Briard

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson Briard

Average size and lifespan

chihuahua silhouette
great dane silhouette
Height: 1ft 10in - 2ft 2in
Weight: 55-100lbs
Lifespan: 10 - 12 Years

Behavior

  • Affection4/5
  • Kid-Friendly3/5
  • Stranger-Friendly3/5
  • Dog-Friendly5/5
  • Barking Amount1/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty4/5
  • Shedding Amount1/5
  • Easy to Train3/5
  • Can Be Alone3/5
  • Exercise Need3/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance4/5
  • Heat Tolerance3/5
  • Apartment-Friendly3/5

Briard Information

BriardThe Briard hails from France where it has been used as a working dog since at least the 8th century. It was first used to defend against wolves and poachers and later took on more peaceful tasks like herding. Handsome and muscular, the Briard has a thick, wavy coat of black, tawny or gray fur. With such voluminous hair, however, you must brush him daily to prevent matting. He makes up for it in other ways. For example, the Briard is exceptional with children and other pets and very easy to train.

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.

Breed FAQs

Can Briards be apartment dogs?

Briards aren't ideal for apartments, but they can live there if they get enough chances to play in a larger space nearby.

Can Briards be left alone?

While Briards prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Briards good with kids?

Briards can do fine with kids. They need some monitoring and training so they react well to unpredictable behavior.

Are Briards friendly with strangers?

Although Briards can take a bit to warm up, they are mostly friendly with strangers.

Do Briards get along with other dogs?

Briards get along great with other dogs. They are very social, and you often need to watch the other dog more than your own.

Do Briards bark a lot?

Briards don't bark very often, and some may never bark. Most barking is trained or reserved for extreme situations.

Do Briards shed a lot?

The Briard rarely, or never, sheds. They're an excellent choice if you don't want to clean up much dog hair.

Do Briards need a lot of grooming?

The Briard requires continued maintenance to keep their coat healthy. They aren't the most demanding, but they are on the higher end.

Do Briards need a lot of exercise?

A Briard needs a moderate amount of exercise. Plan some walks or a game of fetch during the day.

Are Briards easy to train?

Although Briards can be a challenge to train, they can learn with dedicated work or some professional help.

Can Briards handle cold weather?

Briards do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they handle colder climates well.

Can Briards handle hot weather?

Although Briards can tolerate hot conditions, don't expose them for too long.

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