Pet Wiki

Briard

Also called Berger de Brie, Chien de Berger français de Plaine, Chien de Brie

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From France, from the Brie region and the lowland farming country around it.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male27 to 45 kg4
Weight, female23 to 36 kg4
Height, male62 to 68 cm12
Height, female56 to 64 cm12
Lifespan10 to 15 years432
Sizelarge

Converted from Hill's 60-100 lb (males) and 50-80 lb (females). The FCI standard sets no weight.

loyal and devoted
steady and self-assured
clever working partner
143

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

Coloursblackfawnfawn with black overlaygreyblue1

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. 1

    A double dewclaw on each hind leg is a required feature of the breed.2

  2. 2

    The first registered Briard, a dog called Sans Gêne, was entered in 1885.2

  3. 3

    Thomas Jefferson warmed to dogs after Lafayette sent him Briards.4

  4. 4

    In both World Wars Briards carried supplies and helped search parties look for wounded soldiers.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Briard' comes from the French region of Brie, and was first recorded in 1809 as 'chien de Brie' in Abbot Rozier's 'Complete Agricultural Course'.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

FleurGastonCocoBriocheÉtoileRustyLavandeBeauChérieMaximePralineSoleil

A day in the life told by a Briard

I start my day with a happy romp through the meadow, herding the clouds if I can. After breakfast, I help my human check on the sheep, well, I pretend they're sheep. Then we practice tricks; I love learning new ones. At lunch, I rest my head on a knee, watching for intruders. In the afternoon, we go for a long walk in the woods, and I chase sticks but never catch them, on purpose. Now I lie by the fire, proud of my work.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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 a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Briard. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Briard tip

Choose low-calorie, single-ingredient treats and keep them to under 10% of daily calories, as Briards are prone to obesity and food allergies. Fresh veggies make a great, healthy alternative.

Source: vcahospitals.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Briard, and at what times?

Feed your adult Briard at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help their digestion, but you can adjust to your schedule. Always follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a tailored plan.8

What should a Briard eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to your Briard's age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Your vet can help you choose the right diet.9

How often should I bathe a Briard?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your Briard gets muddy. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.10 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Briard need brushing?

The Briard's long coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, as recommended by breed experts. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, but daily attention is ideal for this breed.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Briard's nails, and how often?

Trim your Briard's nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut small bits at a time, stopping before the quick. Your vet can demonstrate the technique.10 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Briard need?

This energetic herding dog needs more than two hours of exercise daily, plus mental stimulation like training or puzzle games. Daily walks and play are essential to keep your Briard happy and healthy.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Briard's teeth and ears?

Brush your Briard's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, drying them gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Your vet can advise on dental care.10 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Briard live?

A Briard typically lives between 10 and 15 years with good care. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help them enjoy a long, happy life.432

Is a Briard good with children and other pets?

With early, positive socialisation, the Briard is even-tempered and confident, making it a wonderful family dog. It bonds deeply with its household and can get along with other pets when raised together, though it is watchful of strangers.14

Can a Briard be left alone?

Briards are strongly attached to their family and prefer company, so they are not suited to being left alone for long periods. They thrive in an active home where someone is around most of the time.4

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 113 Briard fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Briard (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, facts, lifespan study
  3. Briard, The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
  4. Briard, Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, care, facts
  5. fci.be fci.be
  6. exa.ai exa.ai
  7. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  8. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.