Brie sheperd

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog brie sheperd!

Here, you will find all the useful information about brie sheperd. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Briard, a dog breed originating from France, has a rich history and a distinctive appearance that has made it a cherished companion since the 18th century. Discover the fascinating history, unique morphology, and charming character of this versatile breed.

The Briard, also known as Brie Sheperd, has a history that dates back to ancient times. Its ancestors were likely the result of crossbreeding between the Barbet and local herding dogs used to guard and protect flocks in France. Over the centuries, the exceptional qualities of the breed have attracted attention and recognition as both a companion and working dog.

Used in the French Army between the two world wars, it enjoyed great popularity with the public until 2000. Nowadays, there is a significant decline in the population and a certain disinterest in this breed among breeders, although it is still used as a herding dog in many regions.

The Briard is a medium to large-sized, robust, and well-proportioned dog. Males typically have an average weight of 30 to 40 kg (66 to 88 pounds), while females weigh around 22 to 32 kg (48 to 70 pounds). Its height at the withers varies between 58 and 69 cm (23 to 27 inches).

One of the most striking features of the Briard is its long and dense coat, which can come in various colors, including black, fawn, gray, or brindle. Its abundant coat requires regular maintenance to prevent tangles and knots.

The Briard is known for its loyal, intelligent, and protective nature. It is devoted to its family and has a strong protective instinct towards its loved ones. Despite its imposing appearance, it is generally gentle and affectionate with family members, especially children.

As a herding dog, the Briard possesses great intelligence and a natural aptitude for work. It excels in various activities, including obedience, agility, herding, and even search and rescue. However, its protective side can make it wary of strangers, making it an excellent guard dog.

The Briard was first recognized as a distinct breed in France in the early 20th century. The Club des Amis du Briard (CAB) was founded in 1923 to promote and preserve the breed. The breed was definitively recognized on December 14, 1954, and the current standard was updated in November 2008.

The Briard is classified in Group 1 "Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)" by the FCI, reflecting its historical role as a herding dog.

With its deep history and exceptional character, the Briard continues to captivate the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. Its distinctive morphology and versatility make it an ideal companion for active families, canine sports enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a loyal and protective dog. The Briard, a faithful guardian and devoted friend in one, remains an iconic breed that embodies the perfect blend of beauty and functionality.

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Origins

The Briard, or Berger de Brie, is a breed of dog originating from France, more specifically from the Brie region. This ancient breed is said to have appeared as early as the Middle Ages. The first mentions of the Briard are often associated with writings that describe it as an excellent herding dog and a versatile farm dog. Its deeply rooted history in French rural culture highlights its role in the protection and herding of sheep flocks.

History

Over the centuries, the Briard has been valued not only for its skills as a shepherd dog, but also for its loyalty and ability to protect its owners. Used during wars to search for the wounded, this brave dog has earned a special place in the hearts of soldiers. Its popularity has fluctuated, but it experienced a resurgence of interest after World War I, where its courage and determination were widely recognized.

Standard

According to the FCI standard, the Briard should have a robust and alert appearance, with a long coat that can be of several colors, such as black, gray or fawn. The coat should be soft and slightly wavy, forming a characteristic mustache around the face. Its size generally ranges between 56 and 68 cm at the withers for males, and slightly less for females.

Physical characteristics

The Briard is endowed with a powerful and well-proportioned body, with a strong bone structure. Its eyes, often hidden under a thick fringe, give off an intelligent and gentle expression. Its ears, when they are not cropped, hang elegantly and are covered with long hair. Its tail is carried low and forms a slight hook at its tip.

Character

The Briard is known for its intelligence and balanced temperament. It is a loyal and protective dog, often described as having a "heart of a lion", demonstrating unwavering courage when it comes to protecting its loved ones. However, it can be reserved with strangers, a characteristic that makes it an excellent guard dog.

Life expectancy

The Briard's life expectancy is usually around 10 to 12 years. With appropriate care and balanced nutrition, some can live longer, enjoying a vibrant life well into their old age.

Exercise and activity needs

The Briard is an active breed that requires a lot of daily exercise to maintain its physical and mental shape. Long and regular walks, combined with play sessions, are essential for this energetic dog. Its background as a shepherd dog makes it an excellent candidate for canine sports like agility.

Recommended diet

The Briard's diet should be rich in protein and balanced to meet its high energy needs. It is recommended to provide him with quality food, adapted to his age, weight, and activity level. Regular weight checks are recommended to prevent obesity, a health issue that can affect this breed.

Training and obedience

Training a Briard should start from a young age, as they can be stubborn. A firm but fair education, combined with a lot of patience and consistency, is essential. This intelligent dog responds well to positive training and can excel in various training disciplines.

Behavior with children

The Briard is generally good with children, especially if socialized from a young age. Its protective nature makes it attentive and often patient with children, but as with all large breeds, supervision of interactions between young children and the dog is crucial to ensure safety for everyone.

Compatibility with Other Animals

Well socialized, the Briard can live together with other domestic animals, including other dogs and cats. However, due to its herding instinct, it may sometimes try to "round up" other animals, which behavior must be managed through proper training.

Grooming needs

The grooming of the Briard is demanding due to its long coat. Regular brushings are necessary to prevent knots and keep the coat clean and silky. Special care should be given to the ears and eyes to prevent infections.

Health

The Briard is subject to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and some hereditary eye diseases. Regular check-ups with the veterinarian and genetic testing can help maintain its health and prevent or manage these conditions.

Average price

The price of a Briard puppy can vary considerably depending on the lineage, geographic location, and pedigree. On average, a good quality puppy can cost between 1,000 and 2,500 euros (approximately 1,100 to 2,700 dollars).

Expenses

Annual expenses for a Briard include food, veterinary care, grooming, insurance, and various accessories, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 euros (1,100 to 3,300 dollars) per year, depending on the level of care provided and activities practiced.

Name ideas

For a Briard, choosing a name can reflect his elegance and noble character. Names like "Roi", meaning "king" in French, or "Belle", illustrating beauty, are popular. "Vigilant" captures his role as a protector, while "Ami" signifies the loyal friendship he offers. "Éclair", evoking his speed and agility, or "Sage", for his thoughtful temperament, are also good options. "Étoile", representing a dog who shines with intelligence, and "Garde", recalling his role as a guardian, are also appreciated. "Doux", emphasizing his loving nature, and "Vaillant", for his courage, complete this list.

Legislation and regulation

Regarding specific legislation for the Briard breed, there are no particular restrictions imposed on this breed in France, its country of origin. However, it is always advisable to check the local regulations regarding the ownership and management of dogs, as they may vary from one region to another.

Official recognition

The Briard is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which defines the breed standard. The official club of the breed in France is the French Briard Club, which is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and educating about the breed.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for the Briard are available through the official breed club in France, which registers puppies born to parents conforming to the breed standard and ensures the tracking of their lineage to maintain quality and health standards.

Destination and usage

The Briard has traditionally been used as a herding and guard dog. Today, it still excels in these roles but is also valued as a companion dog and participates in various canine sports and working activities, such as search and rescue.

Prohibitions

Currently, there are no specific restrictions or prohibitions regarding the ownership of Briards in most countries. However, potential owners should always ensure they comply with local laws and regulations regarding dog ownership.

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