Dog Breeds > Briard

The Briard

The Briad is a large and powerful herding dog known to be loved by farmers as their farm hands. Known for their exceptional hearing abilities and well developed herding skills, presently these make good police dogs as well as great house pets. If you want to own a Briad, learning about its history and other important aspects is a good idea. 

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

Briads have been contributing to and helping man since centuries but its popularity mainly soared after a dog show in 1863. Prior to this time it was occupationally a flock guard. Known to snap and fly to your heels in defense their natures were softened by selective breeding. They are known to be good house dogs as well as police dogs. The Briad boasts of masters like Thomas Jefferson, Charlemagne and Napoleon.   

Physical Appearance

A Briad is big in size and powerful in strength. It has huge head and a wide muzzle adorned with a long moustache, a long beard and a square nose with open nostrils. Their black or brown eyes are large and set wide apart covered with hair that cascades down the length of its body. This breed possesses a pair of strong legs with large and round feet, and a very feathery tail which is cut very low and tapers in a hook form. Briads sport coats which are double coated. While the undercoat covers the entire body and is very fine and tight, the topcoat is dry and coarse, lays flat against the body and falls all over the body in long and wavy tresses.  The usual colours are black, grey and tawny. Overall the Briad possesses a bushy look with hairy moustache, beard and eyebrows.

Grooming

Grooming a Briad is important since is has a dry, hard and coarse topcoat which can get easily matted.  Be sure to take time off to do it twice a week and trim the hairs inside its ears and between the feet pads regularly.

Mood

A Briad is a gentle, sweet natured, sensitive and playful dog who is eager to please.   They are also known to be quite brave and fearless with a inborn protective instinct. Proper leadership along with a lot of entertainment and activity results in a Briad with a good mood.

With Children

The Briad is a very sweet natured and loyal dog. It adapts to its surrounding very well and if socialized properly and raised together with children, they can be excellent companions to the latter. They love to play and be patted to which makes it all the more hit with the kids.

Training & Exercise

This Briad is known for its good memory, intelligence and ambition and as being highly trainable.  In case of training a Briad, consistent leadership needs to be projected. Even the smallest of inconsistencies will lead to the dog being fearful and becoming unfriendly. Moreover, remember that a lot of entertainment and activity is needed to keep it happy and in high spirits. Start socializing and training them at a very early age for the best results. The approach should always be exercise first and affection later. They do not understand anger but firmness and strict disciplined attitude is what they abide by.

Remember that without daily exercise, Briads may develop behavioral problems. Hence, long daily walks, running behind a bicycle, jogging or even swimming are good exercises which should keep your dog hail and hearty.

Health & Life Expectancy

With a life expectancy of 10 – 12 years, Briads are usually healthy dogs. They are prone to CHD, PRA, hip dysplasia and cataract. Remember that since it is a large chested animal, issues such as stomach torsion or bloating can happen very fast and then become fatal. So take your Briad occasionally to the vet for a check up.

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