Mary Allen
A Briard’s long coat is relatively easy to groom if the coat quality is up to standard. This means that the coat has a goat hair-like structure.
Depending on the hair structure, a Briard should be combed every one to two weeks. Thorough care with a wide-toothed comb or a brush is recommended. If the fur quality is not up to standard, it can lead to tangles and knots. Here maintenance should be carried out more frequently.
Bathing is generally discouraged and should only be done in exceptional cases. The use of special dog shampoo is very important in order not to damage the skin environment and the hair structure.
We recommend getting the dog used to being cared for when it is a puppy so that it remains calm as an adult dog.
Note: The Briard has the double wolf claw, which should not be left out when grooming the claws.
In general, the Briard is a hardy dog breed with an average life expectancy of 12 years. This is relatively old for a dog of this size. However, due to its size, the Briard has one weak point – the hip.
It is important not to overload the joint, especially during the growth phase. Strict breeding requirements have reduced the risk of hip dysplasia (HD).
There are isolated cases of eye diseases or an MDR1 defect, which leads to intolerance to certain medications. In order to be able to recognize and treat diseases early on, regular check-ups with a veterinarian are very important.
For its size, the Briard eats relatively little. He needs a balanced diet, especially during the growth phase. A high protein content in the form of good quality meat and a high proportion of vegetables is very important.
The meat content should make up around 70 percent and vegetables around 20 to 30 percent of the feed. Cereals should fill a maximum of 10 percent of the ingredients.
Worth knowing: Sweeteners such as sugar, artificial flavor enhancers, and unnecessary fillers in the food should be avoided at all costs.
In general, as with other dog breeds, there should be set times for eating. This develops a certain sense of time for the dog, which is very important.
In the puppy age, the dog should be fed 3 to 4 times a day. From 4 months, the dog can be fed 3 times a day. From the ninth month, it is enough to feed the dog twice a day.
Activities with the Briard
The Briard is very versatile due to its high endurance, great power, high agility, strong intelligence, and great initiative.
Various dog sports are the perfect way to challenge the Briard in motion. Tournament dog sports, agility, VPG, dog dancing, and obedience are good options for a Briard. The Briard is also increasingly being trained as a rescue or tracking dog.
It is emphasized that a Briard is not a casual dog. Include him in jogging sessions, go for long, long walks, and plan a bike ride, for example. The Briard can move around extensively and pursue its instincts. Visiting the dog school is also recommended.
Intelligence games and practicing various exercises and commands are good ways to train the dog mentally. Learning exercises together creates an important basis for harmonious coexistence.