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Description
The Briard (pronounced bree-ARD) is a large muscular herding dog with a coarse long, slightly wavy double coat. Briards are generally black, gray, or tawny. The tawny puppy coat turns to a lighter yearling coat. Then the coat deepens in color again to a richer adult coat. The hair of an adult coat is 6 or more inches (16 cm.) giving the coat an attractive, bushy look with a shaggy beard, eyebrows and mustache. The ears can be cropped or left natural and are usually clipped into a rounded shape so the hair cascades from them into the rest of the coat. The muzzle is square and long and the nose is black. The long, feathered tail has a crochet hook at the tip. Briards, like many other French shepherds, have two dewclaws on each hind foot. The Briard's elegant gait is floating and agile - the dog almost seems to not touch the ground.
Temperament
The Briard is a farm worker by nature and lives to herd anything! They have an exceptional hearing ability and are basically kind, but with a strong protective instinct. The Briard makes a wonderful, alert watchdog. Sensitive, playful and obedient, but with definite minds of their own. A long history of working with humans has left it gentle and sweet natured, as well as brave, loyal and fearless. This breed has a fine memory and is intelligent with a lot of initiative. They are very trainable. Briards are naturally atheletic and aert, which makes them excellent watch dogs but also suspicious of strangers. The are known to bond intensely with their families and be very protective of them, some say that a Briard is a "heart wrapped in fur". Briards are also good with children and other small animals, provided that they have been raised with them Eager to please its master but needs a firm owner able to show leadership. This is definitely not a breed for everyone. Too often they wind up in shelters because people don't realize what a challenge they can be to raise and live with. They are very stubborn and can be fearful, extremely unfriendly, or both, if not raised properly. They need a lot of entertainment and activity to be happy, and are not the sort you can pat on the head and ignore the rest of the day. Briards are really dedicated to their families and tend to be, at best, disinterested in other people. They should be socialized early - especially with children. They are good-natured and very adaptable to living with children if they are raised together. This breed does not like to be teased. Train them early and treat him with affection and you will have a wonderful family dog. It has been said, "it returns tenfold any affection given to it." Training must be consistent with much patience and love combined with a firm hand. They will not respond to unjust, severe training. With poor handling and training the Briard becomes withdrawn and even aggressive. They require regular training and attention. If you are a first time dog owner and you would like to raise a Briard, you should seek help and training from experienced people. Briards view strangers as suspicious and can be a bit dog aggressive, but with the right handler it will blossom into a first-class pet that can happily coexist with other pets. Briards may attempt to herd people by nipping at their heels.
Height, Weight
Height: 24-27 inches (62-68 kg.) Bitches 22-25 inches (56-64 cm.)
Average Weight: 75 pounds (35 kg.)
Health Problems
Generally healthy, but some lines are prone to PRA, cataracts and hip dysplasia. Briards, like other large-chested breeds, can experience bloat and stomach torsion. The condition can come on very fast and, if left untreated, is fatal.
Living Conditions
The Briard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This dog is totally not suited for life in a kennel. They are happiest in the home as part of the family, but they do love to be outdoors.
Exercise
The Briard are working dogs and will become restless and can develop behavioral problems if they are not exercised enough. They need to go on a long daily walk, or run alongside your bicycle. They make an excellent jogging companion and also enjoy a good swim. They are ideally suited to defense dog/police dog trials.
Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years
Litter Size
8 - 10 puppies - 17 puppies in one litter have been known!
Grooming
The Briard`s coat is coarse and strong similar to a goat's coat. Dirt and water do not readily cling to it, and if well-groomed it sheds very little. Take time for grooming to have an attractive and healthy dog. Expect the minimum time required to be two hours a week and much longer if you have been remiss. The well-groomed Briard is a beautiful animal, and, more important, a comfortable one. The Briard`s coat can become matted without regular attention. The inside of the ears must be kept clean and any excessive hair in the ears or between the pads of the feet should be removed.
Origin
The Briard has been known for some centuries. Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, and Lafayette all owned Briards. This ancient sheep guard and herder has also been used by the French Army as a sentry, messenger, and to search for wounded soldiers because of its fine sense of hearing. It became popular only after the Paris dog show of 1863 - in large part due to the improvement of the dog's looks achieved by crosses with the Beauceron and the Barbet. The Briard is named either for Aubry of Montdidier, a man who was supposed to have owned an early Briard, or for the French province of Brie, although the dog probably does not originate in that locale. The Briard still serves as a herder and flock guardian today, as well as an esteemed companion dog. Some of the Briards talents are search & rescue, police work, military work, herding, watchdogging and guarding.
Group
Herding, AKC Herding
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