Herding group

Briard

A “heart wrapped in fur” — devoted, protective and full of French charm.

Briards are large, long-coated French herding and guardian dogs. They are deeply loyal and affectionate with their families, protective with strangers, and need serious grooming, exercise and consistent training.

Height
22–27 in56–69 cm
Weight
55–100 lb25–45 kg
Life expectancy
11–13 years
Size
Large
Group
Herding
Origin
France

Coat: Long, slightly wavy, coarse coat. Colours: Black, Grey, Tawny.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness2.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level4.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Briards are intelligent, loyal and loving — often described as a heart wrapped in fur. They bond closely with family and are protective of them.

They are wary of strangers and can be headstrong. Early socialisation and firm, fair training help them become confident, discerning adults.

Living with a Briard

Exercise

Needs 60–90 minutes of daily exercise with herding, walks or dog sports.

Grooming

Brush thoroughly several times a week to prevent mats; the long coat takes real time.

Training

Intelligent and willing but headstrong; consistent, reward-based training and socialisation are essential.

Kids & other pets

Loyal and protective with their own children; supervise with visiting kids. Can be dominant with dogs.

Time alone

Needs company; long isolation leads to barking or destructiveness.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Briard right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Briard matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Briard typically lives 11–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested breed at risk; learn the warning signs.

  • Congenital stationary night blindness

    An inherited retinal disease; DNA testing has greatly reduced it.

  • Hypothyroidism

    An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Thyroid evaluation
  • DNA test for CSNB

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Briard; Briard Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Briards herded and guarded flocks in France for centuries. Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette are both credited with bringing early Briards to America.

Briards served the French army in WWI, carrying supplies and searching for wounded soldiers. The AKC recognised the breed in 1928.

Did you know?

  • Briards have double dewclaws on their hind legs.
  • Thomas Jefferson is often credited with importing early Briards to America.
  • Briards searched for wounded soldiers in WWI.

Library guides for Briard owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Briards good family dogs?
For experienced owners, yes. They are loyal but protective.
How much grooming does a Briard need?
A lot — several thorough brushings a week.
Do Briards shed?
Moderately; most loose hair is caught in the coat until brushed out.