Berger de Brie
Breed Description

The Berger de Brie is known by several names that reflect its French heritage and working background. In France, the breed is most commonly called simply the Briard, a name derived from the Brie region where the breed developed. The full French name, Berger de Brie, translates to "shepherd of Brie," acknowledging both the breed's herding purpose and its geographical origins. The breed is also sometimes referred to as the Chien Berger de Brie or the Brie Shepherd Dog. These various names all refer to the same distinctive long-coated French herding breed.

Historically, the breed has been celebrated under various descriptive names that highlight its most admired qualities. French enthusiasts have called it "Coeur D'Or Enveloppé Dans la Fourrure," which translates to "a heart of gold wrapped in fur," a poetic description that captures the breed's loyal and loving nature beneath its impressive coat. This romantic characterization reflects the deep appreciation French culture has for the breed's combination of working ability and devoted temperament.

The Berger de Brie has achieved recognition from major kennel organizations worldwide. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Briard in 1928, making it one of the earlier European herding breeds to gain AKC recognition. The breed is classified in the Herding Group, where it competes alongside other livestock guardian and herding breeds. The United Kennel Club also recognizes the Briard in its Herding Dog Group. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club includes the breed in its Herding Group classification.

Internationally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the Berger de Brie under breed standard number 113. The FCI classifies the breed in Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs), Section 1 (Sheepdogs). France maintains the breed standard as the country of origin. The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom recognizes the breed in the Pastoral Group, which encompasses herding and livestock guardian breeds. The breed's international recognition reflects its enduring appeal and the successful efforts of breed clubs worldwide to preserve and promote this ancient French treasure.

The Briard Club of America was founded in 1928, the same year the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed. This organization serves as the official parent club for Briards in the United States and works to preserve, protect, and promote the welfare of the breed. The BCA educates its members and the public about all aspects of Briard ownership, from maintaining breed standards to promoting responsible breeding practices. The club organizes specialty shows, performance events, and educational seminars that celebrate the breed's versatility and heritage. Members include breeders, exhibitors, performance competitors, and pet owners who share a passion for this remarkable breed.

The Briard Club of America has established two independent charitable trusts to support breed health and rescue efforts. The Briard Medical Trust focuses on promoting breed health research and educating owners and breeders about health concerns specific to Briards. This trust funds research into genetic conditions affecting the breed and disseminates information about health testing and preventive care. The Briard Rescue Trust, founded in 2005, funds expenses for rescuing and rehoming Briards who find themselves in need of placement. These trusts demonstrate the club's commitment to the breed's welfare beyond the show ring.

In France, the Club Français du Chien de Berger serves as the primary organization for French herding breeds including the Berger de Brie. This club maintains the official breed standard in the country of origin and organizes events that test both conformation and working ability. French breeders continue to emphasize the importance of preserving the Briard's herding instincts and natural working abilities alongside physical beauty. The French approach to breeding values dogs that can still perform their original function while meeting modern standards for temperament and health.

The breed standard for the Berger de Brie describes a dog of medium-to-large size with a distinctive long, flowing coat that is slightly wavy but never curly. The standard specifies that the coat should be at least six inches long and emphasizes the importance of the characteristic beard and mustache. Accepted colors include black, various shades of gray, and tawny ranging from light fawn to deep auburn. White is not permitted except for small amounts on the chest. The breed should appear rustic yet elegant, combining strength with agility.

Key physical attributes outlined in the standard include a long, rectangular head with a strong muzzle and distinctive eye veil that should not impair vision. The ears are set high and may be natural or cropped, though natural ears are increasingly preferred in many countries. The body should be slightly longer than tall, with strong bone and well-developed muscle. Movement should be supple and effortless, with a characteristic long, reaching stride. The standard emphasizes that the Briard should never appear clumsy or heavy despite its substantial coat and size. Temperament is crucial, with the ideal Briard displaying confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and a balanced protective nature without aggression or excessive shyness.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Recognized - Herding Group (1928)"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized - Herding Dog Group"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized - Group 1, Section 1 (Standard 113)"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Recognized - Pastoral Group"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Recognized - Herding Group"

The Berger de Brie is a large, powerful dog whose most striking feature is its abundant, flowing coat that gives the breed its distinctive appearance. Males typically stand 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder, while females measure 22 to 25.5 inches tall. Weight ranges from 55 to 100 pounds depending on sex and build, with males usually weighing 70 to 100 pounds and females 50 to 80 pounds. Despite their substantial size and impressive coat, Briards should appear agile and capable of sustained work rather than cumbersome or overly heavy.

The head is long and rectangular when viewed from the side, with parallel lines of skull and muzzle. The characteristic beard, mustache, and eyebrows give the breed a distinctive expression that is both wise and spirited. The eyes are large and calm, typically dark brown or black, set well apart and expressing intelligence and confidence. The abundant hair falling over the eyes may give the impression of impaired vision, but the breed's eyesight is actually quite keen. Ears are set high and traditionally may be cropped to stand erect or left natural, hanging down and covered with long hair.

The Briard's most celebrated feature is its magnificent double coat, which serves as protection from weather extremes and rough terrain. The outer coat is coarse and dry to the touch, forming long locks that are slightly wavy but never curly or woolly. The coat should be at least six inches long, with hair on the head creating the characteristic long, sweeping bang, beard, and mustache. The undercoat is fine and tight throughout the body. Color variations include solid black, various shades of gray from charcoal to slate, and tawny ranging from light wheaten to deep reddish brown. The darker colors often have scattered lighter hairs, creating depth and richness.

The body is slightly longer than tall, providing the endurance needed for herding work across varied terrain. The chest is deep and broad, with well-sprung ribs that provide good lung capacity. The topline is level and strong, flowing smoothly into a well-muscled croup. The tail is long and well-feathered, carried low with a slight upward hook at the end when the dog is at rest. Like the Beauceron, the Briard possesses double dewclaws on the hind legs, a breed characteristic that distinguishes them from many other herding breeds. The overall appearance should convey strength, agility, and alert readiness for work.

The Berger de Brie ranks among the oldest documented dog breeds in France, with a history stretching back centuries. The breed's likeness appears in tapestries dating to the 8th century, and historical records mention large, shaggy dogs working alongside shepherds in the French countryside as early as the 12th century. These dogs were essential to rural life in the regions surrounding Paris, particularly in Brie, where they protected flocks from predators including wolves and bears while also herding sheep and cattle across the challenging terrain of northern France.

The breed's history is intertwined with French nobility and military history. Charlemagne, the medieval emperor, kept Briards and gave pairs of these prized dogs as gifts to friends and allies. Napoleon Bonaparte included Briards in his military campaigns, recognizing their courage, intelligence, and loyalty. Thomas Jefferson, after visiting France, became so enamored with the breed that he imported several Briards to his estate at Monticello. These dogs worked on Jefferson's farms and are believed to be among the first Briards to arrive in the United States. The Marquis de Lafayette also maintained Briards at his American estate, further introducing the breed to the New World.

The formal recognition and standardization of the Berger de Brie began in the late 19th century. In 1863, Pierre Megnin, a French veterinarian and cynologist, distinguished between two types of French shepherd dogs based on coat length: the long-coated Berger de Brie and the short-coated Berger de Beauce. This classification helped establish distinct breed identities. In 1897, the first French shepherd dog club was founded, accepting both Briards and Beaucerons. The first official Briard breed standard was published in 1897, providing guidelines for breed type, temperament, and working ability.

World War I brought both glory and tragedy to the breed. Briards served valiantly in the French military, performing crucial roles such as carrying supplies to soldiers in the trenches, detecting land mines, finding wounded soldiers on battlefields, and transporting ammunition to the front lines. Their courage, intelligence, and loyalty under fire earned them respect and admiration. The French army officially designated the Briard as its breed of choice for military work. However, the wars took a devastating toll on the breed population, with many dogs lost in service. After World War I, dedicated breeders worked to rebuild the population while maintaining the breed's essential characteristics.

The breed gradually transitioned from primarily working roles to becoming versatile companions while maintaining their herding instincts. The American Kennel Club recognized the Briard in 1928, making it the 81st breed registered with the organization. Despite this early recognition, the breed remained relatively rare in the United States for several decades. Interest in the Briard grew during the 1960s and 1970s as more people discovered their loyal temperament and striking appearance. The breed was not introduced to the United Kingdom until the late 1960s, where it gradually developed a following.

Today, the Berger de Brie continues to excel in various roles while serving primarily as a beloved family companion. The breed competes successfully in herding trials, demonstrating that their working instincts remain strong despite decades removed from daily farm work. Briards also participate in obedience, agility, tracking, and other dog sports where their intelligence and trainability shine. Some individuals work as therapy dogs, bringing comfort to people in hospitals and nursing homes. The breed's versatility, combined with its devoted nature and striking appearance, has earned it a dedicated following among dog enthusiasts who appreciate a breed that combines beauty, brains, and unwavering loyalty.

The Berger de Brie possesses a temperament that beautifully blends sensitivity, intelligence, loyalty, and independence. At the heart of the breed's personality is an intense devotion to family that has earned them the poetic description of being "a heart wrapped in fur." These dogs form extraordinarily strong bonds with their people and prefer being involved in all family activities. They are not content to be left alone or relegated to the yard but thrive when included as full members of the household. This profound attachment makes them naturally protective without being unnecessarily aggressive when properly socialized.

Intelligence is a defining characteristic of the Briard, though it manifests differently than in some other breeds. These dogs are independent thinkers who were bred to make decisions on their own while working livestock across vast territories. This heritage means they may not automatically obey commands without understanding the purpose, leading some to describe them as stubborn. However, this independence is actually a sign of their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They respond best to training methods that engage their minds and make them partners in the process rather than simply following orders blindly.

The breed's sensitivity is both a strength and a consideration for training. Briards are remarkably attuned to their owners' emotions and household dynamics, often sensing mood changes or tension before it becomes obvious. This emotional intelligence makes them excellent companions who seem to understand when comfort or company is needed. However, their sensitivity also means harsh training methods or unjust treatment can damage their trust and spirit. They respond far better to positive reinforcement, patience, and encouragement than to heavy-handed corrections.

With children, the Berger de Brie typically develops deep bonds and displays remarkable patience and gentleness. Many Briards seem to have a special affinity for children in their own family and take their role as guardian very seriously. They often position themselves between children and potential threats, real or perceived. Their size and energy mean supervision is important with very young children to prevent accidental knocking over during enthusiastic greetings. When raised alongside children and taught appropriate interactions, these dogs become devoted companions who participate eagerly in family activities and play.

The breed maintains an active, spirited nature that requires both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Briards are not couch potatoes content with minimal activity. They need opportunities to run, play, work, and think. Without adequate outlets for their energy and intelligence, they may become bored and develop problem behaviors such as digging, excessive barking, or destructiveness. These dogs thrive when given jobs to do, whether that involves actual herding work, participation in dog sports, advanced training, or structured play activities that challenge both body and mind. Their ideal owner is someone active who appreciates a dog that wants to be a true partner in adventures and daily life.

The Berger de Brie adapts to various living situations but flourishes in environments that provide space, activity, and companionship. While they can adjust to urban living, they do best in homes with access to secure outdoor areas where they can exercise and patrol. Suburban or rural settings with fenced yards are ideal, allowing the Briard to satisfy their natural inclination to patrol territory and monitor their domain. However, this is primarily a people-oriented breed that wants to be indoors with family rather than living outside alone. They thrive when they can move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, participating in household activities.

Within the home, the Briard's gentle and affectionate nature emerges fully. Despite their large size and substantial coat, they typically move gracefully indoors and can be surprisingly calm when their exercise needs are met. Many owners describe their Briards as gentle giants who seem unaware of their size, often attempting to curl up in laps or squeeze into small spaces to be close to their people. They follow family members from room to room, content to simply be present and involved in household routines. This constant companionship is endearing to those who appreciate a devoted shadow but may be overwhelming for people who prefer more independent dogs.

The breed's protective instincts make them naturally vigilant without being aggressive. Briards are alert to unusual sounds and activity, making them excellent watchdogs who will bark to alert their family to visitors or perceived threats. However, proper socialization helps them distinguish between normal situations and genuine concerns, preventing excessive wariness or inappropriate defensive behavior. Most well-socialized Briards can learn to accept regular visitors, delivery personnel, and guests, though they typically remain somewhat reserved with strangers until those individuals are accepted by the family.

Integrating a Berger de Brie into a household with other pets generally proceeds smoothly when introductions are handled properly. These dogs can coexist peacefully with other canines, especially when raised together from puppyhood. Their herding instincts may manifest as attempts to organize or control other pets, but this behavior can be managed through training. Briards often form close bonds with cats and other household animals when properly socialized, extending their protective nature to all family members regardless of species. Some individuals retain strong herding drives that lead to nipping or circling behaviors, particularly with young or small animals, requiring redirection.

Family life with a Berger de Brie centers around companionship, activity, and mutual devotion. These dogs need owners who can commit time to grooming, training, exercise, and simple togetherness. They make outstanding companions for active families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or participating in dog sports. The breed also does well in homes where someone is present for much of the day, as their strong attachment can lead to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Prospective owners should honestly assess their lifestyle and ability to meet the substantial time commitments this breed requires, as a well-cared-for Briard becomes a treasured family member who enriches life immeasurably.

Training a Berger de Brie requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the breed's independent nature. These highly intelligent dogs are capable of learning complex tasks and commands quickly, but their working heritage means they think for themselves and may question instructions that seem arbitrary or unnecessary. Successful training establishes the owner as a fair and respected leader through positive reinforcement methods that engage the dog's natural desire to work and please. Harsh corrections or heavy-handed training methods typically backfire with this sensitive breed, potentially causing the dog to shut down, become stubborn, or lose trust in the handler.

Early and extensive socialization is absolutely essential for the Berger de Brie, beginning during puppyhood and continuing throughout the first two years of life. These dogs can be reserved with strangers and need exposure to many different people, animals, environments, and situations to develop into confident, well-adjusted adults. Puppy kindergarten classes provide excellent opportunities for controlled socialization with other dogs while beginning basic obedience training in a structured environment. These classes also help owners learn effective communication techniques specific to the breed's learning style.

Basic obedience training should cover fundamental commands including sit, stay, come, down, and heel, along with loose-leash walking and polite greeting behaviors. The Briard's size and strength make leash training particularly important, as an adult dog pulling on leash can be difficult or impossible for some handlers to control. Teaching calm greetings is also crucial, as these enthusiastic dogs may jump on people in excitement. Consistency across all family members helps the dog understand expectations clearly and reinforces desired behaviors effectively.

Advanced training and dog sports provide excellent outlets for the Berger de Brie's intelligence and energy. The breed excels in herding trials where they can demonstrate natural instincts and working ability. They also perform exceptionally well in obedience competitions, agility courses, tracking events, and rally obedience. Some Briards participate in French Ring Sport or other protection sports, though their naturally gentle temperament means careful training is required for bite work. Many also serve successfully as therapy dogs, visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools where their calm, gentle nature brings comfort to people in need.

Exercise requirements for the Berger de Brie are substantial and must be met consistently for the dog's physical health and behavioral stability. These dogs need a minimum of 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, with many individuals benefiting from even more activity. Simple neighborhood walks are insufficient; Briards need opportunities for running, playing, and engaging their minds through activities like hiking on varied terrain, playing fetch, or participating in structured training sessions. Mental exercise through puzzle toys, training, and problem-solving games helps tire the active Briard mind. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, these dogs may become destructive, vocal, or develop other problem behaviors. Prospective owners must honestly assess their ability and willingness to meet these exercise demands throughout the dog's life, as a well-exercised Briard is a happy, well-behaved companion while an under-exercised one can be challenging to live with.

The Berger de Brie is generally a healthy and long-lived breed with a typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years, though some individuals live longer with proper care. Their working heritage and genetic diversity have contributed to overall good health, though like all purebred dogs, they can be susceptible to certain genetic conditions. Responsible breeders conduct comprehensive health testing on breeding stock to minimize hereditary health issues and work to maintain the breed's vitality and longevity.

Hip dysplasia is one of the primary orthopedic concerns in the Berger de Brie, as it is in many large breed dogs. This condition involves abnormal development of the hip joint, potentially leading to arthritis, pain, and mobility problems. Reputable breeders have their dogs evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or through PennHIP methodology to assess hip quality before breeding. Maintaining appropriate body weight throughout the dog's life and providing proper nutrition during the critical growth phase helps minimize risk and severity of hip dysplasia.

Progressive retinal atrophy represents a significant genetic concern for the breed. This group of inherited eye diseases causes gradual deterioration of the retina, eventually leading to blindness. Several forms of PRA affect Briards, with stationary night blindness being particularly notable in the breed. Genetic testing is available to identify carriers and affected dogs, allowing breeders to make informed decisions and reduce the incidence of this condition. Annual eye examinations by veterinary ophthalmologists help detect early signs of retinal problems.

Hypothyroidism occurs with some frequency in the breed and involves insufficient production of thyroid hormone. Signs include weight gain, lethargy, coat problems, and behavioral changes. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed through blood testing and effectively managed with daily medication. Regular thyroid screening helps identify affected dogs early when treatment is most effective. Bloat, formally known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, represents a life-threatening emergency that can affect the breed due to their deep chest conformation. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and potentially twists, cutting off blood flow and requiring immediate emergency veterinary intervention.

Heart conditions including dilated cardiomyopathy have been reported in some Briard lines, though the incidence appears lower than in some other large breeds. Regular cardiac screening, particularly for breeding dogs, helps identify potential problems early. Some Briards may develop cancer in their senior years, as with many breeds, making regular veterinary examinations important for early detection and treatment.

Regular veterinary care throughout the Briard's life is essential for maintaining optimal health. Annual wellness examinations allow veterinarians to detect potential problems early when they are most treatable. Age-appropriate vaccinations protect against infectious diseases, while comprehensive parasite prevention protocols guard against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Dental care should not be overlooked, as periodontal disease can lead to serious health problems affecting organs beyond the mouth. Maintaining proper body weight through appropriate diet and regular exercise is crucial for joint health, heart health, and overall longevity. Reputable breeders provide health clearances for breeding stock including hip evaluations, eye examinations, and thyroid testing, ensuring puppy buyers receive dogs from health-tested parents with the best possible start in life.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Berger de Brie's health and longevity.

The Berger de Brie's magnificent coat is both the breed's crowning glory and its most demanding characteristic in terms of maintenance. This is decidedly not a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. The long, slightly wavy double coat requires significant time and commitment to keep it healthy, mat-free, and looking its best. Prospective owners must honestly assess their willingness and ability to dedicate substantial time to grooming before bringing a Briard into their home, as neglecting coat care can lead to painful mats, skin issues, and a miserable dog.

Daily brushing is essential for maintaining the Briard's coat in good condition. The brushing session should be thorough, working through all layers of coat from the skin outward using a pin brush or slicker brush, followed by a metal comb to ensure no tangles remain. Pay particular attention to areas prone to matting including behind the ears, under the legs, in the armpits, around the rear end, and anywhere the collar or harness touches. The beard and mustache also require daily attention to remove food particles and keep them clean and tangle-free. A full grooming session may take thirty minutes to an hour depending on coat condition and the dog's cooperation.

Professional grooming every six to eight weeks helps maintain coat health and manageability. Many owners opt to have their Briards trimmed to a shorter, more manageable length, particularly if the dog is a pet rather than a show dog. A shorter coat, while still requiring regular brushing, is significantly easier to maintain and may be more comfortable for the dog during warm weather. Some owners learn to groom their Briards themselves, which saves money but requires learning proper techniques and investing in quality grooming equipment including professional-grade clippers, scissors, brushes, and combs.

Bathing frequency depends on the individual dog's activities and lifestyle but typically ranges from every four to eight weeks. The Briard's abundant coat takes considerable time to wet thoroughly, wash, rinse completely, and dry. Incomplete rinsing can leave residue that causes skin irritation or attracts dirt. After bathing, thorough drying is essential to prevent the undercoat from remaining damp, which could lead to skin problems. Many owners use a high-velocity dryer to speed the drying process and help remove loose undercoat. Some prefer professional grooming facilities that can handle the entire bathing and drying process efficiently.

Routine maintenance beyond coat care includes regular nail trimming every three to four weeks, as overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect gait. Ear cleaning should be performed as needed, particularly checking for debris or moisture trapped under the long ear hair. The Briard's pendant ears can trap moisture and debris, making them susceptible to infections if not monitored. Dental care is important for overall health, with daily tooth brushing recommended to prevent tartar buildup and maintain healthy gums. The beard area requires special attention, as food and water become trapped in the long facial hair, necessitating regular cleaning to prevent odor and staining. While the grooming demands are significant, many Briard owners find the bonding time during grooming sessions rewarding and come to appreciate the breed's beautiful coat as worth the effort required to maintain it properly.

If you're looking to adopt a Berger de Brie, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Berger de Bries waiting for their forever homes.