Briard

Loved by 79% of pet parents

Loyal, intelligent, and spirited, this breed thrives as both a vigilant guardian and affectionate family companion. Its long, flowing coat and lively personality stand out in any home.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

58–69 cm (male)

56–64 cm (female)

WEIGHT

34–41 kg (male)

27–34 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

10–12 years

Briard: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Briard isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Briard's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The Briard is known for being loyal, protective, and affectionate with family, while displaying natural wariness around strangers. This breed often bonds closely with its people.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers

Intelligence

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level

Needs regular activity and mental stimulation

Playfulness

Enjoys interactive games and family playtime

Adaptability

May struggle with major routine or environment changes

Strengths

Loyal and devoted to family
Strong natural herding instincts
Highly intelligent and trainable
Protective without being aggressive
Good stamina for outdoor activities

Challenges

Requires extensive daily exercise
Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
Needs regular, thorough grooming
Can be reserved with strangers
May attempt to herd children or pets

Protect your Briard

Briard are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

Briards are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

Briards are highly intelligent and quick learners, responding well to consistent, positive training methods. They can be independent thinkers and benefit from early socialization and structured guidance.

Trainable Tasks:

Herding livestock tasks

Scent detection exercises

Search and rescue work

Agility course navigation

Advanced obedience routines

Therapy dog visits

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

60–90 minutes daily

recommended per day

This breed has high energy and requires daily vigorous exercise, including walks, play, and mental stimulation. Briards thrive on activities that challenge both body and mind to prevent boredom.

Recommended Activities:

Herding trials participation

Agility competitions

Long-distance hiking

Canine scent games

Interactive obedience sessions

Swimming sessions

Is this breed right for you?

Briards are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Briard would fit well in your home.