The Pet Atlas

Breed Dogs Herding

Briard

Long, shaggy coat with protective instincts and people-attentive smarts

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
High
Exercise
High
Mental stimulation
High
Trainability
High
Vocality
High
Health sensitivity
High
Grooming
High
Shedding
Medium
Temperature sensitivity
High

Context & compatibility

Size
Large
Lifespan
10–12 years
Body weight
50–90 lb
Height
22–27 in
Apartment suitability
Less Suited

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want a loyal, household-focused herder and can keep coat work consistent
  • Prefer routine, boundaries, and steady daily engagement

Not ideal

  • Prefer a very casual lifestyle with little training or mental work
  • Want a low-maintenance coat and minimal grooming

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

People-aware and watchful, often acting like a family helper with opinions. Many enjoy having a role and can be playful when relaxed.

Handling & social style

Devoted to family, cautious with strangers. Best with early social exposure and clear, calm structure.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

A thoughtful herding breed with a heavy coat—care is equal parts social stability, training, and consistent grooming.

Environment & space

Does best with predictable routines and enough space to move; often prefers calmer homes over constant bustle.

Daily routine

Daily exercise plus short training that reinforces calm behavior. Regular coat checks keep tangles from building up in high-friction areas.

Health sensitivities

Keep conditioning even and watch mobility as they mature; choose lines with transparent health history and steady, confident temperaments.

Grooming / coat

Long coat needs consistent brushing several times weekly, focusing on friction areas (ears, legs, collar line).

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

France

Background

France’s Briard has a long herding and flock-guarding history, with the modern breed becoming more organized in the 1800s. The role favored independence paired with strong loyalty. Today, many Briards are confident and affectionate, often watchful with strangers and happiest with predictable routines.