Briard
Other names: Berger de Brie, Berger Briard
The Briard is a breed of herding dog from France. It is said to have come about in the 1300s. They were originally used to herd and guard flocks of sheep. More recently they have been (and in some places are still) used as farm dogs. They are exceptionally alert and confident animals but they have a tendency to be ‘on edge’.
Key facts about the Briard
Origins and history
First bred it is thought in the Middle Ages, the Briard has been depicted in art and literature ever since. After the French Revolution, the Briard gained popularity among farmers who considered the dog perfect for herding and guarding sheep. During WW1 the dog was put to use as a sentry and was the official dog of the French army.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
Section
Section 1 : Sheepdogs
Physical characteristics of the Briard
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 25 in
Male : Between 24 and 27 in
Weight
Female : Between 66 and 88 lb
Male : Between 66 and 88 lb
Coat colour
This dog is seen of black, fawn, grey and blue.
Type of coat
A long double coat consisting of a long and coarse outer coat and a fine undercoat.
Eye colour
Dark.
Description
This is a dog of medium to large build, stocky but not bulky. Its skull and muzzle are well-proportioned. The ears are set high and are usually small. The tail is carried low to the hocks when the dog is inactive but about level with the top-line when the dog is moving.
Good to know
Think you’ve never seen one before? Think again. Tramp from My Three Sons was a Briard! So were Stinky, from Dharma & Greg, and Buck from Married...With Children.