The Briard
Briard Puppies are adorable - bundles of fluffy hair with mischievous black eyes peeping out. But the Briard is not a dog for everyone and potential owners would do well to research the breed, to understand his ancestry and what makes the breed tick before committing themselves.
To start with he is a big dog, growing up to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing over 66 pounds. He is also highly intelligent and sensitive.
Right from the start a new owner must be prepared to work with the dog and pay him lots of attention, but the end product will be an extraordinary pet of whom the whole family will be proud. It is not for nothing that the breed is known as a heart wrapped in fur.
A boisterous young puppy, he will need to be socialised thoroughly, meeting new people and being exposed to many new experiences. He also has to know his place and be taught his manners - and the best place to do this is at training classes. He will be difficult at first, no doubt suffering lapses and sometimes being stubborn, but patient, firm, gentle persistence will prevail. Shouting or showing bad temper will avail the handler nothing - the dog will become resentful and wilful. The Briard is a rewarding pupil, as he has an excellent memory; once he's learnt something, it usually stays learnt.
Briards are natural athletes. Years ago, as shepherd dogs, they were called upon to work with sheep and cattle for hours every day. They can run up to 50 miles a day, so they need plenty of exercise as pet dogs - though only when fully grown. Puppies should never be over-exercised; they should be taken out for socialisation purposes only. When adult, as well as free running (avoiding livestock at all costs as the breed still has the propensity to herd), a couple of walks a day should suffice, but he should have his brain stimulated with games - Frisbee, ball chasing and hide and seek are very popular.
Very house proud people will not be happy, because although Briards no not moult in the normal way, they have a double coat and lose hair from the soft undercoat. No matter how much you comb, there always seem to be little mounds of hair in the corners of the room or on furniture. To prevent tangles and matting, the dog should be groomed three times a week; if grooming is started when the dog is young, he will enjoy it.
Food presents no difficulty - just the opposite in fact. Briards generally enjoy their food but some times suffer from bloat, a digestive problem that can be fatal. A potential owner must discuss bloat with their breeder and vet when they get their first puppy, and gather as much information as possible, as recognising early symptoms is of ultimate importance.
The Briard loves his family dearly and will guard them with his life; his natural impulse is to look after children and he will herd them together, making sure no one strays. A well educated Briard is an absolute joy to own; he is a real home loving dog that hates to be deprived of human company.
Taken from 'Dogs Today' November 2007