If you are tired of searching for the right breed to fit your lifestyle perfectly, then it’s time to introduce you to the Briard dog breed

These dogs are known for their furry appearance and distinctive personality! But there is a lot more to them than their appearance, and so, in this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Briards. 

Overview

Height22-27 inches
Weight55-100 lbs
Life span12 years
Exercise needs2 hour daily
TemperamentMild aggressive, Confident, Protective
GroomingHigh maintenance
HypoallergenicNo
OriginFrance

Origin of the Briard

The Briard dog breed is said to have its roots back in 8th century France, where they were first bred as herding dogs. If you are wondering where their unique name came from, it is often associated with the region of Brie, which is located in northeastern France. Their history began when these dogs were used to protect sheep flocks. They were terrific at their jobs and were admired for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty, which made them valuable working dogs. 

Moreover, you would be surprised to know that Briards also played a role during World Wars I and II. They were associated with French nobility and royalty over the centuries and were also part of Napoleon Bonaparte’s military campaigns! Nonetheless, after centuries, these dogs gained the popularity and recognition they deserved. Today, in this modern world, every dog enthusiast has heard the tales of their versatility and their capability to be excellent companions to humans. 

Appearance of the Briard

Below is all you need to know about the charming appearance of the Briard dog breed:

1. Size and body

Briard is a muscular dog breed that stands at a height of 22-27 inches while weighing about 55-100 pounds. These medium-sized dogs have a square-shaped body and a robust appearance that can intimidate anyone, especially if they are strangers.

2. Coat

One of the most distinctive parts of the Briard dog breed is its double-layered, thick coat that protects it from harsh environments. The outer coat is coarse, while the undercoat is warm. In addition, Briards come in various colors, including shades of black, gray, and fawn.

3. Other features

Furthermore, what we find most interesting features about the Briard dog breed is their thick bangs. Although the hair on their head and ears is comparatively soft and delicate, they appear dense enough not to let anyone peek into their eyes. 

Personality and Temperament

Now, let’s come to the most interesting section, where we tell you about the temperament and personality traits of the Briard dog breed:

1. Mild aggressive

As cute as these furry buddies look, Briard dogs can be challenging to deal with due to their aggressive nature. Even though they are not so severely aggressive that they bite every next person, their protectiveness can manifest into mild aggression. 

2. Protective

As mentioned above, these dogs can be hella protective when it comes to taking care of their human families. So, if you are looking for a loyal watchdog, then Briard will be a great choice for you.

3. Energetic

Another personality trait of the Briard dog breed is that they are packed with energy! Basically, they never run out of fuel and will tire you during training sessions. This, in particular, is also one of the reasons why Briards can be challenging for first-time dog owners.

4. Confident

Lastly, the Briard dog breed is one of the most confident breeds who are really not scared to take the first step. These mountain dogs are aware of their skills, and as a responsible dog owner, it will be your responsibility to encourage them and help them keep up with their confidence. 

If you are confused about how Briards manage to see through those thick bangs—believe us, we are trying to figure out the same!
a Briard dog looks up into the tree clearing

Grooming Needs of the Briard

As a dog with so much fur, we can understand how badly they must want to be groomed all day. And well, this is what makes Briards a high-maintenance breed, with grooming needs such as:

1. Brushing

When it comes to brushing the Briard dog breed, you will need to groom them at least 3-4 times a week! This is essential because these dogs have thick hair that can get tangled and cause irritation. Also, with such furry dogs, we highly recommend slathering coconut oil to ensure that their coat is healthy and shiny.

2. Bathing

Secondly, you will need to shower these bad boys every month or leave a gap of a maximum of 2 months. Even though their coat is dirt resistant, they can eat up the dirt from every corner of your house, and making your doggy shabby and smelly. Although don’t go gaga with the dog supplies, you only need to use a mild dog shampoo, soap, and conditioner (if needed).

3. Cleaning

Last but not least, you should never forget to maintain good overall cleanliness of these mountain dogs! Even though they look shabby, they appreciate a good hygiene routine. Hence, ensure you clean their teeth, eye booger, and ear wax and trim their toenails regularly.

Exercise and Training Needs

Without a thought, you should give the Briard dog breed at least 2 hours of training daily, which can exceed your dog’s mood. But don’t worry! We have provided their training essentials below: 

1. Mental and physical stimulation

Thanks to their unbeatable energy levels, the Briard dog breed not only requires physical training but also proper mental stimulation. This is because these dogs thrive on daily challenges and can, in turn, catch behavior problems if there is a lack of it. So, don’t forget to organize and enroll your furry buddy in agility courses and interactive puzzles. 

2. Behavioral training

When we say behavioral problems and Briard dogs, we are typically referring to excessive barking, aggression, or even humping around random things. For this, you should focus on positive reinforcement training techniques and obedience training that will help your dog understand wanted and unwanted behavior. 

3. Daily walks and leash training

Besides the above mentioned exercise, you should remember that you cannot skip taking your dog out for walks. Dog walking is essential for dogs as well as walkers, and while walking, you can also give your dog leash training (study). 

Final Thoughts

Our final thoughts on whether or not you should adopt the Briard dog breed are a HUGE YES! Especially if you are an experienced dog owner looking for a furry addition to your home, this is it! These dogs make excellent pets and will be slightly easier to train for an experienced owner than a first-time owner. However, the basic line remains the same: you should cater to Briard’s nutritional, grooming, training, or healthcare needs to keep these dogs on their best behavior. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Briard a good family dog?

Yes! Briard dogs are considered to be good family dogs as they are known for their loyalty and protective instincts. Also, they are friendly and gentle with children if you give them proper socialization training.

Are Briards aggressive?

The Briard dog breed can show mild aggression occasionally, especially if they sense a threat. You should focus on their socialization and behavioral training to prevent such unwanted behaviors.

Can you shave a Briard?

We do not recommend shaving the Briard dog breed, as all that fur is there for a reason to protect them. If you see that their coat is getting matted or too long, you can get them groomed but not shaving, as it can disrupt their natural insulation.

Do Briard dogs bark a lot?

The Briard dogs are low to moderate barkers, meaning they mostly only bark if they need to alert their owners. However, if they are barking excessively, you can use training methods to manage their barking tendencies.

Are Briards hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, no! The Briard dog breed is not considered as hypoallergenic. They have a thick double coat that may not shed a lot but can produce danders and may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals

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