Briard
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. LarsonAverage size and lifespan
Weight: 55-100lbs
Lifespan: 10 - 12 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Briard Information
The Briard hails from France where it has been used as a working dog since at least the 8th century. It was first used to defend against wolves and poachers and later took on more peaceful tasks like herding.
Handsome and muscular, the Briard has a thick, wavy coat of black, tawny or gray fur. With such voluminous hair, however, you must brush him daily to prevent matting. He makes up for it in other ways. For example, the Briard is exceptional with children and other pets and very easy to train.
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Briards be apartment dogs?
Briards aren't ideal for apartments, but might be able to live there successfully if there are enough opportunities to find larger spaces nearby to play.
Can Briards be left alone?
While Briards prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.
Are Briards good with kids?
Briards can do fine with kids. They will require some monitoring and training to make sure they get along and react well to unpredictable behavior.
Are Briards friendly with strangers?
Although Briards can take a bit to warm up to a stranger, they are mostly friendly with others.
Do Briards get along with other dogs?
Briards get along great with other dogs. They are very social and tolerate other dogs, where you typically need to watch the other dog more than your own.
Do Briards bark a lot?
Briards don't bark very often of may never bark. Most barking is trained or in extreme situations.
Do Briards shed a lot?
The Briard rarely, or never, sheds. They're excellent for someone who doesn't want to clean up much dog hair.
Do Briards need a lot of grooming?
The Briard requires continued maintenance to keep their coats in healthy condition. They're not the most demanding but are on the higher end.
Do Briards need a lot of exercise?
A Briard will need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy. You'll need to plan some basic walks or fetch during the day.
Are Briards easy to train?
Although Briards can be a challenge to train, they can be taught with some dedicated work or by hiring some training help.
Can Briards handle cold weather?
Briards do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they'll do well in colder climates.
Can Briards handle hot weather?
Although Briards can tolerate hot conditions, be careful not to expose them for too long.
Getting a New Dog?