Briard

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Breed: Briard dog
Temperament: lively, affectionate
Maintenance: medium
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Recommended for: older families

History

Named after the French region of Brie near Paris, the Briard was developed as a herding and guard dog. Although the dog was named after this region better known for its cheese, there is some doubt whether the breed was actually developed there. The breed remains very popular in France, although like many other breeds of dog, its numbers were drastically depleted during the Second World War. Its popularity extends to the United States and Australia, though the breed as it is today is more tailored towards the show ring than the field. Briards have been available in Australia for more than 20 years.

Appearance 

The Briard is a large shaggy dog with a long coat of at least 7cm in length. Often described as goat-like, the hair has a dry harsh texture and is slightly wavy. The dog has a distinctive beard and the long hair which obscures the eyes is often pinned up in a pony tail. The fine undercoat provides the breed with excellent insulation against the cold and harsh climates, common to the regions they once worked in. A distinctive Briard characteristic is the double dew claws. Although the extra claw is of no real use to the dog, it is part of the purebred standard. Dogs born without the double claw are not shown in exhibition, but are sold as pets. Briards appear in black, grey or many variations of fawn.

Temperament

Briards are lively, alert and especially affectionate. They will retain some of their puppy instinct throughout adulthood and are particulary devoted to their family. Briards still possess a natural instinct to guard, which becomes apparent at around 12 months of age. Often described as demanding due to its fondness for human companionship, the Briard is regarded by some as ‘in your face’. Like many other dogs who’s hair covers their eyes, the Briard can be wary of strangers and may be shy as an adult if not properly exposed to other dogs and humans as a puppy. Briards are an active dog that both enjoys and benefits from exercise, however breeders claim they are not destructive or uncontrollable.

Maintenance and cost

This long coated breed requires about one hour of grooming each week. Breeders suggest bathing the dog as little as possible in order to minimise grooming. The coat texture is naturally firm and frequent bathing will make the coat softer and more prone to knotting. Therefore, infrequent bathing will reduce the need for grooming. However, the compromise is the coat’s distinct smell. A sprinkling of essential oils on the coat can reduce this ‘doggy pong’. A full grown adult requires about two cups of dried food and half a kilogram of fresh meat daily. That’s about $20.00 – $25.00 per week. Briard pups range from $500 – $800.

Health and Lifespan

Many large breeds such as the Briard can suffer from joint problems such as hip dysplasia. Puppies should be checked after purchase and only buy pups from breeders who have screened the parents. Night blindness, a genetic disease which afflicts the breed and as the name suggests, affects the dogs vision at night, can also now be tested for. Once again, ensure that the parents have been screened and cleared for this disease. Briards will live for and average of 12 -14 years.

Recommended for

Looking for a dog who’ll be your soul mate? Then the Briard may be the one for you. Briards make perfect companions and prefer to be by your side rather than anywhere else. However the size and personality of the Briard suggests that it is not an ideal dog for families with small children. Grooming can be a task and the breed may be more difficult to maintain for older people. Ideally the breed is suited to energetic families with older kids, especially kids who are happy to take on some of the grooming responsibilities.

National contacts

To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations.

The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au

Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872

Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599

Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 – Fax: (02) 6241 1129.

Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190

Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864

Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844

Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au

Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872

Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599

Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 – Fax: (02) 6241 1129.

Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190

Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864

Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844

Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409