Our super hairy, fun-loving breed for this week is the wonderful Briard! A large breed dog with a lot of energy and a lot of brains! Let’s take a closer look at this gentle and family-oriented breed.
This Briard is originally from France and mentioned in records from as far back as the 12th century! They were used primarily as working dogs to guard livestock (most often sheep).
With their history in protecting livestock, they can sometimes be quite defensive and protective of family members they have strongly bonded to. It is important to heavily socialize this breed to ensure they are not wary of friendly strangers. The stamina it took for their ancestors to work on the farm all day is evident in the energy level of today’s Briards. This breed requires a lot of exercise to stay calm and content. They get along great with kids and are excellent dogs for active families.
This breed is very intelligent and is a quick learner! You will likely fly through basic obedience and your Briard will be asking to learn more and more! Briards do great in agility competitions with their excellent combination of high energy and high intelligence.
It is easy to see that the Briard has a lot of hair! Resulting in daily brushing to avoid tangles and gunk in that hair, as well as regular hair trimming.
One of the oldest breeds in France, the Briard can be a great addition to your home and family. Ensure your Briard gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. The Briard is a gorgeous dog that will bring your family endless joy!
