Briard
Herding Group · Purebred · France's "heart wrapped in fur" — loyal, intelligent, unforgettable
55–100 lbsWeight
22–27 inHeight
12 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Herding Group · Purebred · France's "heart wrapped in fur" — loyal, intelligent, unforgettable
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Briard — see the breed in action before diving into the details below.
The Briard is one of the oldest French herding breeds, with a history that stretches back to medieval times. Often described as "a heart wrapped in fur," this large, shaggy dog was beloved by French royalty — Napoleon and Charlemagne both reportedly kept Briards. With their distinctive long, wavy coat and unique double dewclaws on the hind legs, they are instantly recognizable.
Briards are intensely loyal, intelligent, and have remarkable memories — they are said to remember both kindness and mistreatment for years. They bond deeply with their family and can be protective and reserved with strangers, but warm up to trusted friends. Their herding instinct may cause them to circle and nudge family members. They require experienced owners who appreciate their independent spirit and invest in proper training.
Real Briards — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Briards are known for being highly intelligent and responsive. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on consistent human connection. As a high-energy breed, they are best matched with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to regular exercise.
Training is generally a pleasure with Briards — they are responsive, motivated, and pick up commands quickly. With proper socialization they can do well with children, though supervision is always wise.
Briards are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate activity they can become restless, vocal, or destructive. They are happiest with owners who genuinely enjoy an active lifestyle.
Briards have a longer coat that requires consistent grooming to stay mat-free and healthy. Establishing a grooming routine early ensures your dog is comfortable being handled and brushed, which makes the process enjoyable for both of you.
Briards are highly responsive to training and genuinely enjoy learning. Their combination of intelligence and eagerness to please makes them a joy to work with — they pick up new commands quickly and retain them well.
Keep training sessions varied and engaging to prevent boredom. Briards can handle advanced training — agility, nose work, therapy work, or competitive obedience are all excellent options for channeling their intelligence.
Briards are generally robust dogs but like all breeds they carry some genetic predispositions. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for the most common conditions, significantly reducing risk in puppies from health-tested parents.
A Briard is ideal for active families or individuals who genuinely enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to daily vigorous exercise. Their trainability makes them approachable for first-time owners who are prepared for an engaged lifestyle. Not the right fit for sedentary households or those with very limited time for exercise.
Briards need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for any dog — use these guidelines and adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition.
These are general guidelines for a giant-breed dog. Always check the feeding instructions on your specific food brand, and adjust based on activity level and body condition score.
Look for dog foods where the first ingredient is a named protein — chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Giant-breed formulas are calibrated for their metabolism and nutritional needs.
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach at all times.
Always bring your Briard's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset. Provide the facility your exact feeding schedule and portion sizes.
The upfront cost of a Briard is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect — both to acquire one and to own one for their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Briard costs between $200–$400 per month on average. Here's where the money goes:
Over a 7–10 year lifespan, a Briard typically costs between $18,000–$35,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any breed. Buying before your dog turns 1 gives the best rates and fewest pre-existing condition exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.
Because Briards have such wonderful traits, they're a popular choice for intentional mixed breeding. Here are the most common — and most loved — Briard crosses.
Briard × German Shepherd. Highly intelligent, protective, devoted working dog.
Briard × Labrador. Friendly, trainable, wavy-coated family companion.
Briard × Poodle. Lower-shedding, clever, impressive coat.
Briard × Border Collie. Exceptional intelligence, tireless herding ability.
Briards are full of surprises. Here are some of the most fascinating, funny, and heartwarming facts about this breed.