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Pastoral · France

Briard

A walker's guide to the Briard: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Large, 25 to 40 kgHigh energyHeavy coatGuarding instinctLoyalNeeds grooming
Exercise a day90 min plus
Energy4 of 5
Walk styleSteady, watchful, loyal
With other dogsPolite but reserved

Overview

The Briard is one of France's oldest herding breeds, a large dog with a long, slightly wavy coat, a beard and eyebrows, and double dewclaws on the hind legs. It worked as both herder and flock guardian, and served as a sentry and messenger dog in the First World War. The Kennel Club puts it in the Pastoral group.

Briards are intensely loyal and often wary of strangers until introduced. With their own people they are affectionate and playful; with newcomers they watch and wait. A walker needs a proper introduction and some patience before the dog relaxes.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour and forty minutes a day is a reasonable target for an adult, with a mix of brisk lead walking and off-lead time where the owner is comfortable. They have the stamina of a dog that once covered miles with a flock.

Boredom is the enemy. A bored Briard patrols, barks and herds. Training, scent work and a job to do on the walk make for a settled dog at home.

Daily minimum100 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeWith good recall

On the walk

  • Recall: Good in a well-trained dog that trusts you. Herding instinct may show as chasing or circling runners and cyclists, so keep an eye ahead.
  • Strangers: The breed watches people and is slow to warm up. Do not let strangers rush to pat it; let it approach them if it wants.
  • Pulling: Moderate, with real weight behind it. A harness and a fixed lead are sensible.
  • Coat: The long coat picks up burrs, mud and water. Avoid brambles and expect to towel for a while at the door.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Arrange an introduction with the owner before the first solo walk, and let the dog set the pace.
  2. Keep the walk structured with a few training moments; it channels the herding brain.
  3. Look at the hair over the eyes; some owners tie it back and it affects what the dog can see.
  4. In summer the heavy coat traps heat, so carry water and walk early.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • How does the dog react to strangers and to runners or cyclists passing close by?
  • Any hip or elbow concerns, and is the dog allowed to jump into a vehicle?
  • How is the coat kept, and is there anything to avoid before a grooming appointment?
BeauceronA bigBouvier des FlandresA bigBearded CollieScotland's bouncingBerger PicardA rough-coated