BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
CKC-AKC CH. Roi d'Berger's Oh Darling
Photo courtesy: BriardArcres |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The all-breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
France
Height:
22 to 27 inches (56 to 69 cm) at the shoulder.
Weight:
70 to 90 lbs. (31½ to 40½ kg)
Breed Profile:
The Briard, also known as the Chien Berger de Brie, is said to be "a heart of gold wrapped in fur." He is intelligent, loyal, eager to please and naturally protective. In the home environment, he is calm and relaxed but while working, he can trot all day long without tiring.
The Briard is an ancient French herding breed dating back to the eighth century. The Emperor Charlemagne as well as Napoleon were said to have owned this breed of dog. Since early times, the Briard was used as a guardian of the flocks and a herding dog. He was the official dog of the French army and, because so many were lost in both world wars, the Briard is somewhat rare today. Used as sentry dogs, to carry supplies to the front lines, and to search for wounded soldiers, the Briard was reported to have an amazing ability to lead the medical corps to the wounded.
Along with his loyalty and courage, he is completely devoted to his home and family, especially children, and makes an excellent guardian and watch dog. As with most herding breeds, the Briard is an independent thinker. However, he is obedient, learns quickly and has an excellent memory.
The Briard is a versatile herding dog who fetches, drives and does boundary work. He can also work all types of livestock and works as the shepherd's partner with a very keen herding instinct. Known as an upright breed, he works quietly, circling, and exhibiting a natural "power", always eager, intense and alert. Being a working breed, he enjoys having a job to do — be it herding, guarding, agility, tracking, or even carting.
He has a long outer coat that is coarse, hard and dry. It lies flat on his body, falling in a slight wave. The undercoat is soft and fine. His strong head is covered with hair that arches into eyebrows and forms a beard under his chin. The most common coat colours are tawny or black with the occasional blue-grey being seen.
Health Issues
If you are considering the adoption of a Briard puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. The Briard Club of America recommends testing for genetic disorders such as Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, von Willebrand's Disease, Hypothyroidism, night blindness, and other tests as they become available should be done before breeding. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Bloat — As with many large breeds, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Briard. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms — This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) — Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for more information and Bloat Information from the Briard Medical Trust, as well as First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
Additional Health Resources:
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Standard No 113
AKC BRIARD DVD
27 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
Because guarding and herding are natural instincts to the Briard, he can be somewhat aloof toward strangers. Therefore, early socialization is strongly recommended and this will not deter his guarding instincts.
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Briards
- Herding Dogs — The Herding Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
