Dog breed profile
Briard
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Briard is a large French herding and guarding breed developed to move and protect sheep across farms and open countryside. Most adults stand around 56 to 69 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 25 to 45 kilograms. The breed has a strong, athletic body, long flowing double coat, beard, moustache and hair that partly covers the eyes. Coat colours commonly include black, grey and shades of fawn.
A distinctive feature is the presence of double dewclaws on each hind leg. Briards are intelligent, loyal, courageous and strongly attached to their families. They were expected to work independently while remaining responsive to the shepherd, giving them a combination of trainability and self-confidence. They may be affectionate and playful with family members while remaining reserved or watchful around unfamiliar people. Their herding instincts can lead them to circle, chase or attempt to control children, animals and moving objects.
Early socialisation is essential because a poorly socialised Briard may become overly suspicious, protective or reactive. The breed generally enjoys purposeful activity and can excel in obedience, herding, tracking, search and rescue and other dog sports. Briards mature slowly and may remain energetic, impulsive and physically demanding during adolescence. They generally suit experienced or highly committed owners who can provide daily exercise, regular training, substantial grooming and calm, consistent leadership. Individual Briards still vary with breeding, early experience, health and training, so these breed tendencies should guide preparation rather than predetermine the personality of every dog.
Long-term suitability matters more than first impressions when a household is considering a Briard. Responsible selection of a Briard should consider stable temperament, functional structure and documented health history alongside colour, coat and outward breed type.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
Routine Briard care combines substantial exercise, regular mental work, extensive coat maintenance and lifelong socialisation. Most healthy adults do well with at least one to two hours of daily activity, including structured walks, hiking, herding, obedience, tracking, scent work or controlled play.
Puppies should avoid repetitive jumping, forced running and excessive impact while their joints develop. Training should begin early and focus on lead manners, recall, calm visitor behaviour, handling, impulse control and appropriate responses around children and livestock. Positive reinforcement with clear, predictable boundaries is generally most effective. Harsh correction may damage trust or increase defensive behaviour. Introduce brushing, foot handling, mouth examination and quiet restraint to the Briard in brief rewarded steps before any of those procedures becomes urgent.
The long double coat should be brushed and combed thoroughly several times each week, with daily attention often required during coat changes or after outdoor activity. Mats commonly form behind the ears, beneath the legs, around the feet, in the beard and under collars or harnesses. The coat should be checked for grass seeds, burrs and parasites. The double rear dewclaws and all other nails require regular trimming. Teeth should be brushed frequently and ears checked for moisture or infection. For the deep-bodied Briard, divide the daily ration and avoid vigorous exertion around meals while discussing individual gastric dilatation-volvulus risk with a veterinarian. Measure the Briard's food against actual workload and reassess portions after growth, desexing, illness or a change in activity rather than relying indefinitely on the packet guide.
A complete large-breed diet for the Briard should promote slow, controlled growth and a lean body condition. Meals should be divided, and strenuous exercise avoided close to feeding because of the risk of bloat. Regular veterinary checks should monitor hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid function and general mobility. Secure fencing, daily companionship and regular grooming are essential.
Conditions linked to this breed
Corneal Dystrophy
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Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV, or “Bloat”)
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Hip Dysplasia
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Panosteitis
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA)
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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