So you think you want a BriardRead more about them first!

Briards are fairly rare in this country, with only 40-50 litters a year being registered with the AKC, and with good reasons.

Reputable Briard breeders will not sell a pup to just anyone who asks. Lots of time and energy go into raising these pups, and we know too well, that these dogs require a good owner; one who has done there homework and knows what these dogs are all about.

There are a few books about the Briard and we would recommend you getting a copy of The Briard by Diane McLeroth. But the best source we know of about the Briard is on the Briard Breeder web site. There you will find excellent information written by long time breeder Kathryn Lanam.

Briard Temperament those independent types....

3 Briards

Though they are loyal and intelligent companions, Briards requires an equally intelligent owner. Briards were bred to both guard and move large flocks of sheep. The very attributes bred in them for the desire to work, are the very things that can be problematic in the hands of an uneducated owner. If not socialized and/or untrained, the briards will become unsocial and overprotective of its family and property. This is the material law suits are made of.

The AKC Standard says, " a dog of heart, with spirit and initiative, wise and fearless with no trace of timidity. Intelligent, easily trained, faithful, gentle, and obedient, the Briard possesses an excellent memory and an ardent desire to please his master. He retains a high degree of his ancestral instinct to guard home and master. Although he is reserved with strangers, he is loving and loyal to those he knows. Some will display a certain independence."

A Briard is a HOUSE DOG!! Not one to live outside- they need and want to be with you.

Coat Care

Boszk in the Snow

Depending on the type of coat, a Briard in full coat can take 2-3 hours of brushing per week. Some of our Briard friends have wonderful coats and find that a 15 minute brushing, once a week, is all that is needed to keep the coat in wonderful shape.

Beside that fact that yes, they do shed, a long haired dog has a few other draw backs.

Size

big dog

Briards are considered a large dog with Females should be 22-25 ½ inches tall at the withers (top of the shoulder blades) and males should be 23- 27 inches weighing in between 50-100 pounds.

This can present a problem with smaller children and elderly people. It is not that the Briard is mean, its size and desire to herd can create accidents. But unlike many large breeds that are constantly on the move, the Briard can successfully and happily live in apartments or small houses. Their tails are usually less destructive than some, but many Briard owners can attest to the black and blue mark on their legs due to the Briard Paw! They will get your attention.

Cost

The initial cost of a Briard is expensive, usually $1200 - 2000 US. But, as with any pet, the initial cost is just a small part of the expense of getting and raising your puppy. The long list of costs include vaccinations and vet checks, food, crates, grooming supplies, classes, its spay or neuter and periodic health checks. Briards are a healthy breed but can have problems with hip dysplasia, and gastric torsion/bloat. An ailment EVERY deep chested dog owner needs to know about. Briard.com

Good with kids?

briard and kids

Because Briards are a large dog- you might have problems. Ours have been raised with children and are the best with them, but we do have to monitor them well, especially when playing.

Since they are herding dogs, they have a strong prey drive! Playing catch me if you can is not a good game for puppies and kids. Even when the Briard is older, they must be well trained even for this game. A chase is fun stuff for a Briard, but their size can make for a few accidental knock downs.

We suggest talking with your breeder, and making sure the whole family is going to classes so that you are all on the same page for training and play. We find many owners blame the dog for behaviors that were provoked by mean spirited children. Teaching your kids respect for any animal is prime and will leave you enjoying your furry friend for years and years. They will become best friends.

Health Issues

There are 2 large killers in our breed - cancer and bloat/torsion. Please take time to read up on these issues- a good resource for bloat is: Briard.com It may save your beloved Briard!!!

Not for everyoneFood for thought

briard and sheep

While the Briard is a lovely fluffy, cute and cuddly looking dog, they are not for everyone.




But for those who love them, we would tell you they a loyal and unselfish friend who returns more than you give to them.
They are truly a Heart Wrapped in Fur!