case in point: Briards need a job (i.e., something physical to which they can devote their energy and strength). Luckily, their interests aren’t limited to sheepherding, and they make excellent hiking, biking, and running companions. And while French Briards are intelligent and eager to please, they have a unique confidence and independence that comes from being bred to make decisions in their human’s absence. The Briard’s sheepherding background is also responsible for their strong desire to herd young children in their family, as well as their wariness of new pets and people.