History

The Braird is one of the earliest of dog breeds that has been in existence since the mid 19th century. The breed owes its name to the French province of Brie, where the owner of an early Briard lived. It was originally used in herding, but was later recruited in the French Army owing to its unusual sense of hearing. The modern Braird is the crossbreed of the pure-bred with the Beauceron and the Barbet, which has improved the personality of the breed. Even today, the dog is being used for herding and military purposes.

Appearance

The Braird has a well-built body. Its tail is long and feathery and resembles a crochet hook towards the tip. The dog has a black nose, squared muzzle and short round ears. It has dewclaws on the posterior part of the foot and has a refined way of walking. The dog’s coat is long and fluffy and comes in black, gray, or tawny hues.

Color

The typical colors of the Briard are black, grey, or tawny. However, the puppy tawny coat turns into a lighter yearling coat. They can also be a combination of two of the pre-mentioned colors.

Personality

The Braird has excellent memory and unusual sense of hearing, but is especially not the kind of dog that gels with everyone. Though loving an obedient, the breed does not enjoy long training sessions. But the dog is definite to have vibes with an owner, who is into outdoor activities. The dog should be familiar with children and other breeds to be friendly with them.

Health Concerns

The breed is at a higher risk to have hip dysplasia. Also, they are prone to PRA, and cataracts. Owing to its large chest, the dog can have stomach complications. A healthy Braird will live for 10-12 years.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR