Exploring 10 Fun Facts About Briards
Is an Briard Right for You?
Briards are intelligent and independent dogs that are also agile and versatile, excelling in various roles such as herding, guarding, and even search and rescue. While they can be reserved with strangers, Briards are affectionate and loving towards their families.
The Briard has an Ancient History
The Briard aka Berger de Brie, is a breed with a history that dates back to ancient France. Known for its depiction in artwork as early as the 8th century, this versatile dog was bred for a variety of tasks including herding, guarding, and even serving the official dog of the French army in World War 1. Originating from the dairy-producing region of Brie, the Briard was specifically bred as boundary herders, tasked with keeping the sheep within set boundaries as well as guarding them from predators.
Famous Connections
The Briard breed has a history intertwined with famous figures throughout the centuries. Napoleon Bonaparte, known for his military prowess, was said to have owned Briards during his reign, showcasing the breed’s loyalty and intelligence. Thomas Jefferson, a key figure in American history, imported Briards to the United States in the 18th century, further solidifying their presence in different parts of the world.
The Briard breed is easily recognized
by its unique shaggy coat, composed of long, coarse outer coat and a fine, dense undercoat. This double-layered fur not only provides protection from various weather conditions but also adds to the breed’s distinctive appearance. Briards typically come in colors ranging from black to various shades of grey and tawny; however, it’s worth noting that a solid white coat does not meet the AKC breed standard. In terms of size, these majestic dogs can stand as tall as 27 inches and weigh up to 100 pounds.
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the Briard has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Intelligent and Trainable Guardians
With proper training and socialization, Briards can quickly learn commands and excel in obedience training, agility competitions, and even advanced tasks such as search and rescue missions. While they may come across as aloof with strangers, Briards are known for being gentle and protective of their family members. Their intelligence and loyalty make them highly trainable and versatile working dogs.
Briards are known for their independent nature
which can make them a unique challenge when it comes to socialization. Proper socialization and effective training methods are crucial in teaching your Briard to enjoy the company of other animals and new people. Without the right guidance, they may struggle to get along well with other dogs. By introducing them to different environments, experiences, and interactions from a young age, you can help your Briard become more comfortable and sociable around others.
How Fast Can a Briard Run?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Briards is about 22.2 mph. The fastest recorded speed was run by a dog named CH Hbhp Rodeo Queen at 27.19 mph!
Briards are known for their protective instincts
and make excellent watchdogs due to their vigilant nature. These loyal companions take their guarding duties seriously, always on high alert and ready to protect their territory. With their keen sense of awareness, Briards quickly pick up on any signs of potential danger and are quick to notify their owners of any suspicious activity.
Briard Humor!
Briard Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Briard ranks 30th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 15 to 25 repetitions and obey first commands 70% of the time or better. This puts them in the “above average working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the least intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 80-100 repetitions!
Briards Have an Average
lifespan of about 12 years. They are a sturdy breed, but there are some health conditions to be aware of :
Congenital Stationary Night Blindness
Ectopic Ureter
Gastric Torsion aka Bloat
Check Your Briard Facts and Take a Fun Briard Quiz
Facts about Briards-Final Thoughts
The Briard, also known as the “chien berger de brie,” is a great breed with its distinctive double coat and long hair that requires regular grooming to maintain. These active dogs are high-energy members of the herding group, making them excellent guard dogs and loyal companions for any human family. Briards, despite their large size, are well-suited for family activities and thrive on positive reinforcement training methods. To meet their exercise requirements, engaging in regular activities with your Briard puppy is the best way to keep them happy and healthy. In comparison to many other breeds, they are relatively rare, but as a beautiful, high energy member of the herding group, their popularity should rise with potential dog owners.
