Briard Puppies

If you're looking for a breed that is both a wonderful guard dog and loving family pet, the Briard may be your perfect match. This French dog is loyal and intelligent, with its large size not getting in the way of making it a nice fit for a home or apartment. History buffs will enjoy its ties to Napoleon as well as the French Army.

The Briard is a healthy breed, but breeders should screen them for conditions like cancer, hip dysplasia, congenital stationary night blindness, and eye conditions.

If digging or chewing are not on your "must have list" for your dog, be sure to give the Briard at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. This being said, it is well suited for life in either an apartment or house.

The Briards coat requires regular maintenance to stay healthy and prevent matting. It is important to begin the grooming process early in their life so it isn't something that they dread. They should be brushed several times a week down to the skin, and an undercoat rake will help eliminate dead hair and decrease shedding.

Briards shed, but with regular brushing they will only shed very lightly.

Peek-a-boo hair and large eyebrows are perhaps the most distinctive features of the Briard. A long, feathered tail and ears which may or may not be cropped are also typical for this breed. Well arched toes compliment thick pads and hard nails, with the coat presenting as wavy, coarse and long.

The Briard is an ancient breed that dates back to the 8th century in France and were used to guard and herd sheep and livestock. They have been owned by loyalty for thousands of years, including Emperor Charlemagne, Napolean, and Thomas Jefferson. They were used in both World Wars as guard dogs, and are now used as hunting dogs and in homes across the United States.