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Briard Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Briard so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank127
Reviews2
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Briard dog profile picture
OriginFrance flagFrance
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Briard known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Berger BriardBerger De Brie
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Briard? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Briard Breed

Briard Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Briard? Learn how big the Briard breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a Briard weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Briard breed.
75 pounds (35 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Briard?
75 pounds (35 kg)
Height
How tall is the Briard? Briard height:
Male: 24-27 inches (62-68 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-64 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Briard?
Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (60 cm)

Briard Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Briard puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Briard costs.
$1000-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Briard, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Briard for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Briard gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Briard? How many Briard are there in the world?
Frequent: The Briard is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Briard Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Briard? Discover the Briard's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Briard dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Briard is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Briard? Learn about the Briard's trainability and response to training methods.
Briard dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Briard as a watchdog? Learn about the Briard's alertness and guarding instincts.
Briard dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Briard dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Briard protective of its territory? Learn about the Briard's guarding instincts and behavior.
Briard dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Briard can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Briard will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Briard Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Briard have? Learn about characteristic Briard temperament and behavior traits.
ProtectiveIntelligentObedientLoyalFearlessFaithful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Briard sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Briard dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Briard a good family dog?
High: Briard dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Berger Briard need? Briard social needs:
Briard dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Briard to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Briard roam?
Briard dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Briard have high prey drive?
Briard dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Briard Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Briard bark a lot? Learn about typical Briard vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The Briard barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Briard? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Briard breed.
Average: Briards, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Briard live in an apartment? Learn about the Briard's suitability for apartment living.
It is not recommended to keep the Briard breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Briard indoors by introducing daily routines.

Briard Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Briard to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Briard's flexibility to new situations.
Briard dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Briard be left alone? Learn about the Briard's tolerance to solitude.
Briard dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Briard Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Briard biting potential? Learn about the Briard's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Briard has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Briard mouthy? Learn about the Briard's tendency to use mouth during play.
Briard dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Briard dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Briard bite? Learn about the Briard's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Briard bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Briard measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Briard is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Briard bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Briard bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Briard puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Briard, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Briard bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Briard can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Briard Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Briard live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Briard breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Briard: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Briard handle different weather? Learn about the Briard's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Briard can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Briard? Discover typical conditions affecting the Briard breed.
The Briard is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Briard need vet visits? Learn about the Briard's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Briard should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Briard Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Briard? Understand daily activity needs of the Briard breed.
Briard dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Briard need? How much exercise do Briard dogs require per day?

Do Briard dogs need a lot of exercises?

Briard dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Briard breed need?
Briard dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Briard Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Briard prone to weight gain? Learn about the Briard's obesity risks.
Average: The Briard has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Briard weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Briard need daily? Learn about the Briard's feeding requirements.
4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Briard Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Briard hypoallergenic? Learn about the Briard's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Briard dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Briard come in? Discover all possible Briard color variations.
BlackGrayTawny
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Briard need? Learn about Briard coat maintenance requirements.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Briard requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Briard is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Briard drool a lot? Learn about the Briard's drooling habits.
The Briard is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Briard could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Briard.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Briard smell bad? Learn about the Briard's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Briard has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Briard have? Learn about the Briard's fur characteristics.
Fine
Bathing Needs
How often does a Briard need baths? Learn about the Briard's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Briard dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Berger Briard? Do Briard dogs shed a lot?
Briard dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Briard Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Briard good with children? Learn about the Briard's behavior around kids of different ages.
Briard dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Briard get along with other pets? Discover the Briard's compatibility with other animals.
Briard dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Briard temperament with other people:
Briard dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Briard dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Briard breed live with a cat?
Briard dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Briard good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Briard dogs get along with other dogs?
Briard dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Briard breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Briard breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Briard dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Briard dogs good office canines? Do Briard dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Briard is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Briard dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Berger Briard temperament with senior people? Are Briard dogs good for elderly owners?
Briards are usually recommended for elderly people.

Briard As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Briard be a service dog? Learn about the Briard's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Briard is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Briard good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Briard's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Briard is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Briard good at detection work? Learn about the Briard's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Briard is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Briard do search and rescue? Learn about the Briard's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Briard is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Briard good on boats? Learn about the Briard's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Briard breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Briard pull carts? Learn about the Briard's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Briard is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Briard used in military service? Learn about the Briard's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Briard Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Briard usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
8-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Briard pregnant? Learn about the Briard's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Briard: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Briard have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Briard Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Briard in? Learn about the Briard's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1928 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Briard in? Learn about the Briard's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Briard Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Briard dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Briard dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Briard is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Briard dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Briard dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Briard dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Briard dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Briards are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Briard dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Briard dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the Briard breed in the home.
  • Grooming Requirements: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Briard dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Briard dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Briard is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Briard Breed

Briard Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • RottnBri

    Nov 18, 2023, 10:42:55 PM:

    Whomever accumulated this information clearly has never met a Briard. Lots of misinformation here.

  • frank

    Apr 2, 2023, 8:02:59 PM:

    love em