The Briard is a historic French herding dog, known for its rugged appearance and a fascinating history that dates back centuries.
Also called the Chien Berger de Brie (named after the Brie region of France, famous for its cheese), the Briard breed can be traced back to at least the 8th century. These dogs have been depicted in tapestries alongside Emperor Charlemagne, and around a thousand years later, another famed leader—Napoleon Bonaparte—was said to have owned Briards. Even Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president, was gifted a Briard during his time as an ambassador to France.
Bred for both guarding and herding sheep, the Briard is well-equipped for such tasks. Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1928, the official breed standard highlights the Briard’s movement as “quicksilver,” enabling quick turns, sudden starts, and abrupt stops—essential traits for a herding dog.
This impressive agility is even more striking when considering the breed’s large size, standing 22–27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 55–100 pounds. The breed is also described as “a dog of heart, with spirit and initiative, wise and fearless with no trace of timidity.”
Caring for a Briard
While the Briard was originally bred for outdoor work, the Briard Club of America (BCA) notes that these dogs are happiest as house pets, close to their human families. However, their strong working instincts shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s essential to recognize these tendencies to provide the best care for a Briard.
One important consideration is that Briards need a “job” to focus their energy and strength. Fortunately, they aren’t limited to herding and enjoy physical activities such as hiking, running, and even biking.
Although Briards are intelligent and eager to please, their independence and confidence set them apart from other breeds. Bred to make decisions on their own when herding, this independence can come through in family settings. Their herding background also explains their instinct to herd children and their cautious nature around new pets or strangers.
Mary Jeanne Millner, a member of the BCA and owner of Sendero Briards, believes the perfect home for a Briard is one full of active children who interact with their dog. She notes that growing up in a busy household is ideal for socializing Briard puppies.
While Briards can get along with other dogs, Millner suggests having dogs of the opposite sex to reduce the risk of conflict. And if you have a cat, she recommends getting the cat first, so it can establish its dominance over a Briard puppy.
Briard Health Issues
Briards are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of around 12 years, but like all dogs, they’re prone to certain health conditions.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, leading to looseness and osteoarthritis. Mild cases can be managed with physical therapy and medications, but severe cases may require surgery. Signs to watch for include limping, reluctance to move, and hip pain.
Eye Conditions
Briards are susceptible to several eye conditions, such as congenital stationary night blindness, hereditary cataracts, and corneal dystrophy. If your dog has trouble seeing in low light, appears clumsy, or shows signs of cloudy eyes, consult a vet, as some conditions may require surgery.
Hypothyroidism
This condition affects a dog’s thyroid, reducing hormone production and slowing metabolism. Briards affected by hypothyroidism may gain weight unexpectedly, appear lethargic, or have recurring skin infections. Treatment usually involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Feeding Your Briard
Every Briard is unique, so it’s important to work with your vet to find the right food. Your vet can recommend a diet that meets the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and health.
Most adult Briards do well with two meals a day, while puppies may need an additional midday feeding due to their higher metabolism. Be sure to include treats in your Briard’s daily calorie intake, limiting them to no more than 10% of their overall calories.
If your Briard is eating a balanced AAFCO-compliant diet, additional supplements likely aren’t necessary. However, if you’re considering supplements, always consult your vet first.
Briard Behavior and Training Tips

Briards are known for their blend of intelligence, independence, loyalty, and affection. Millner likens living with a Briard to living with a teenager—they need guidance but may not always want it. Their history as independent sheepherders makes them naturally confident and sometimes willful.
Their strong herding instinct can manifest as a desire to herd children, and they can be wary of new pets or people. Early socialization is essential to help them adjust to different environments and situations.
Despite their independent streak, Briards are highly trainable and eager to please. Positive reinforcement training, using rewards rather than punishment, works best. This training helps build a strong bond between you and your dog while providing essential mental and physical exercise.
Fun Activities for Briards
Briards thrive on activities that engage both their minds and bodies. Some great activities for this breed include:
- Jogging
- Hiking
- Herding
- Agility
- Rally
- Tracking
- Obedience training
- Skills training
Grooming Guide for Briards
The Briard’s long, coarse, wavy double coat comes in shades of black, tawny, and gray. Though the coat sheds very little and repels dirt and water, it still requires regular care. Expect to spend at least two hours each week grooming your Briard to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free.
Coat Care
The Briard’s coat should be brushed several times a week to prevent matting.
Skin Care
Routine grooming can help remove debris from the coat and prevent skin irritation. Bathing frequency depends on your dog’s lifestyle, but too many baths can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Eye Care
Since Briards are prone to eye conditions, keep an eye out for signs of irritation or vision changes and consult a vet if necessary.
Ear Care
Briards have floppy, hairy ears that are prone to infection. Regular ear cleaning is important, but ask your vet for advice on how to properly care for your dog’s ears.
With proper care, training, and socialization, the Briard makes an affectionate, loyal, and fascinating addition to any family. Though their herding instincts and independence require attention, the rewards of sharing your life with a Briard are well worth the effort.