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The Briard is a large breed of dog, one of many herding breeds. The Briard has been known for some centuries. Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, and Lafayette all owned Briards. This ancient sheep guard and herder has also been used by the French Army as a sentry, messenger, and to search for wounded soldiers because of its fine sense of hearing. It became popular only after the Paris dog show of 1863 - in large part due to the improvement of the dog's looks achieved by crosses with the Beauceron and the Barbet.
The Briard is named either for Aubry of Montdidier, a man who was supposed to have owned an early Briard, or for the French province of Brie, although the dog probably does not originate in that locale. The Briard still serves as a herder and flock guardian today, as well as an esteemed companion dog. Some of the Briards talents are search & rescue, police work, military work, herding, watchdogging and guarding. Experts state they are related to the Berger Picard.
Appearance: The Briard can be any of several different
solid colors or lighter colors with darker or light ears and
face. Briards 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 Briard's 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 the
Briard 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 breed characteristics of the Briard, 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 the Briard 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, the
Briard has 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.
Temperament: The Briard is 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. Briards 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.
The Briard has been bred for centuries to herd and to
protect their flocks. To domesticated briards, 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.
Famous Briards:
My Three Sons - "Tramp"
Bachelor Father - "Jasper" (played by Briard
mix "Red" 2nd Jasper 1960-62)
Get Smart - Agent K-13 "Fang" (played by
Briard mix "Red" 1965-66)
Married... with Children - "Buck" (played by
Briard "Buck")
Dharma & Greg - "Stinky" (played by Briard
mix "Chewy")
Addams Family - "Them" (played by Briard mix
"Mayhem")
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