Briard
A French sheepdog with its eyes behind a curtain of hair and double dewclaws on each hind leg. It herds by putting itself between the flock and whatever worries it.
Photo by pete. #hwcp, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Briard is a French herding dog with a long coarse goat like coat and, like the Beauceron, double dewclaws on each hind leg required by the standard. It herded and guarded sheep and served as a French military dog carrying supplies and finding wounded soldiers.
The coat falls over the eyes, which is correct rather than neglect, and the dog sees through it perfectly well.
Temperament
Confident, protective and independent. Briards are devoted to their families, watchful with strangers, and they have a strong sense of what belongs to them, including people.
They are intelligent and strong minded and they need training that is consistent and fair. They herd, and without sheep they herd whatever is available. They are also slow to mature and can be reactive if under socialised.
Care and grooming
A demanding coat. The long coarse hair mats down to the skin and needs thorough combing two or three times a week, an hour or more at a time, plus regular trimming.
Hip dysplasia, congenital stationary night blindness with a DNA test, and bloat are the three to ask about. About twelve years is the expectation.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day plus mental work. Herding, agility, obedience and tracking all suit them.
They want to be with their family and they do poorly isolated. A Briard is a serious commitment on both the coat and the training side, and it rewards an owner who takes both on.
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