Briard

Easy Training: The Briard is quite intelligent and eager to please. This breed will be relatively easy to train, as they were intended to complete tasks without supervision or even direction. The Briard does require a firm hand when training, however, they will not respond well to anger and could become timid if frequently communicated to in anger.

The Briard is square or slightly longer than it is tall and powerful without being course; the overall appearance is one of handsome form. Like all good herding dogs, it combines strength, flexibility, agility and endurance with the ability to make abrupt turns, springing starts and sudden stops. Its movement has been described as "quicksilver," with supple, light strides that give the impression of gliding. Its undercoat is fine and tight, and its outer coat is coarse and dry, lying flat in long, slightly wavy locks. On the shoulders, the coat's length is 6 inches or more. The questioning, confident expression is enhanced by the longer eyebrows, as well as the long-appearing head.

Devoted and faithful, the briard is a loving and protective companion. It is independent, intelligent and self-assured, but it is also willing to please and eager to serve as a partner in adventure. It is reserved with strangers. It can be aggressive with other dogs and may nip at people's heels when playing. It tends to stay at home and may attempt to keep the family's children home as well!

The Briard, also known as the Berger de Brie, is a very old breed, dating all the way back to the 14th century where it appeared in the novel “Livre de chasse”(Book of the Hunt). Briards have been owned by historical figures such as Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette. The Briard is primarily a flock guard and herding dog, which is what it's main purpose was up until World War I. The Briard's use in World War I brought the breed nearly to extinction. They were utilized for many tasks such as running messages, delivering food and ammunition to the front lines, locating wounded soldiers, detecting mines and picking up trails. The Briard developed popularity in 1863 after the Paris dog show. The Briard became fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906. This breed is still utilized as a flock guard, however, it has also taken on work with the military, police and search and rescue. The Briard may be an excellent working dog, but they are still considered wonderful family companions.