Briard

The Briard is a French herding and flock-guardian dog with a long, dry-textured coat, beard, eyebrows, and the double rear dewclaws required in the breed. It was developed to move sheep, guard property, and work independently with a shepherd. Common colors include black, fawn, and gray, and the outline is strong and rectangular rather than heavy or coarse.

Living with a Briard takes time and structure. The coat must be brushed thoroughly to the skin so mats do not form under the outer hair, especially behind the ears, on the legs, and around the collar area. Young dogs need steady socialization because the breed can be watchful and protective, while adults still need exercise, training, and a job for their mind. Responsible breeders pay attention to hips, eyes, temperament, and sound movement. A Briard can be deeply attached to its household, but it is not a low-maintenance long-coated dog.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Tawny, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow