Briard Dog Breed | Berger de Brie (Briard ) - Dog Breed
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Briard - Dog Breed
The Breed History
The first written records of this breed originated in the 12th century in France. Napoleon and Charlemagne are reported to have kept Briards. The first breed standard was laid out in 1897. Often referred to as a “heart wrapped in fur”, both the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson are credited with bringing the breed to America, and first AKC registrations occurred in 1922. UKC registration occurred in 1948.
Breeding for Function
They were originally used to defend home and farm, but later they became widely used as sheep herding dogs. They have also been used for tracking and hunting, and have served in times of war.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 22-25.5” (56-65 cm), male 23 to 27” (58.5-68.5 cm).
Weight: females 50-80 lb. (22.5-36.5 kg), males 60-100 lb. (27.5-45.5 kg).
Coat: The long (6”) wavy double coat is solid colored. All colors are accepted except white. Black, gray and shades of tawny are common. The coat requires frequent grooming; they are moderate shedders.
Longevity: 10-12 years.
Points of Conformation: The Briard is a large solidly built powerful dog, with distinctive eyebrows and beard. Their ears are high set and pendulous. Each rear limb carries double dewclaws. The tail has a distinctive tip called a crochet, which is a small hook. The tail is carried low and reaches to the tarsus. Eyes are black or brown with dark palpebral margins; lips and nose are pigmented black. Topline is slightly inclined down towards the croup. They have a deep thorax.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
This dog is reported to be characterized by: High intelligence, bravery, excellent herding instinct, independence, enthusiasm to learn, loyalty, and is reserved with strangers. Training should begin when they are very young to encourage good socialization. Obedience training is encouraged. They need a knowledgeable owner that can invest time to keep the dog challenged. Despite their guarding and watchdog talents, they are considered a gentle dog. They require lots of exercise.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Hypercholesterolemia: Identified in clinically healthy Briards. Affected dogs have normal triglyceride concentrations and no other major abnormalities. Possibly caused by a primary abnormality in cholesterol metabolism. Unknown mode of inheritance.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 14.5% affected. Reported at a frequency of 19.4% in France. Reported at a frequency of 14.14% in the BCA Health Survey.
Congenital Stationary Night Blindness/Retinal dysplasia (CSNB, RPE65 Mutation): Autosomal recessive disorder causing night blindness and varying degrees of day blindness from birth. A mutation test is available from Optigen, that reports 1% affected, and 10% carrier in the breed. CERF does not recommend breeding any Briard affected with CSNB.