The Briard can be any of several different solid colors or lighter colors with darker or light ears and face. Briards stand 22 to 27 inches (58 to 69 cm) at the withers.
The Briard is a large breed of dog, one of many herding breeds. The Briard has been known for some centuries. Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, Lafayette all owned Briards.
The breed characteristics of the Briard, are of a medium sized, rugged, agile dog, having harsh coat and double dewclaws mounted low on each rear leg, resembling additional toes.
The Briard is a very loyal and protective breed. The Briard is also called a heart of gold wrapped in fur. Once they have bonded to their family members, they will be very protective. They can be aloof with strangers - new introductions should be on the dog's terms, including furniture or the addition of a new baby into the household. They require showing that the new intrusion is friendly and free of conflict. They must be taught that it is a good thing and not harmful. They have proven to be a very good breed to have around children of all ages.
It is also important that the Briard be introduced to several different individuals of all ages and in all types of situations. Socialization starting at a very young age is mandatory. Briards should be walked as often as possible, to many different places, and they will develop into a well rounded animal. Pet stores, city parks and malls are a good place to start.
The Briard has been bred for centuries to herd and to protect their flocks. To domesticated briards, their family is the flock and all strangers may appear to be predators. Letting them know that the public in general are friendly and not harmful will help them establish a lifelong socialization pattern which will result in an outgoing and happy dog. This socialization with the public in general will not diminish their capacity for protecting and guarding their family.
The Briard has a very good memory. Once a lesson is learned, good or bad, the knowledge will be retained for a long time to come. Sometimes they may appear to be strong minded and stubborn but these are a few of the Briard's characteristics. They were bred for centuries to think for themselves and to act upon their conclusions. sometimes to the point of thinking what the "flock" will do ahead of time.
These are some of the traits that the Briard has retained throughout history. Even if a Briard is a city dweller, they have a degree of herding ability within them. If ever, during their lifetime, they are introduced to sheep or cattle, they will automatically start doing what they were bred to do, herding. They will even herd humans by nibbling on their ankles or guiding with their heads and guide them to his master if ordered.
This is an inherited eye problem discovered in British Briards a few years ago although it is well documented in North America and Europe.
There is really no excuse for not having breeding stock tested as one test covers a Briard for life.
Each parent passes on one gene to its offspring. The status of that gene will be either affected, carrier or clear. Thus:
1. Affected mated to affected will produce 100% affected puppies (heaven forbid!)
2. Affected to carrier will produce 50% affected and 50% carriers (not advisable!)
3. Affected to clear will produce 100% carriers (OK?)
4. Carrier to carrier will produce 25% affected, 25% clear and 50% carrier. (not advisable)
5. Carrier to clear will produce 50% carrier and 50% clear (OK)
6. Clear to clear will produce 100% clear (wonderful, and no need to test the puppies as they will all be genetically/hereditarily clear.)
The aim is obviously never to breed another affected Briard thus examples 1, 2, and 4 should be avoided.
If you wish to use a dog at stud ask the question "has he been tested?", likewise expect the owner of the stud dog to ask you the same question regarding your bitch and to see test results or proof of hereditary status.
