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Hill’s Brand Horizon

Briard

dog Breed Profile

Briards are large-sized dogs weighing between 50 and 100 pounds (22 to 45 kilograms).

Attributes

Floppy ears (naturally)

Size

Weight

60-100 lbs.

50-80 lbs.

Height

24 in.

(at withers)

26 in.

Coat

Length

Long

Color

All uniform colors except white

Care

Exercise

>40 minutes/day

Energy level

high

Longevity

10-12 yrs.

Needs

Moderate

Traits

Barking

Moderate

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

High

Grooming Needs

High

Social Needs

Moderate

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Herding

UKC Class.

Herding Dog

Prevalence

So-so

The Briard Dog Breed

Briards are highly intelligent and need activities to keep them occupied to prevent destructive behavior such as chewing and digging.

About the Briard

Briards are large-sized dogs weighing between 50 and 100 pounds (22 to 45 kilograms).

Briard personality

Briards are active dogs that require a high level of physical activity. Although these dogs are independent in nature, they do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their owners. They are highly intelligent and need activities to keep them occupied to prevent destructive behavior such as chewing and digging. They need to be kept in a large fenced-in backyard to prevent them from roaming.

What to expect

Briards consider their owners to be equal companions. Although they can be aggressive toward other dogs, if properly socialized they can learn to co-exist with dogs or cats. Other pets, such as rodents, birds or reptiles, should be kept away.

Given their independent nature, briards may question or refuse their owner's commands. They do not respond well to heavy-handed punishment but respect authority. You must first earn a briard's respect through consistent obedience training.

Briards are ideal for owners who want a large, intelligent, active dog for herding, hiking and other outdoor activities. They make good watchdogs and good guard dogs. They are mistrustful of strangers. Briards typically live from 10 to 15 years.

History of the Briard

The briard is an ancient French breed dating back to the 8th century or earlier. The briard was bred for guarding and herding sheep and other livestock. The dog kept illustrious company including Emperor Charlemagne, Napoleon, and Lafayette. Thomas Jefferson, once a dog hater, was quickly turned into a dog lover when Lafayette sent briards over to the newly formed United States to guard the livestock of the author of the Declaration of Independence.

During World Wars I and II, the French used briards as guard dogs and search-and-rescue dogs. The breed suffered with the deaths of many dogs in both wars. The first litter of briards registered with the American Kennel Club was  in 1922.

The briard excels in herding and guarding livestock and is a member of the herding group. He makes a delightful, active companion.

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