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
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.5
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.6
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.7 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.7 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.7 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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 support@furrydiary.app 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
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.