Briard
Herding Large
Originally bred in France, the Briard has become one of the world's most recognizable large breeds, sitting at #137 in AKC popularity. A heart wrapped in fur — Briards are deeply emotional dogs who wear their feelings openly. They love with fierce devotion and protect with quiet courage, earning the French saying 'a heart of gold in a fur coat.'
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Briard
Bred to herd and guard sheep in the French countryside. They performed double duty as both herders during the day and flock guardians at night, protecting against wolves and thieves.. Ranked #137 by the AKC in 2026, their enduring popularity reflects the breed's adaptability and charm.
A large-sized dog measuring 22–27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55–100 pounds, the Briard carries a presence that matches its personality. A heart wrapped in fur — Briards are deeply emotional dogs who wear their feelings openly. They love with fierce devotion and protect with quiet courage, earning the French saying 'a heart of gold in a fur coat.'
Loyal, protective, and spirited. They are independent thinkers with strong opinions but deeply devoted to their families. Their combination of herding and guarding instincts makes them versatile and attentive..
Lifespan Overview
The Briard typically lives 12–14 years. Learn more about Briard lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $1500–$2500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Briards weigh 55–100 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Loyal, protective, and spirited. They are independent thinkers with strong opinions but deeply devoted to their families. Their combination of herding and guarding instincts makes them versatile and attentive.. Full temperament guide →
History
Served as sentries, messengers, and mine detection dogs for the French army during both World Wars. Napoleon reportedly owned Briards. Thomas Jefferson is also credited with bringing the breed to America.. Bred to herd and guard sheep in the French countryside. They performed double duty as both herders during the day and flock guardians at night, protecting against wolves and thieves..
The breed gained AKC recognition and currently sits at #137 in popularity. Primarily a family companion and show dog in North America. In France, they still work as herding dogs on farms. They also serve in search-and-rescue and therapy work, leveraging their gentle nature..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Common | High |
| Bloat (GDV) | Moderate | Critical |
| Stationary Night Blindness | Moderate | Moderate |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | Low | High |
| Hypothyroidism | Low | Low |
Is the Briard Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Briard is a large-sized breed belonging to the Herding group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Briard has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 2/5, the Briard is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.
Children and family: Scoring 4/5 with children, the Briard is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: With grooming needs rated 5/5, the Briard requires significant coat maintenance. Expect to invest time in daily or near-daily brushing, regular professional grooming sessions every 4–8 weeks, and ongoing attention to prevent matting and skin issues. Budget $63–63/month for grooming.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Briard home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–14 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1500–$2500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $5,651. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $226, broken down as follows: food ($80–120/mo), grooming ($63–63/mo), insurance ($54–66/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($410–853/yr) and supplies ($254–578/yr). As a large breed, the Briard costs more for food, medication dosing, and larger equipment than smaller dogs.
Over a full 12–14 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $54–66/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Briard owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Briard fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Briard belongs to the Herding group, which historically means these dogs were developed to control the movement of livestock. Herding breeds are intelligent, responsive, and highly trainable but can exhibit herding behaviors such as nipping at heels or circling family members. They need a job or structured activity to stay mentally fulfilled.
With a family friendliness score of 4/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 2/5, the Briard presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Briard is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Briard may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Briard's low shedding (2/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.
Briard Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Briard requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Briard if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and enjoy or do not mind regular grooming routines. The Briard's herding heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, are unwilling to invest time and money in regular grooming, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a large breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Briard seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Briard owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Briards before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.