Briard (Berger de Brie)
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Find Briard (Berger de Brie) BreedersGet to Know Briard (Berger de Brie)s
- Herding Heritage: The Briard is a traditional French herding dog, originally used to drive sheep and guard flocks. Their agility, endurance, and alertness made them highly valued on farms.
- Natural Guard Dogs: Briards are extremely protective of their family and property. While affectionate with loved ones, they are alert and wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
- Intelligent & Versatile: Briards excel in obedience, agility, search-and-rescue, and even therapy work. Their combination of smarts and energy makes them adaptable to many tasks beyond herding.
- Distinctive Coat and Beard: Their long, wavy, double coat not only provides protection from harsh weather but also gives them a characteristic “bearded” appearance that hides expressive eyes beneath a long forelock.
- Historical War Companions: Briards have been used in military roles, including carrying messages and supplies during World War I. Their courage, intelligence, and loyalty made them reliable in challenging situations.
Breed History
The Briard, also known as the Berger de Brie, is a centuries-old French herding breed. Originating in the Brie region, it was prized for its ability to herd and guard sheep, work alongside farmers, and protect property. Historical records show that Briards were not only working dogs but also companions to French nobility and soldiers, demonstrating courage and intelligence on and off the battlefield. Today, the breed is celebrated for its versatility, loyalty, and striking appearance, retaining its herding instincts while excelling as a devoted family dog.
Personality and Behaviour
- Loyal & Protective: Briards are devoted to their family and naturally protective, making them vigilant guardians without unnecessary aggression.
- Energetic & Playful: They require regular exercise and enjoy activities that challenge them physically and mentally, from herding games to obedience training.
- Independent Thinkers: While intelligent and trainable, Briards can be independent and strong-willed, necessitating consistent guidance and early socialization.
Care
- Exercise: Daily walks, play, and mentally stimulating activities are essential to meet their high energy levels and prevent boredom.
- Training: Consistent, positive reinforcement and early socialization help manage independence and build a confident, well-behaved adult dog.
- Grooming: Daily or every-other-day brushing is essential to prevent tangles, matting, and debris accumulation in their long coat.
Briard (Berger de Brie) Summary
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Lifespan
Exercise
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Briard (Berger de Brie) Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Evaluation (min age 24 months) PennHIP Evaluation (min age 24 months) International Hip Evaluation (min age 24 months) |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Eye Examination at least once between six (6) months and eight (8) years |
| Stationary Night Blindness | Stationary Night Blindness (SNB) results from an approved lab; results registered with OFA |
| Autoimmune Thyroiditis | (Optional) OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory Tests must include FT4D, cTSH, and TgAA |
| Elbow Dysplasia | (Optional) OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Briard (Berger de Brie) Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Briard (Berger de Brie) is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Briard (Berger de Brie)
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Briard (Berger de Brie) puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Briard (Berger de Brie), and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Briard (Berger de Brie) is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
