Briard
The Briard is a French dog breed originating from the 16th century. The Briard comes from France, and has a long, slightly wavy, goat-like coat. Individual Briards vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- long, slightly wavy, goat-like
- Colour
- solid black, fawn, grey or blue; fawn overlaid with black
About the Briard
The Briard is a French dog breed originating from the 16th century. It stands 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Overview
The Briard or Berger de Brie [ a ] is a French breed of large shepherd dog , traditionally used both for herding sheep and to defend them. It was in the past also known as the Chien de Berger français de Plaine . It was first shown in 1863, at the first Paris dog show; the first Briard to be registered in the Livre des Origines Françaises , the national stud-book , was Sans GĂȘne in 1885.
History
The Briard originated in, and is named for, the Brie historic region of north-central France, where it was traditionally used both for herding sheep and to defend them. : 287 The first written mention of the shepherd dogs of Brie is thought to be in the Cours complet d''agriculture of Jean-Baptiste François Rozier , : 41 who in 1783 wrote that the "chien de Brie" was long-haired and usually black; [ b ] that in the open plains there was little danger from wolves, and so the dogs were used more for herding than for defence; [ c ] and that shepherd dogs had the task of preventing the sheep from straying into crops or vineyards where they might cause damage. : 287 [ d ] Pierre MĂ©gnin , writing in 1895, clearly distinguishes the short-haired Chien de Beauce â the modern Beauceron â from the long-haired Chien de Brie or Briard. : 41 : 292 In 1896, MĂ©gnin was among those who founded the Club des chiens de berger français . : 42 The Berger de Brie was first shown at the first Paris dog show in 1863, where a bitch named Charmant took a prize. The first Briard to be registered in the Livre des Origines Françaises [ fr ] , the national stud-book for dogs, was Sans GĂȘne, winner of a gold medal at the Paris show in 1885. : 42 A breed standard was drawn up in 1897, in which two varieties were described: one with a woolly or sheep-like coat, the other with a coat more similar to that of the goat; the woolly type later disappeared. In 1909 a breed society , Les Amis du Briard , was formed. : 42 Breed numbers fell during the First World War ; any dog thought suitable for military use was sent to the front. The breed society resumed its activities in 1923, and a rival breed association was formed at about the same time; in 1935, this last organised the first single-breed show for the Berger de Brie, with seventy-eight participants. : 42 Numbers again fell sharply under the Nazi occupation of France during the Second World War . After the war the two breed clubs merged under the name Club des Amis du Briard. : 42 The Berger de Brie was fully recognised by the FĂ©dĂ©ration Cynologique Internationale in 1954. Partly as a consequence of the mechanisation of agriculture and resulting rural depopulation of the post-War years, the Berger de Brie came to be commonly kept as a companion dog . In the 1970s and 1980s, its numbers increased substantially: annual registrations in the Livre des Origines Françaises rose from 317 in 1970 to 905 in 1975, to 4101 in 1980 and then to a peak of 6364 in 1986, after which they fell precipitously; at one point the breed club had over 6000 members, more than any other French breed association at any time. : 44 Disagreements within the association resulted in its expulsion from the SociĂ©tĂ© Centrale Canine ; a new breed society, the Association du Berger de Brie , was recognised in 1989. : 45 In 1996, ten European breed associations in nine countries jo
Characteristics
The coat is long â no less than 7 cm â and thick and harsh like that of a goat; it may be solid black, grey, blue or fawn, or fawn overlaid with black; greying is seen to a variable extent. Dogs stand some 62 to 68 cm at the withers , bitches about 56 to 64 cm . An unusual characteristic of the breed is the double dewclaw on the hind legs; the breed standard specifies a single or absent dewclaw as a disqualifying fault.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Briard?
The Briard is a large shepherd dog with a long, thick, and harsh coat that is at least 7 cm in length. It comes in solid black, grey, blue, or fawn colors, or fawn with black overlay. Males stand 62-68 cm tall at the withers, while females stand 56-64 cm tall.
Is the Briard a good family dog?
Briards can make good family dogs if socialized properly. They are loyal and protective of their family, but may be wary of strangers. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Early training and socialization are essential for a well-behaved Briard.
What health problems do Briards have?
Briards are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Briard puppy cost?
The cost of a Briard puppy can vary depending on factors such as bloodline, breeder reputation, and location. On average, a Briard puppy can cost between $800 and $1,500. It's essential to research reputable breeders and ask about the puppy's health clearances and temperament to ensure you're getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy.
Where do Briards come from?
The Briard comes from France. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Briard, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.