The Briard is a large, active, spirited dog originally bred to protect sheep and goats from poachers and wolves.
It is characterised by its long wavy fur and impressive beard and eyebrows. This very active breed demands a high level of physical activity and is ideal for owners who enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. Typical of a herding dog, the Briard is smart and will respond well to consistent training. Its intelligence also means that it can exhibit destructive behaviours such as chewing and digging if it doesn’t have enough stimulation. However, given the right conditions, Briards make extremely loyal and loving family dogs, which are devoted to and protective of their family. Due to their high spirits, they can be quite bouncy and may not be suitable for households with younger children or for the elderly.
History
The Briard is an ancient breed originating from the province of Brie in France where it was used for guarding and herding sheep and other livestock. Briards were used in the World Wars by the French army as guard dogs and to search out wounded soldiers.
