Did you know?
The long running TV show, “Married….With Children” featured a Briard named Buck as the Bundys’ family pet.
Briard
He is so shaggy. People are amazed when he gets up and they suddenly realize they have been talking to the wrong end. – Elizabeth Jones
Am/Cdn Ch Fantaisie de Chagal
“Chagal” (left)
Ch St. Onge Cassie Sauvage,
“Cassie” (right)
The Briard’s family tree goes back nearly 1,000 years. He is a French herding dog originally used to guard and herd sheep. He was also used as a cart dog. Proud owners of this breed have included Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, Lafayette, and Charlemagne.
During World War I, this loyal and courageous dog served almost to the point of extinction as both a munitions carrier, war sentinel, and a Red Cross medic dog. Such was his skill at locating wounded soldiers on the battlefield that it was said, “if a Briard passed a wounded soldier by, he was too near death to save”.
Today, in addition to his role as a beloved companion dog, he serves with the police, the military and is used in search-and-rescue work.
Photos displayed courtesy of Christine Duval, Grinzing Perm Reg’d, Ontario
Standing up to 27 inches (68.5 cm) at the shoulder, the Briard is a tall, strong, and active dog with a long shaggy coat. His coat may be black, tawny, charbonné or grey and requires regular brushing. Apparently self-cleaning, the the coat requires only brushing to keep it clean of matts. He may or may not have a black mask. The most unusual feature of the breed is his double dew claws on his hind legs.
This breed is big-hearted, gentle, loving, and devoted to his family, and therefore would not be happy if left alone for long periods. The Briard makes an excellent guard and watch dog as he is very protective of his family. Although he makes a great companion for children, especially when socialized early, his herding instincts are strong and he may try to herd younger children.
An intelligent dog, the Briard takes to training easily. He should also have daily walks and the ability to run in open areas when possible. Due to his size, he is not suited to more cramped environments and should have a fenced backyard.
Ch Opus XVIII Del Bel Pastur
“Opus”
