Briard
布里牧羊犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Briard, or Chien Berger de Brie, is a big, shaggy, wavy-coated French herder that has worked the pastures of the dairy belt since Charlemagne's day and is often described as "a heart wrapped in fur" — confident, smart and faithful, with a peek-a-boo fringe, beard and eyebrows framing a frank, questioning expression, and double dewclaws on the hind legs. Bred to make executive decisions without a human, it is tireless and protective, regards the children as its flock, is wary of outsiders and can be a handful for novice owners. It needs a job, a large securely fenced space to run, lifelong socialisation, and brushing to the skin several times a week.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 56–69cm |
| Weight | 25–45kg |
| Life expectancy | 12years |
| Breed group | AKC: herding FCI: 1 |
| Role | Herding |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 3/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 1/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 5/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about eye examinations if you notice cloudiness in the eyes.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Cancer
Certain cancers are reported at higher rates in the breed. Ask your vet about regular check-ups and about any new lumps.
Kidney disease
Kidney conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about routine blood and urine checks.
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB)
An inherited retinal condition specific to the breed with a DNA test; the AKC lists it among the conditions responsible breeders screen for, and The Royal Kennel Club requires imported dogs to be tested to keep it out of the UK population. Ask your breeder for both parents' CSNB results.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
Listed by the AKC among the conditions responsible Briard breeders screen for, alongside immune diseases and kidney disease. Ask your vet if your dog is losing weight despite a big appetite or passing pale, greasy stools.
Behaviour
Makes its own executive decisions
The AKC says the Briard was bred to make executive decisions without a human, which can make it a bit difficult to train; it is nonetheless eager to please, learns quickly and has an excellent memory, so positive methods and lively, interesting sessions put its natural intelligence at the top of the class, from disc-catching to search-and-rescue, obedience and agility. Socialisation should begin early and continue throughout its life.
Heart of gold — calm indoors, tireless outdoors
The CKC says owners describe the breed as "a heart of gold wrapped in fur": intelligent, loyal, eager to please and naturally protective of owner, home and property, with early socialisation imperative. Though a Briard can trot all day without tiring, it tends to be calm and relaxed at home while still needing a fair amount of outdoor exercise. The AKC adds that it craves action, makes a great companion for hikers, cyclists and joggers, and needs a large, securely fenced area to run free.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 1/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Briard
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Briard (Herding Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Briard
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Briard (standard no. 113, group 1)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Briard — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Briard — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Briard — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Briard — FCI standard no. 113 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.