Briard

The Briard has a pleasant and affectionate personality, and has a want to please its owners. Its temperament tends to waver between serious and clownish depending on how the dog feels. 

An active dog that likes to play and interact; it can also be mischievous. 

This dog does not enjoy surprises, loud noises or sudden movements and can, as a result of these things, become overly timid and agitated. 

This is a highly intelligent dog. Its training needs to be varied and done so in a forthright manner: the dog can be stubborn and refuse to learn if it is bored by the lesson. 

The Briard is a herding dog, but it will chase smaller animals if it feels like doing so. 

This dog is nervous around strangers and it will either be aloof or timid; it prefers to approach new people in its own time. 

Briards are independent thinkers but their loyalty to family causes them to tirelessly follow their owner. 

Briards do not tolerate solitude. If left alone for long periods of time this dog becomes agitated, barks excessively and chews furniture and carpets. 

The Briard is a challenge to train. A confident master who consistently varies the dog’s training is needed. Briards get easily bored of routine. 

The Briard is not considered a very vocal dog; its barking quickly dies down.  

The Briard can be manipulative. If its owner has allowed the dog to think of itself as being ‘in charge’ it will do what it likes when out for a walk. Reinforcing the ‘recall’ command is always worthwhile. 

The Briard can be very destructive if it is stressed or lonely. 

Briards are prone to obesity if fed too many treats or too much human food. 

Briards are exceptionally alert and quick to fright. They will bark to let you know if someone is on the property or at the door or even walking down the street. 

As long as it is given plenty of time outdoors a Briard’s indoor living space does not have to be huge. This dog may suit a flat but it is far better suited to living in the country. 

An energetic dog is the Briard. The dog will expect its owner to plan long and exciting outdoor adventures. 

The Briard will become nervous when travelling. It is worthwhile to crate train this dog.  

Although a Briard is not known for its high prey drive it will still be interested in small scurrying animals and will enjoy chasing anything that moves.

Some Briards exhibit aggression when they meet other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex.

The Briard is a nervous dog, and it will not tolerate being played with roughly, taunted or deliberately scared. 

Because it is a dog that requires lots of exercise, the Briard may not be the perfect choice of dog for some of senior years. 

A Briard needs a firm (yet humane) hand during its formative years. An experienced owner who can manage the occasional stubbornness of the dog is called for. That being said, this is a reasonably good first dog.