Are Briards easy to train?

Briards have high trainability. They are known for being faithful, protective, obedient. They respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Are Briards good with children?

Briards have high compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Briard need?

Briards have high energy levels. 1.5-2 hours daily. Active exercise and mental stimulation.

How long do Briards live?

The average lifespan of a Briard is 10-12 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Pastoral group · France

Briard

Also called Berger de Brie, Brie Shepherd.

What makes them remarkable

This French sheepdog also served as a sentry during the First World War.

Faithful
Protective
Obedient
Smart
Spirited

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Large
Weight: 25 to 45 kg55 to 100 lb
Lives: 10 to 12 years
Energy: High
Trains: High
Barks: Moderate

Training

Training a Briard

Pastoral breeds. Give the brain a job or it will find one. Chasing, nipping and fixating are the breed doing its work.

Independent Thinker
Start here
Intelligent but can be stubborn, requires patient, positive training approach.
A Heart Wrapped in Fur
French saying describes their loyalty, they bond deeply and need consistent companionship.
Herding Instinct
Strong natural herding drive, redirect to appropriate outlets like herding trials.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Briard and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to herd and guard livestock. Watchful, responsive, and wired to control movement.

Gets on with

ChildrenHigh
Other dogsModerate
StrangersLow
CatsModerate

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 1.5-2 hours daily. Active exercise and mental stimulation.
Grooming: Very high maintenance. Daily brushing for long coat.
Drool: Low
Coat: Long, Wavy, Dry textureBlack, Grey, Tawny
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint condition in large breeds
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Moderate
Inherited eye disease causing blindness
Bloat
Severe
Gastric torsion risk in deep-chested dogs

Where they come from

History

Ancient French herding breed dating back to at least the 8th century. Napoleon and Charlemagne are said to have owned Briards. Used as sentry dogs in WWI.