Briard: characteristics, training and care
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen on Jun 14 2026· 4 min readKey takeaways
- The Briard is a French herding breed with roots tracing back to the 8th century, historically used to guard livestock and even track wounded soldiers in World War One.
- Expect a loyal but independent temperament. Early socialisation helps this breed get along with other pets and reduces its instinct to herd children.
- Plan for at least 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise, regular brushing several times a week, and monthly costs that include food, vet care, and grooming.
- Watch for breed-related health risks such as hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, and Von Willebrand disease, plus a hereditary RPE65 eye condition causing early night blindness that made Briards a key model in vision gene therapy research. Feed smaller, frequent meals to help prevent bloat.
The Briard, also known as the Berger de Brie, is a large and intelligent herding breed with a long, wavy coat. Originally from France, this breed was used for centuries to herd and guard livestock. Thanks to its loyal and watchful nature, the Briard is a popular family dog, provided it is well socialised and trained. In this article, we cover all the key aspects of the Briard, such as its history, characteristics, temperament, health issues and care.
Origin and history of the Briard
The Briard has a rich history dating back to at least the 8th century. This breed was originally bred in the Brie region of France, where it served as a herding and guard dog.
Early history of the Briard
- Medieval origins: There are depictions of Briard-like dogs on 8th-century tapestries, and they are mentioned in French documents from the 12th century.
- Naming: The Briard is named after the Brie region, but was formerly also known as the Chien Berger de Brie.
Uses through the centuries
- Herding dog: Used to herd sheep and protect them from predators.
- Guard dog: Deployed on farms to guard livestock and property.
- Military dog: During the First World War, Briards were used by the French army to track down the wounded.
- Historical influence: Famous figures such as Napoleon and Thomas Jefferson owned a Briard.
Breed development and the modern Briard
- 1867: First breed standard drawn up.
- 1909: Official breed club established in France.
- Present day: The Briard is still used as a herding dog, companion dog and rescue dog.
Character and temperament of the Briard
The Briard is known for its intelligence, loyalty and protective instinct.
Behaviour towards people
- Devoted and protective: Strong emotional bond with the family.
- Affectionate but independent: Loving, but can be stubborn.
- Alert and reserved: Cautious towards strangers.
Behaviour towards other animals
- Social behaviour: With early socialisation, the Briard gets on well with other pets.
- Herding instinct: May try to ‘herd’ children or pets.
Exercise and training
The Briard is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- At least 1–2 hours of exercise per day.
- Excellent at dog sports such as agility and obedience training.
- Positive reinforcement is essential for training.
Physical characteristics of the Briard
- Size: Males 62–68 cm, females 56–64 cm.
- Weight: Males 32–45 kg, females 25–39 kg.
- Coat: Long, slightly wavy and with a dense undercoat.
- Colours: Black, fawn (light brown/reddish brown) and grey.
Care and hygiene
- Brushing: At least 3 times a week to prevent tangles.
- Bathing: Every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Teeth brushing: At least twice a week.
- Ear checks: Clean weekly to prevent infections.
Health and life expectancy
The Briard is generally healthy, but may be prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- RPE65-related hereditary retinal dystrophy, an inherited form of early-onset night blindness the breed is especially known for
- Gastric torsion
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand disease
Did you know?
Briards carry one of the best-studied inherited eye conditions in veterinary medicine: a mutation in the RPE65 gene that causes severe night blindness from a young age. Briards with this mutation were the model animals in landmark gene therapy trials that restored functional vision in affected dogs, research that helped pave the way for the first approved gene therapy for a similar condition in humans [1]. Reputable breeders test for this mutation before breeding.
Costs and care of a Briard
Purchase price
- With pedigree: €950 - €1,200.
- Without pedigree: May be cheaper, but look for reputable breeders.
Monthly costs
- Nutrition: €50
- Veterinarian: €15–€30
- Grooming: €10–€20
- Training: Optional, €50 per lesson
Nutrition and diet
- Daily amount: 400–900 grams of high-quality food per day.
-
Feeding options:
- High-quality dry food
- Raw meat (BARF diet)
- Freshly steamed food
- Important: Small, frequent meals to prevent gastric torsion.
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Names for a Briard
French names
- Amélie, Hugo, Gaston, Belle, Louis
Strong names
- Rex, Thor, Atlas, Brutus
Playful names
- Moxie, Puck, Coco, Luna
Conclusion
The Briard is an intelligent, loyal and energetic dog with a rich history and a unique character. This breed requires plenty of exercise, consistent training and regular care. For owners who have the time and energy, the Briard makes a fantastic companion.
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[1] Rolling F, Le Meur G, Stieger K, et al. Gene therapeutic prospects in early onset of severe retinal dystrophy: restoration of vision in RPE65 Briard dogs using an AAV serotype 4 vector that specifically targets the retinal pigmented epithelium. Bull Mem Acad R Med Belg. 2006;161(10-12):497-509.
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