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Briard
Herding breed from France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Briard
The Briard is a large herding breed from France, known for its long, wavy double coat and distinctive beard and eyebrows. These dogs are described as loyal, intelligent, protective, confident, courageous, and devoted. They have a high energy level and are moderately trainable. Grooming needs are high, while shedding is moderate. Briards are generally well-suited to families with children but may be less compatible with other dogs and are not ideal for apartment living. Adult males and females both weigh an estimated 32–45 kg and stand 58–69 cm tall. Their estimated lifespan is 10–12 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Briard at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupHerding
OriginFrance
Lifespan10–12 years
Male weight32–45 kilogram
Female weight32–45 kilogram
Male height58–69 centimetre
Female height58–69 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Briard is an ancient French herding breed, developed over centuries to herd and guard flocks. Its exact origins are not precisely documented, but it is known to have been used for centuries in France. The breed served as sentries, messengers, and pack animals for the French army during World War I. After World War II, the Briard nearly became extinct but was successfully revived. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1928, though recognition status varies by other registries.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
32–45 kilogramAdult weight58–69 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesLong, Wavy, DoubleCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Loyalintelligentprotectiveconfidentcourageousdevoted
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Briard-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Briard puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight32–45 kilogramAdult female weight32–45 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Briard?
Briards are large dogs. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 32–45 kg, and height is 58–69 cm. Their estimated lifespan is 10–12 years.
What is the Briard's temperament like?
Briards are described as loyal, intelligent, protective, confident, courageous, and devoted. Individual temperaments can vary, so not every dog will display all traits equally.
How much exercise does a Briard need?
Briards have a high energy level (rated 4 out of 5) and require regular, vigorous exercise. They are not suited to a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the grooming requirements for a Briard?
Grooming needs are very high (rated 5 out of 5) due to their long, wavy double coat. Regular brushing and maintenance are essential to prevent matting. Shedding is moderate (rated 3 out of 5).
Is a Briard a good fit for a household with children or other pets?
Briards are generally well-suited to families with children (rated 4 out of 5). However, they may be less compatible with other dogs (rated 3 out of 5). Individual behavior varies.
Can a Briard live in an apartment?
Briards are not ideal for apartment living (rated 2 out of 5) due to their large size and high energy needs. They do best with access to a yard or open space.
Where does the Briard originate from?
The Briard originates from France, where it was developed as a herding breed. Its exact historical timeline is not precisely documented, but it is an ancient breed.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.