Briard

The Briard is a large French herding dog under a long goat-like coat, with the same double hind dewclaws as its smooth-coated counterpart the Beauceron.

History

It comes from the French region of Brie and worked as both herder and flock guardian, a combination that is unusual — most traditions keep those two jobs in separate dogs. It served as a messenger and casualty-search dog in the First World War, which cost the breed heavily.

Temperament

The breed is known for being loyal, watchful and independent-minded, forming a strong bond with its household and remaining reserved with strangers. It thinks for itself, which is what flock work required.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and consistent early training, and the long coat is a real commitment — brushing several times a week, and attention to the hair around the eyes and feet.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, bloat and an inherited night-blindness that breeders test for. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.