At a glance the quick version
Converted from Hill's 60-100 lb (males) and 50-80 lb (females). The FCI standard sets no weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, double
A long, dry coat with a texture often compared to goat hair, lying over a light undercoat. Long hair on the head forms a beard, moustache and eyebrows. Two dewclaws on each hind leg are a breed hallmark.12
Personality what they are like
Even-tempered and confident, neither pushy nor shy. Very bright and a little independent, it sees its family as partners and keeps a watchful eye on newcomers, which suits its old job as flock guardian.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A high-energy herding dog. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, and it also enjoys jobs that keep its mind busy.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The long coat needs regular, thorough brushing and combing (daily attention is recommended) to stay free of tangles, with extra care after muddy walks.34
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to an active home with room to move and daily outdoor time.34
Company who they like around
Strongly attached to its household and happiest with company. Early, positive socialisation with people and other dogs helps it grow into a relaxed adult.4
The story where it all began
The Briard is an old French farm dog that both herded and guarded sheep; the name 'chien de Brie' appears in print in 1809, and the breed was shown in Paris in 1863. French forces used Briards in both World Wars as sentries and to help find wounded soldiers.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
A double dewclaw on each hind leg is a required feature of the breed.2
- 2
The first registered Briard, a dog called Sans Gêne, was entered in 1885.2
- 3
Thomas Jefferson warmed to dogs after Lafayette sent him Briards.4
- 4
In both World Wars Briards carried supplies and helped search parties look for wounded soldiers.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 113, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard dated 04.11.2008. Wikipedia gives 1954 for FCI recognition.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Pastoral group; not a vulnerable native breed.3
- AKC
- First AKC-registered litter in 1922, according to Hill's.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Briard. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 113 Briard fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Briard (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, facts, lifespan study
- Briard, The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
- Briard, Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, care, facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.