Bringing a dog into your family is a big decision, and it's important to find the right breed that fits your lifestyle. It's necessary for you as well as the dog. Details like size, energy level, and personality all shape how a dog fits into your lifestyle. If you have the right kind of life for a smart, active, and loyal dog, then you might want to consider the briard.
The Basics
The briard is a medium to large dog with an adult male and female both weighing between 55-100 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club. Male Briards can be up to 27 inches tall and females can get up to 25.5 inches tall. With their vigorous energy levels and medium size, this dog will be with you for up to 12 years.
The History
The briard originated in France. In early times, briards were used to defend their charges against wolves and poachers. After the French Revolution, the briard job was transformed into herding tasks. Making sure that their owners' sheep were kept within the unfenced boundaries of the pastures.
The briard is a herding breed similar to German shepherds, border collies, and Austrailian shepherds. Briards are energetic and love having a job to do. It's one of the many fascinating traits of their breed!
The Extras
The briard is a loving, quirky, and hard-working dog. They are also great with kids. Briards are loyal to their family and may even try to herd them a few times, so watch your briard with small children.
Known for their protective nature, they can get tense around strangers. Brairds will bark if they feel their home or owners are being threatened.
Briard essential facts:
Personality: Smart, confident, faithful, quirky, lively
Energy Level: Somewhat active
Barking Level: Barks when necessary
Shedding: Infrequent
Grooming: Weekly
Good with Children: Better with supervision
Trainability: Independent
Height: 23-27 inches (male), 22-25.5 inches (female)
Weight: 55-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 years
Interested in other breeds? Check out this article about German shepherds and this list of different Beagles.