The Briard is a large, powerful dog with the shaggy dog look. She makes a good watch dog and a good guard dog. She loves her human family and is intelligent and fairly easy to train. She needs quite a bit of grooming and attention to keep her coat healthy and looking good.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male briard is 24 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 75 to 90 pounds. The female ranges from 22 to 25 inches to the withers and 75 to 85 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Briard is no exception. Keep on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), progressive retinal atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), cataracts, stomach torsion and bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Briard has a coarse, dry and hard coat in long, waving locks. She needs extensive grooming to look good and avoid mats. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Her pads of her feet need excess hair removed.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her nails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Briard can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Briard is from France and descended from some of the oldest dogs. It is believed that Emperor Charlemagne had them some 1200 years ago. Thomas Jefferson may have been the original importer of the Briard to America. She was first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1928.

Some Registries