|
|
More Briard Pictures
|
|
| Affection: |
  |
| Energy: |
|
| Playfulness: |
|
| Sociability - dogs: |
|
| Sociability - other pets: |
|
| Sociability - strangers: |
|
| Trainability: |
|
| Exercise needs: |
|
| Grooming needs: |
|
| Suitability to cold: |
|
| Suitability to heat: |
|
| Watch dog capability: |
|
| Guard dog capability: |
|
Briard History
-
The Briard is French in origin and dates back as far as the 8th century. In the beginning, these dogs were used to defend their owners from hazards like poachers and wolves. Later, however, the division of the land and a jump in population after the French Revolution changed the duties of the Briard to that of herder and watchdog. In 1897, the very first Briard standard was created by a group of sheepdog fanciers. The French association Les Amis du Briard was created in 1909, and although it broke up during the first World War it was reformed in 1923. The standards created by this club were adopted by the Briard Club of America which was started in 1928.
The history of the Briard in the United States is rather contentious. Some believe that the Marquis de Lafayette brought the breed to the States, while others credit Thomas Jefferson with doing so. In 1922, Barbara Danielson registered the first litter of Briard puppies with the American Kennel Club, and in 1928 the AKC officially recognized the breed. Today, the Briard remains among the most popular of the herding breeds in France, though it has yet to really catch on in America.
