Briard breed: the shaggy working dog who is a loyal protector of children

The Briard is a highly intelligent, reliable working dog who makes an excellent companion for children. Meet this long-coated shepherd!

The Briard is often referred to as a sweetheart wrapped in a fur coat. Not for nothing, as two of its most prominent features are its impressive coat and its huge heart. This sheepdog is a great worker for shepherds, and demands to be worked. Despite being fiercely protective of the flock, he is a friendly and affectionate companion who is especially kind to children and a good playmate.

History

The ancestors of the breed are believed to have arrived in Europe with the Asian conquerors. This ancient French variety is probably named after the Brie region. However, according to a 14th century legend, the name (Chien Berger De Brie in French) is an abbreviation of Chien d’Aubry (Aubry, the name of the farmer). Aubry de Montdidier was a courtier of King Charles V of France, who was killed by Richard de Macaire in 1371. The only witness to the crime was Aubry’s briard. The king ordered the man and the dog to fight. The duel (later immortalised in a statue) was won by the faithful dog and the murderer was executed.

The breed was long considered one with the Beauceron, but over the years they have become a separate standard and are officially considered a separate breed. By the 1800s, the Briard was held in high esteem not only in France but also in the United States.

Even Napoleon is said to have been a fan of the breed. The Briard was proudly exhibited at the very first French dog show in Paris in 1865. During the First World War, the Briard became so much a part of the national consciousness that it was appointed the official dog of the French army.

Although originally bred to guard flocks, the Briard had to operate in a different way during the world wars. As a Red Cross dog, it helped to scout for wounded, but also carried first aid supplies, ammunition packs and other supplies. He also served as a sentry dog on the front line. Nowadays, it is also used as a family dog, but there are still many places where sheepdogs are kept, and it is also trained as a therapy and assistance dog.

Breed standard

The Briard is a large dog with a well-proportioned, muscular build. It has a lively movement. The head is strong and long, with a beard and eyebrows. The muzzle is always black and the shape is more angular than round. Eyes relatively large, oval and dark. The eyes are intelligent. Ears are high-pinned, often truncated in the past, relatively short in their natural state. Neck strong, muscular, well separated from the shoulder. Straight muzzle, tail slightly sloping. The limbs are well muscled, strong and regularly set. The tip of the tail is hooked, deeply set and covered with a thick coat. The paw is strong, rounded and the fingers are closed. The hind legs have double wolf claws.

The coat is long, dry and slightly wavy. Colour may be black; brown; brown with blackish markings; grey or blue. White is not allowed. Height at withers 56-68 cm, depending on sex, and weight approximately 32-36 kg. Life expectancy is 11-12 years.

Character

This dog is a sweet, affectionate dog who loves to be close to his family. However, it is not recommended for inexperienced owners. Self-contained, sometimes prone to stubbornness, but a highly intelligent working dog. If left unattended, he will demand attention. Often he will herd his family, his instinct is so strong. He gets on well with other dogs and is particularly fond of children. He is reserved with strangers and will bark if someone approaches the gate.

A brave defender, not afraid to protect his family. He also excels in dog sports as he is agile and a quick learner. He is playful, sometimes a clown, but knows when to be playful and when to be serious. He should not be handled violently during training, as this will not get him anywhere. He is a sensitive companion who easily picks up on his owner’s mood. To be happy, he needs a lot of physical and mental work, as it makes him feel good. When keeping him, it is important to bear in mind that he is a working dog and his great talents should be used to the full.

Ideal environment

It is typically well adapted to different living situations, but is most at home in a garden house. It is not at all recommended to keep it in a kennel or at the end of the garden, as it is an affectionate companion who likes to be close to its family. It is also recommended for households with several children and is especially suited to active owners. It is important to bear in mind that he is a working dog who requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. He loves to work and can work very well, so it is definitely worth giving him a job.

Care

The long, double-layered coat of the briard should be brushed daily or every other day to prevent it from tangling and knotting. Grooming the coat can be time-consuming, but it is very important to care for it regularly. The eyes and ears should always be kept clean.

Common health problems

Dysplasia in large dogs can also develop in Briards, so it is important that breeders test their dogs. He may also be at risk of gastric torsion, so he should not be exercised vigorously immediately after eating. They can also develop various eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy. In addition, hypothyroidism may also occur.

(Literature: János Szinák – István Veress: A világ kutyái I., David Alderton: Kutyák, Dr. Pál Sárkány: Sarah Whitehead – Beverly Cuddy: Dogs, János Szinák – István Veress Szinák: Dog Guide, Paul McGreevy: Dogs).