The Briard is one of the large group of European sheepdogs characterized by the hair on their chins that forms beards. Briards come from France and their hairy relatives stretch from Balkans to Scotland.
The Briard is a sheepdog that descends from and ancient type of dog called livestock guardian. Livestock guardians work with sheep in a protective way: The Briard and its smooth-coated relative "Beauceron are more recent types that can be used to move sheep as well as guard them.
Although sheepherding is not popular in the 21st century as it was in the past century, the Briard still seves in this capacity for European farmers.
France has many native breeds and among these are five sheepdog breeds that are internationally recognized. There are a number of unrocognized breeds from the South of France as well, but these are not yet selectively bred. The pyrenean sheepdog is a small hairy type, with the Smooth-faced Pyrenean sheepdog less hairy, but not completely smooth-coated.
It is a big step to decide on a Briard, as he is a large dog and if not kept under control, can be exceptionally boisterous. Indeed, the main reason that Briards are given up to rescue services is that they are out of control. This is not in an aggressive way, but in an over-enthusiastic, bouncing and destroying-the-house sort of a way.
A Briard also needs some work on his coat if it is to remain beautiful. Also keep in mind that a Briard is a large dog to handle in a bathtub that can make the house very wet when he jumps out of the bathtub to avoid the towels. They get on very well with the family children, but are less sociable with strangers.
Brairds will try to dominate other dogs they meet, and at times may even challenge familiar people if they can become the pack leaders of their homes. A dog like a Greyhound is very lazy around the house, but a wirlwind of activity out of doors. Not so with the Briard—he is wirlwind everywhere and his big mud-encrusted feet have cause the demise of many a light-colored fabric.
Training is absolutely vital for the Briard and training experts consider the breed to be a little slow on the uptake compared with German Shepherd Dogs or Border Collies. Maybe this is because the Briard had to do some thinking while protectin its livestock, but not as much problem-solving as Border Collie which performs quite complex tasks when moving its sheep. Regardless, training of the Briard must start early and continue at a steady pace.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Hypothyroidism; progressive retinal atrophy; hip dysplasia; gastric torsion; renal dysplasia.
Adapted from:
1. Briard. Desiree Scott.