Essential Details To Understand In Relation To The Briard

The Briard (sometimes called the "Berger Briard" or "Berger de Brie") is among the oldest French herding breeds and features a shaggy black, gray or tawny coat that has often led to them being mistaken for a haystack. The breed first appeared in the 1300s, and they were initially raised for the main goal of guarding homes and sheep from intruders and predators.

A few of their most distinguishing characteristics can include their fearless and protective temperament - which in essence make the Briard a frequent preference for a family guard dog, herding and guarding sheep, military or police work and search and rescue.

The Briard first came to be in France during the 1300s and was bred with the initial objective of guarding homes and flocks of sheep from wolves and human intruders but later was primarily used for herding sheep. In World War I they were used for delivering messages and locating wounded soldiers, and during this time they nearly became extinct. They are
believed to be a descendant of the Berger Picard with later cross-breeding occurring with the Beauceron and Barbet.

Briards are classed as a large-sized breed of dog. The suggested standard size for the Briard male is 23-27 inches tall from paw to shoulder and a weight of 75-100 pounds, while the recommended size for female Briards is 22-25.5 inches high from paw to shoulder with a weight of 50-65 pounds.

The Briard is renowned for their protective, fearless and loyal disposition. They are often reserved with strangers, which often means they are highly suitable as a guard dog.

The Briard is also demonstrated to be quite intelligent - scoring equal 30th in comparison with other dogs based on their ability to be trained obedience commands. They are also renowned to be gentle with kids but may try to herd them without proper training - which makes them fairly suitable as a family pet. The Briard is not always companionable with other dogs and may become aggressive due to their protective nature but when socialized properly they can learn to get along with other pets.

The Briard is best with at least an average-sized yard to give them room to run, but they can be somewhat suitable for apartment living just as long as they are given adequate exercise. They love the outdoors but feel most at home wherever their family is.

The Briard is made happy with leisure activities which include agility, flyball, herding, tracking, swimming or going for a jog alongside a bicycle. They have a medium quantity of energy and require exercise every day in the shape of long walks or jogs to keep them in good physical and mental health.

The Briard can make the perfect dog breed for an active owner who will be their firm and confident leader. They are well-suited to anyone who is able to execute a high level of grooming and take time to give them early socialization with children or other pets and obedience training to establish leadership as well as take them on long daily walks and give a very high amount of company and devotion - they thrive on human contact and do not like to be left alone all day. Though they might be fairly out of place in many households, if you are able to meet their needs for firm guidance and attention then the Briard may possibly be the ultimate dog for you.