Other names/Nicknames:
- Berger De Brie
Country/Date of origin:
- France
- 1200′s
Height:
- Females: 22 to 25-1/2 inches
- Males: 23 to 27 inches
Weight:
- 75 to 90 pounds
Personality:
- Loving and giving to those it knows but aloof and suspicious around strangers.
- Intelligent and easily trained.
- An independent spirit.
- Not looking for constant approval.
- Views itself as a companion rather than a servant.
History:
The history of the Briard can be traced back to the time of Emperor Charlemagne. This very old French-shepherd dog can be seen in eighth-century tapestries. Its great courage and loyalty are mentioned in records from the 12th century on. The French-shepherd dog, with the springy gait, is both a herder and a flock guardian. A club of fanciers was formed in France in 1897 and the breed’s fortunes followed the tides of war in the early 20th century. The introduction of the Briard to the United States is not well documented. It is thought that the Marquis de Lafayette may have brought some to his friend George Washington. It is known that it took until 1922 for a United States born litter of Briard puppies to be recorded.
Body Type:
- A large, powerful dog whose body is slightly longer than high.
- Ears are set high on the head and are cropped in the United States.
- The tail is carried low, with a small hook at the end called a crochet. It is not altered.
- Double dewclaws are required on each rear leg.
Coat:
- The shaggy, coarse, double coat is slightly wavy and about four- to six-inches long.
- Hair falls over the eyes, masking the expression but not the prominent black nose.
- The outerhairs have a peculiar, dry feel and make a rasping sound between the fingers.
- Permissible colors are black, various shades of gray, or tawny.
- Becomes matted and dirty if not brushed at least twice a week.
Health and Wellness:
- Subject to hip dysplasia.
- Susceptible to bloat.
- Progressive retinal atrophy.
What you should know:
- Briards are homebodies. Like other herding dogs, they do not tend to roam.
- The gait of a Briard is supple and springy, like that of a big cat.
- The dog seems to glide along the ground with no visible means of support.
- Not a popular breed.
- Puppies will be difficult to obtain.