GROUP 5 - WORKING DOGS

Brief History
The Briard is an ancient breed of large herding dog, originally from France. They were bred for guarding and herding sheep and other livestock. During the two World Wars, the Briard was used by the French as guard dogs and search and rescue dogs.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.
The average life span is 10 to 15 years.

Temperament
The Briard is fearless, with no trace of timidity or aggressiveness. They are a very loyal and protective breed and may not be immediately trusting of strangers and visitors.

General Breed Description
The Briard is a large dog, with a long coat. They make good family dogs but do tend to bond more closely with one family member. They are tough, alert and brave and can be hostile and assertive with other dogs if not handled and socialised correctly. As with most breeds, training and socialisation should be started at a young age to ensure that your Briard becomes an obedient and good family pet. Coat colour can be black, any shade of fawn or slate grey.

Coat and Care Requirements
Grooming requirements are relatively high, with plenty of brushing/combing of their coarse double coat needed. This is especially important to prevent matting and keep the coat clean and tangle free. Inside of the ears must be kept clean and excess hair removed.

Size
Height: Males 61 to 69cms (24 to 27ins), Females 58 to 65cms (22.75 to 25.5ins).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Briard is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally.

Suitability
They are an ideal pet for owners who want a large, intelligent, active dog for herding, hiking and other outdoor activities. They have a high energy level, so exercise requirements need to satisfy this high energy level. Socialisation is most important and should be commenced at an early age.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard:  https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/154