The Briard

The Briard, also known as the Chien Berger de Brie, is said to be “a heart of gold wrapped in fur.” He is intelligent, loyal, eager to please and naturally protective. In the home environment, he is calm and relaxed but while working, he can trot all day long without tiring.

The Briard is an ancient French herding breed dating back to the eighth century. The Emperor Charlemagne as well as Napoleon were said to have owned this breed of dog. Since early times, the Briard was used as a guardian of the flocks and a herding dog. He was the official dog of the French army and, because so many were lost in both world wars, the Briard is somewhat rare today. Used as sentry dogs, to carry supplies to the front lines, and to search for wounded soldiers, the Briard was reported to have an amazing ability to lead the medical corps to the wounded.

Along with his loyalty and courage, he is completely devoted to his home and family, especially children, and makes an excellent guardian and watch dog. As with most herding breeds, the Briard is an independent thinker. However, he is obedient, learns quickly and has an excellent memory.

The Briard is a versatile herding dog who fetches, drives and does boundary work. He can also work all types of livestock and works as the shepherd’s partner with a very keen herding instinct. Known as an upright breed, he works quietly, circling, and exhibiting a natural “power”, always eager, intense and alert. Being a working breed, he enjoys having a job to do — be it herding, guarding, agility, tracking, or even carting.

He has a long outer coat that is coarse, hard and dry. It lies flat on his body, falling in a slight wave. The undercoat is soft and fine. His strong head is covered with hair that arches into eyebrows and forms a beard under his chin. The most common coat colours are tawny or black with the occasional blue-grey being seen.