Briards

Appearance:

Body:Well-boned and well-muscled with a broad, deep chest and level back

Coat: Course, rough outer coat that lies flat, somewhat wavy, with a fine and tight undercoat

Color: Many different solid colors such as black, gray, and shades of tawny, with light colored ears and face

Ears: Short, set high and covered with long hair. Ears may be cropped or natural

Eyes: Large and dark with black rims and covered somewhat with eyebrows

Feet: Round, powerful and well-padded with well-arched toes and hard black nails

Head: Large, long and strong with a pronounced stop, square muzzle, large black nose, black lips, and distinctive beard and moustache

Legs: Forelegs are long, angled, muscular, and well-boned. Hind legs are angled, well-muscled, and powerful

Neck: Strong and muscular. The "AKC" standards describe the Briard's neck as being "in the shape of a truncated cone, clearing the shoulders well."

Size:
Weight: 74 - 76 pounds (33.5 - 34.5kg)
Height: 22 - 27 inches (58 - 69cm)

Tail: Long and curled at the end

Behavior

Recommended for experienced handlers

The Briard is a gentle, easily trained, and loyal dog who is also obedient and protective of it's family. He is a well-mannered, energetic, handsome dog with an intelligent, loving, playful, sometimes clownish, personality. The Briard is big-hearted, rugged, and always alert to what is going on around him.

He is a highly energetic working breed of dog who excels at herding and protecting his sheep and family. With his herding instincts, he will try to nudge and push the people around him into a group where he can control and protect them. The owner must be experienced enough to handle such situations without being disrespectful of the dog.

Early socialization and obedience training are important for teaching him who is friend and who is foe. Without the proper training and socializing as a pup, he may become an aggressive adult. This is a large, powerful dog in need of an experienced handler able to devote a great deal of time to raising and exercising him. Positive training by a confident, passionate handler will bring out the best in this sensitive dog.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Herding Group

Originally bred to herd and guard sheep.

During World War One, the Briard was used to move ammunition and other supplies between the troops and to assist in locating injured soldiers. Because of his keen sense of hearing, he was also used to alert the troops of surprise enemy attacks. Today the Briard is used as guide dogs for the blind and in search and rescue missions for the police, as well as guard dogs.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: This is a working dog who needs a great deal of daily exercise for both physical and mental fitness

Grooming: His harsh coat needs to be brushed at least two times weekly and daily during shedding season to avoid matting

Health

Life Expectancy: 11 - 13 Years

Possible Problems:
Bloat
Hip Dysplasia
Low Thyroid
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Country of Origin

France