Alt Names: Berger de Brie Country of Origin: France

History: Early tapestries of the eighth century depict these large shaggy dogs with the Emperor Charlemagne and in the eighteenth century Napoleon was also reputed to have Briards. Unfortunately, shepherds were not renowned for their writing skills and little is available during this time on the history of the Briard. In fact, it is from the United States of America that some of the early documentation comes. In 1789 the Frenchman, La Fayette, introduced Briards to Thomas Jefferson who became one of the first breeders in the USA. Jefferson was a man with a keen appreciation for the usefulness of dogs and of the Briard he wrote 'they are the finest house and farm dogs I have ever seen'.

Back in France in 1897 the first official description or "standard" governing the appearance of the Briard was drawn up by Le Club Francaise du Chien de Berger. The work of the herding dogs is so specialised that the work demands specific qualities of the body and spirit and especially attitude. These characteristics were defined in this early French Standard and revisions in 1908, 1924, 1925 have led to the current standard in France.

The Briard has been the official dog of the French Army and is somewhat rare today because so many were lost in World War 1. He was used to carry supplies to the front lines and served as a sentry dog. Due to his keen hearing, reputed to be the most acute of any breed, he was used by the medical corps to search for wounded soldiers. The reports stress the amazing ability of the Briard to lead the corpsmen to those men which still had a spark of life in their bodies. It was said that any man a Briard passed by was beyond assistance.

The Briard is not a breed created by modern zoology but rather is the natural descendant of man's first helper, the dog of pre-history. He has evolved through time by natural selection for the qualities needed in his work.

Today this dog of the plains is more elegant than he used to be, devoted breeders have kept him not too shaggy or too big and have retained all of his original characteristics, especially his alertness and his tractable temperament.

Appearance: The Briard can be any of several different solid colors or lighter colors with darker or light ears and face. Briards stand 22 to 27 inches (58 to 69 cm) at the withers. Ear cropping has been common in the breed, although more breeders are leaving the ears in their natural state since ear cropping is becoming illegal in most European countries, including the Briard's land of origin, France. Their long coat requires an extensive amount of grooming.

They were originally bred to herd as well as guard flocks of sheep. And they were often left to their own devices in order to accomplish their assigned tasks. Which makes the Briard different from those breeds that only guard and those that only herd. The breeds that just herd are often smaller in size, agile, and swift of foot. Those breeds that just guard are usually larger and heavier.

The breed characteristics of the Briard, are of a medium sized, rugged, agile dog, having harsh coat and double dew claws mounted low on each rear leg, resembling additional toes. Each double dew claw should have bone substance and nail, giving the appearance of a wider rear foot. Bred for centuries to herd, the additional digits on each rear foot give the Briard the ability of pivoting on one foot for quick turns and complete turn arounds, which are necessary when herding and guarding their flocks.

They should be well balanced, sound in body and mind, and of a size appropriate for both herding and guarding without tiring.

Throughout history, the Briard has retained an appropriate balance of size and build that is required for both herding and protection of their flocks. The size, not too large to tire during the task of herding, and their build (structure), large enough to fend off predators such as fox and wolves.

Temperament: The Briard is a very loyal and protective breed. Once they have bonded to their family members, they will protect them at all cost. Said to be aloof with strangers, any and all new introductions should be on their terms and not forced upon them. This may also include such items as furniture or the addition of a new baby into the household. Show them that the new intrusion is friendly and free of conflict. They must to taught that it is a good thing and not harmful. They have proven to be a very good breed to have around children of all ages.

Being aloof with strangers, it is important that the Briard be introduced to several different individuals of all ages and in all types of situations. Socialization starting at a very young age is mandatory. Briards should be walked as often as possible, to many different places, and they will develop into a well rounded animal. Pet stores, city parks and malls are a good place to start.

The Briard has been bred for centuries to herd and to protect their flocks. To them, their family is the flock and all strangers may appear to be predators. So letting them know that the public in general are friendly and not harmful, will help them establish a lifelong socialization pattern which will result in an outgoing and happy dog. And this socialization with the public in general will not diminish their capacity for protecting and guarding their family.

The Briard has a very good memory. Once a lesson is learned, good or bad, they will retain this knowledge for a long time to come. Sometimes they may appear to be strong minded and stubborn, but, these are a few of the Briard's characteristics. They were bred for centuries to think for themselves and to act upon their conclusions.

These are some of the traits that the Briard has retained throughout history. Even if a Briard is a city dweller, they have a degree of herding ability within them. If ever, during their lifetime, they are introduced to sheep, they will automatically start doing what they were bred to do, herd.

If a Briard has been socialized and has bonded to all family members, it will be a loving companion that will protect family and property for it's entire lifespan. They will return to their owner a devotion, a love and commitment that we have never witnessed prior to the Briard. Even the Labrador Retriever will not come close to the Briard. Sometimes a gentleman, but always a clown, the Briard definitely lives up to the expression, "A Heart Wrapped in Fur".