Briard

An ancient French flock guardian and drover, the Briard (Berger de Brie) protected sheep from predators and herded stock across the countryside. Celebrated by Napoleon-era soldiers and French farmers, the breed became known for courage, steadiness, and keen hearing. Modern Briards retain strong herding and guarding instincts and excel in obedience, agility, herding trials, and therapy work when properly socialized and trained.

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A robust, rectangular, strongly muscled herding dog cloaked in a long, protective coat.

• Weight: 55–100 lb (25–45 kg)
• Height: 23–27 in (58–69 cm) males; 22–25.5 in (56–65 cm) females
• Coat Type: Double coat—coarse, dry, slightly wavy outer coat over fine undercoat
• Coat Colors: Black, tawny/fawn (often with darker overlay), gray; small white on chest allowed
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Double rear dewclaws, long arched neck, strong chest, large head with natural fall/“curtain” over eyes, high stamina, smooth ground-covering trot

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High-maintenance coat that mats without a routine.

• Brushing/Combing: 3×/week minimum; line-brush to the skin in sections
• Bathing & Drying: Every 4–6 weeks; fully dry to the skin to prevent hotspots
• De-matting Zones: Behind ears, armpits, groin, tail base, leg feathering, beard
• Face/Beard Care: Wipe daily after meals/drinks to prevent odour and tangles
• Feet & Dewclaws: Trim hair around pads and double dewclaws monthly; check nails every 2–3 weeks
• Ears/Teeth: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Moderate; controlled with thorough, regular grooming (do not shave unless medically necessary)

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A serious worker—needs daily outlets for body and brain.

• Daily Duration: 60–90 minutes (split sessions)
• Great Activities: Herding foundations, hiking, jogging on soft surfaces, obedience/rally, agility, scent/nose work, carting
• Suitability: Best for homes with access to parks/trails; apartment life only with robust exercise plan and enrichment

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Bright, sensitive, and loyal—fair leadership and socialization are key.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement; short, structured sessions; avoid harsh methods
• Focus Areas: Early socialization (people, places, handling), impulse control, leash manners, rock-solid recall, quiet on cue
• Guardian Instincts: Teach calm greetings and “place/settle” for visitors; reward neutrality
• Cooperative Care: Desensitize to blow-dryer, line-brushing, nail and dewclaw trims

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Feed for lean muscle and joint health; avoid excess weight.

• Food Type: High-quality large-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~3–5 cups/day split into two meals (adjust for age/workload)
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; consider joint supplements for active adults
• Bloat Safety: Deep-chested breed—limit hard exercise 60–90 minutes before/after meals; use slow feeders and discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet

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Choose transparency on health, temperament, and grooming—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Seek CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide hip/eye/DNA results, early socialization, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Herding-breed rescues and Briard breed clubs’ rehoming programs
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder directory; Briard Club of Canada; local obedience/herding/nose-work clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training and community

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Generally robust, but size and breed-specific issues warrant screening.

• Orthopedic: Hip dysplasia (primary), occasional elbow dysplasia
• Eyes: Cataracts, PRA, and congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB/RPE65) in some lines—ask about DNA/eye testing
• GI: Gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat/GDV) risk due to deep chest
• Endocrine/Skin: Hypothyroidism, allergies/hot spots if undercoat stays damp
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
• Recommended Testing: Hips (and elbows where available), ophthalmologist exams (CAER), CSNB/PRA DNA where indicated; discuss bloat prevention

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Are Briards good apartment dogs?
Possible for very active owners—plan 60–90 minutes of daily exercise plus serious grooming.

Are Briards hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic; shedding is moderate and requires regular brushing.

Do Briards have double dewclaws?
Yes—double rear dewclaws are a hallmark of the breed; keep nails and surrounding hair trimmed.

How much grooming does a Briard need?
Brush 3×/week, bathe/dry every 4–6 weeks, and check mats in friction zones; expect 1–2 hours weekly.

How much exercise does a Briard need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily with training and brain games.

Do Briards bark a lot?
Moderate—alert/guardian voice. Teach a reliable “quiet” and reinforce calm greetings.

Are Briards good with kids and other pets?
Generally devoted family dogs with early socialization; supervise with small children and introduce other pets thoughtfully.

Briard vs Bearded Collie—what’s different?
Briards are larger, more guardian-leaning herders with double dewclaws and a drier, harsher coat; Beardies are lighter, bouncier, and typically more gregarious.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips (± elbows), CAER eye exams, and CSNB/PRA DNA where relevant; discuss bloat prevention and family history.

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