| By :
Brent McCoy
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 has origins dating back to the 1300s, and they were originally bred for the main intention of guarding homes and sheep from intruders and predators. Just a few of their more recognizable traits can include their fearless and protective temperament - which help make the Briard a suitable preference for a family guard dog, herding and guarding sheep, military or police work and search and rescue. The Briard is believed to have originated in France during the 1300s and was bred for the initial goal 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
alleged 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. The recommended standard size for the Briard male is 23-27 inches high 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 famous for their protective, fearless and loyal personality. They are typically reserved with visitors, which can make them highly suitable as a guard dog. The Briard is also accepted to be quite intelligent - ranking equal 30th compared to other dogs in terms of their capability to learn obedience commands. They are additionally known to be gentle with children but may try to herd them without proper training - which means they are fairly suitable as a family pet. The Briard is not always well-matched 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 can be kept happy with at least an average-sized yard to give them space to roam around in, but they are somewhat suitable for apartment life provided they are taken for daily walks. They love the outdoors but feel most at home wherever their family is. The Briard gets pleasure from pastimes which include agility, flyball, herding, tracking, swimming or going for a jog alongside a bicycle. They have a medium level of energy and have a need for exercise each day in the shape of long walks or jogs to keep them in good physical and mental health. The Briard could be the right dog for an active owner who will be their firm and confident leader. They are well-matched for anyone that is prepared to do a high level of grooming and allow time to provide them with early socialization with children or other pets and obedience training to establish leadership in addition to take them for long walks every day and provide a very high sum of love and attention - they thrive on human contact and do not like to be left alone all day. Although they might be a bit unsuitable in many households, if you are able to meet their needs for firm guidance and attention then the Briard could be the best dog breed for you.
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