Briard Dogs 101: History, Traits, and Care

The Briard is a majestic breed with a rich history dating back to the 7th century. They were originally bred as guard dogs and sheep herders in France.

Briards are large dogs with a distinctive shaggy coat that requires regular grooming. They come in a variety of colors including white, gray, and black.

These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature, making them excellent family pets. They are also highly trainable, but can be stubborn at times.

Briards are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these issues.

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The Briard has a rich history that spans over 1,200 years, with the first written mention of the breed dating back to the 12th century.

The breed was originally developed in the Brie region of France, where it was used to herd sheep and guard flocks. It was known as the Chien Berger de Brie in its homeland.

The Briard was used as a guard and watchdog early in its history, and later as a herder and drover. Its skill and versatility made it a popular breed in France.

The breed was named the official war dog of the French army, and during World War I, Briards served in the trenches, performing sentry duty, finding wounded soldiers, and pulling carts full of supplies.

Thomas Jefferson brought the first Briard to the United States in 1789, and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1928.

The Briard's good looks and affable personalities have made it a longtime favorite breed in France and around the world. It's no wonder the breed has remained popular for centuries.

The Briard has been used for a variety of tasks, including herding, guarding, and even serving as a Red Cross dog during World War I.

The breed's numbers fell during World War I and World War II, but it has since made a comeback and is now a popular breed in many countries.

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The Briard is a breed that boasts a shaggy and long double coat, with the outer coat being made of long, wavy, coarse hair, while the undercoat is fine and tight. The hair on the shoulders is generally around six inches or longer.

The Briard has a solid colored coat that can be found in a variety of colors, most commonly black, gray, or tawny, but never white. The coat can change color as the dog ages or sheds.

The Briard is a sturdy breed, with a powerful build and strong bones. They stand between 56-68 cm at the withers, with males being slightly taller than females.

The briard is a popular breed that's made appearances in various films and TV shows, including Top Dog, Married…with Children, Dennis the Menace, and Buddy.

You might be surprised to learn that a briard named Norman holds the world record for the fastest 30 meters on a scooter by a dog, completing the course in 20.77 seconds in 2013.

In 2015, Colonial Williamsburg named two briards, Liberty and Justice, as its official mascots. They were reenactors that played George Washington's dogs, adding a fun historical twist to their roles.

These fun facts show that briards are not only intelligent and athletic but also charming and charismatic, making them a beloved breed among many dog enthusiasts.

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The Briard is a sturdy and agile dog, built for herding and moving with ease.

The breed has a powerful and balanced build, with strong muscles and bones that allow for flexible, tireless movements.

Their long, sloping shoulders and muscled front legs make them well-suited for physical activity.

The Briard's hindquarters are also strong, with flexible joints that enable them to move with agility.

Their oval feet have well-arched toes, thick pads, and hard nails, making them well-suited for running and walking.

The Briard's tail is long, well-feathered, and ends in a J-shaped curve, which they carry low in repose but raise in a harmonious curve while gaiting.

Their ears are attached high, firm at the base, and covered with long hair, which can be left natural or cropped.

The Briard's coat is long, coarse, and hard, with a fine undercoat that lies flat and falls naturally in long, slightly wavy locks.

Their heads are well-covered with hair that lies down and has a natural part in the center, while their eyebrows arch up and out in a curve that creates a veil over their eyes.

The Briard's eyes are large, well-opened, and calm, with a confident gaze that's both handsome and intelligent.

Their coats can be solid black, gray, blue, or fawn, or fawn overlaid with black, and they come in a variety of colors, including black, gray, and tawny.

The Briard's height at the withers ranges from 56-68 cm for bitches and 62-68 cm for dogs, with a length of body that's equal to or slightly more than their height.

This breed is intelligent, easily trained, faithful, gentle, and obedient, with an excellent memory and an ardent desire to please their master.

The Briard is also loving and loyal to those they know, but can be reserved with strangers and display a certain independence.

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The weight of a dog can vary significantly depending on the breed, with some weighing as little as 7 pounds and others reaching up to 200 pounds or more.

The Pug, for example, typically weighs between 14 and 17 pounds, making them a great companion for city dwellers.

As a Briard owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Panosteitis, a painful condition that affects the long bones, is one of the health concerns to watch out for.

Briards are also prone to Hip Dysplasia, a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help manage the condition.

Bloat is another serious health issue that can occur in Briards, often due to eating habits or swallowing air. Keeping an eye on your dog's eating schedule and preventing overeating can help minimize the risk.

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If your Briard is experiencing joint pain or mobility issues, it's crucial to have an X-Ray to diagnose the problem. This will help your veterinarian develop an effective treatment plan.

A comprehensive Physical Examination can also help identify potential health issues early on. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will ensure your Briard stays healthy and happy.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Briards, grouped by category:

The Briard's shaggy coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and painful skin infections called hot spots.

Brush your Briard every other day to weekly to keep the hair free of mats.

Their coarse hair doesn't cling to dirt and water, so consistent grooming can ensure a clean coat.

The Briard sheds very little if groomed regularly, but may shed seasonally in the spring or fall.

During these times, the hair may grow in a different color.

Bath the Briard only when dirty, which may only be every month or two.

The beard may need to be washed more often due to food and water absorption.

Trim the hair between the pads of the feet and within the ears regularly.

Keep your Briard busy with walks, runs, and swims, except during extremely hot weather.

This breed has a high prey drive, so leash or fence it in when outdoors.

A fenced-in yard is ideal for this large dog, but it can live comfortably in the city or country with proper care.

The Briard does not do well in cramped environments and should never be kenneled.

A suitable diet with possible dietary supplements may be needed to deter rapid growth or seasonal alopecia.

The Briard is a devoted and faithful family member, a loyal and brave guardian, and a highly energetic and playful dog.

These dogs are naturally wary of strangers and may be aggressive to other dogs, so socialization is key to helping them feel comfortable around new people and animals.

Briards are great with children, looking out for them like members of the flock, and show great love and loyalty to their owners.

They can be independent thinkers and don't tolerate negative reinforcement, so patience is needed when training them, especially from an early age.

Briards have a high prey drive and may view cats and other small animals as something to be hunted, so it's essential to teach them to coexist with other pets.

They thrive on having a job to do, whether it's herding or guarding, and need plenty of exercise to burn off their physical and mental energy.

With proper training and socialization, Briards can learn to enjoy the company of other animals and new people, but ongoing training classes are often recommended.

Their history as farmhands means they're naturally inclined to have a strong work ethic, so they'll need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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The Briard is a large breed, so if you're considering bringing one home, make sure you have plenty of space for it to roam.

If you're still unsure about the breed, you can check out Wisdom Panel's DNA tests to see if your dog is a Briard.

The breed group for the Briard is not specified in the provided article sections, but it's worth noting that the Briard is often referred to as a herding breed.

If you're looking for breeds that are similar in size to the Briard, you're in luck.

The Labahoula is a great example, with 95% similarity in size. It's a breed that's well worth considering if you're drawn to the Briard's stature.

The German Pinscher is another breed that's very similar in size, with a 95% similarity. This breed is known for its intelligence and energy level.

German Shepherds are also similar in size to Briards, with a 95% similarity. They're a popular breed for many reasons, including their loyalty and trainability.

Airedale Shepherds and Weimaraners are also worth considering, with 94% similarity in size.

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If you're curious about your dog's breed group, check out Wisdom Panel's DNA tests for a more accurate identification.

The Briard, for instance, is a specific breed that can be identified through DNA testing.

Breed groups are often used to categorize dogs based on their original purpose or characteristics.

The Briard, with its distinctive appearance and history, can be a great example of a breed that fits into a specific breed group.

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