Briard

Like every breed, the Briard is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive reinforcement: food, toys and chances to herd or move objects work well.
• Socialise early with people outside the family, other animals and livestock.
• Get your Briard used to grooming from an early age.
• Find out which activities your dog enjoys and use them as motivation.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip dysplasia

  An abnormal formation of the hip joint. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.

• Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB)

  An inherited eye condition that causes loss of vision in low light. A DNA test is available. Since January 2025, imported Briards and litters from overseas sires can only be registered with the Royal Kennel Club if proven clear or carriers, to protect the UK population.

• Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy

  An inherited eye condition in the breed that causes a general loss of vision. Eye screening is a recommended health scheme for the breed.

• Bloat

  Briards are prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Briard home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Briard home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Briard suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Briards do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.