Briard Dog

Briard

Briard Characteristics: The dependable and dutiful Briard is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Herding Dog Group (AKC:1906). The Briard, is characterized by its strong, shaggy appearance with a fully-coated head, square, black nose and calm, confident expression. Other characteristics include large black or black-brown eyes; high set ears; a deep, broad chest and a light, supple, gliding gait. The temperament of the Briard can be described as Faithful, Obedient, Protective.

The coat type of the Briard is described as long, harsh, dry coat in black, gray, tawny colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Briard demonstrated the desired traits of a Farm Dog and is known by its nick name the "Emperor Charlemagne's Dog". The origin of the Briard dog breed was in France where it was developed in the 800's.

Fast Facts about the Briard: The following facts provide fast information about the Briard breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Herding Dog Group (AKC:1906) *** Nick name: "Emperor Charlemagne's Dog" *** Origin: France *** Male Height: 24 - 27 inches (62 - 68 cm) *** Female Height: 22 - 25 inches (56 - 64 cm) *** Male Weight: 77-88 lbs (35-40 kg) *** Female Weight: 60-77 lbs (27-35 kg) *** Coat Type: long, harsh, dry coat *** Coat Colors: black, gray, tawny colors *** Litter Size: 8-10 puppies *** Health Problems: Eye Problems, Hip dysplasia *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Briard Breed Group and Dog Type - Herding Dog Group (AKC:1906): The Briard is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding Dog Group (AKC:1906).

Other names for the Briard: The Briard is known by the nickname of the "Emperor Charlemagne's Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Berger Briard and Briard de Brie. N.B. The word 'Berger' is an occupational name for a shepherd.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Briard" derives from its place of origin from Brie, a region of northern France.

Briard History and Origin: The country of origin of the ancient Briard breed was in France during the 800's. The versatile Briard  performed multiple duties not only as a farm dog protecting livestock from predators but was also trained as a hunting dog to track stag, deer, wild boar and bears.  Early tapestries depict these large shaggy dogs with the King of the Franks, the Emperor Charlemagne (c. 747 - c. 814). However, the Briard, is most closely associated with its role as a sheepdog working closely with French shepherds to herd and guard flocks of sheep,  protecting the animals from predators, such as wolves, and from thieves.

The role of the Briard changed following the French Revolution (1789 - 1799). The massive Estates owned by the French nobility were broken up and the main role of the Briard was to keep livestock within their unfenced boundaries that were often surrounded by fields of crops. The duty of the Briard was (and still is) to keep the sheep contained in the allotted grazing area as the shepherd is subject to a considerable fine if the sheep get into the crops.

A French priest called Abe Rosier, who was closely associated with the farmers in Brie, was the first to describe the 'Chien Berger de Brie' in an article published in 1809 about French herding dogs detailing the differences between the long haired Berger de la Brie, now known as the Briard and the shorter haired 'Berger de la Beauce', now known as the Beauceron. The first Briard was shown at at Paris dog show  (L' Exposition Universelle de 1878) and the Briard breed was exported to other European countries and, quite a few years later to the United States of America.

The Briard was used to carry supplies to the front lines and as a sentry by the French army during both WWI (1914 - 1918) and WW2 (1939 - 1945). The Briard was renown for his excellent hearing, reputed to be the most acute of any dog breed, and was therefore used by the French medical corps to search for wounded soldiers and was able to detect the slightest noise made by wounded soldiers. The Briard was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1928.

Briard Modern History: The modern history of the Briard moved on and the calm, placid breed is now enjoyed as a protective family pet and companion.

Briard Height: The Briard breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 24 - 27 inches (62 - 68 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 22 - 25 inches (56 - 64 cm).

Briard Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 77-88 lbs (35-40 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 60-77 lbs (27-35 kg).

Briard Coat Type: The coat type is described as a long, harsh, dry coat.

Briard Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include black, gray, tawny colors.

Briard Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Briard are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Briard are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

Briard Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 8-10 puppies. Briard puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Briard puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Briard Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Dependable, Faithful, Obedient, Protective and Dutiful.

Briard Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Briard requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a supple, gliding gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Briard Diet: A fully grown Briard should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Briard Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Briard breed include Eye Problems, Hip dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Briard dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Briard Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Briard breed is 10-12 years.

Briard Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Briard breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Briard names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Burel *** Carel *** Beauregard *** Chappell *** Josh *** Rufus *** Bear *** Jack *** Toby *** Smoky.

Briard Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Briard names are Joelle *** Lisette *** Mabelle *** Arlette *** Baby *** Cleo *** Honey *** Sophie *** Bernadette *** Cherine.

Fast Facts about the Briard: The following facts provide fast information about the Briard breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Herding Dog Group (AKC:1906) *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: France *** History / Date: 800's *** Male Briard Height: 24 - 27 inches (62 - 68 cm) *** Male Briard Weight: 77-88 lbs (35-40 kg) *** Coat Type: long, harsh, dry coat *** Litter Size: 8-10 puppies *** Briard Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Briard Lifespan: 10-12 years ***

Site Search

 

 
Briard Facts and Info - Breed Standard - Size - Colors - Coat Type - Characteristics - Diet - Exercise Requirements - Breed Standard - Grooming - History - Origin - Tips - History - Health Problems - Height - Information about Briards - Lifespan - Litter size - Briard Names - Male - Female - Boy Dog - Girl Dog - Origin - Personality - Qualities - Size - Temperament - Guide - Weight - Male Dog Names - Female Dog Names - Breed Description - Art - Pictures - Images - Briard Facts and Information