| Alternative Name Berger de Brie (The
Emperor Charlemagne's Dog)
Basic Info
The Briard is a large breed of dog, one of many
herding breeds. There can be any of several different
solid colors or lighter colors with darker or light ears
and face. They stand 22 to 27 inches (58 to 69 cm) at
the withers. Ear cropping has been common in the breed,
although more breeders are leaving the ears in their
natural state since ear cropping is becoming illegal in
most European countries, including the land of origin,
France. Their long coat requires an extensive amount of
grooming. They were originally bred to herd as well as
guard flocks of sheep. And they were often left to their
own devices in order to accomplish their assigned tasks.
This makes them different from those breeds that only
guard and those that only herd. The breeds that just
herd are often smaller in size, agile, and swift of
foot. Those breeds that just guard are usually larger
and heavier. The characteristics of the breed, are of a
medium sized, rugged, agile dog, having harsh coat and
double dewclaws mounted low on each rear leg, resembling
additional toes. Each double dew claw should have bone
substance and nail, giving the appearance of a wider
rear foot. Bred for centuries to herd, the additional
digits on each rear foot give them the ability of
pivoting on one foot for quick turns and complete turn
arounds, which are necessary when herding and guarding
their flocks. Throughout history, they have retained an
appropriate balance of size and build that is required
for both herding and protection of their flocks. They
are not too large to tire during herding yet large
enough to fend off predators such as fox and wolves.
Behavior
They are a very loyal and protective breed. 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. They 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. They
have been bred for centuries to herd and to protect
their flocks. To domesticated them, 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. 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, they will automatically start doing what they
were bred to do, herding.
Origin
France
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