Pastoral Group

A French herding and guarding dog,  the Briard (Berger de Brie - Shepherd of Brie) comes from the Province of Brie where he has a long history as guardian of the flocks and homestead as well as his herding job. He is a substantial dog measuring up to 27" and 35kg or more is not unusual.  He is intelligent and biddable and eager to please but like so many dogs of the Working and Pastoral Groups needs his energies focussed and to be clear about his place in the pecking order; bitches are much readier to accept their subservient role in the family.

The Briard is an adorable looking youngster with his wide smile which means that it is all too easy to let him get away with behaviour that will not be acceptable in an adult; given a firm hand and dominant owner he will make a wonderful housedog, but too much of a free rein and he will be a difficult adult.

The Briard's virtues are such that during both World Wars he was used by the French Army, both as messenger dogs and for sentry duties which, in common with so many other breeds in Europe, meant that numbers were badly depleted by the end of hostilities.

He first appeared in the UK in 1966, and although not achieving huge numbers has become a popular and well-established breed here.  Apart from establishing who is in charge, the real challenge for the Briard owner is the coat.  It is quite glorious when properly cared for, but is quite heavy with a dense undercoat and long wavy topcoat  and needs regular grooming to make him look his best - and it's a good idea to give his beard a regular wash in a jug of soapy water to prevent it becoming antisocial!

The Briard is a lovely breed, the dogs are certainly not for novices - the bitches are much easier - but make sure to talk to breeders and be sure they are the breed for you.

Click here to read the Briard Breed Standard. 

Briard Breed Clubs

BRIARD ASSOC  Sec. Mrs Lorraine L Webb. Tel No: 01782 550093
BRITISH BRIARD CLUB

Briard Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about hounds requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own hound, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your dog.

Briard Breeders

• Jeunesse
• Kastobri 
• Tesawin
• Wychbold 
• Shebashanti

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.