Though Briard’s are known for both their intelligence and courage, they are equally as well-natured as well! Their fun-loving ways mean they make fantastic family pets and love to be involved in all types of family activities. However, because of this, they need lots of physical and mental stimulation and don’t necessarily make the best pets for first time owners. They need to be handled by someone who has experience with similar breeds and has had involvement in training them properly. They like to know their place in the family ‘pack’ and if they aren’t given a place, they will attempt to become the ‘alpha’ dog, that will not go down well with other dogs or ‘hoomans’. However, with the right family, they will make lovely, affectionate pets.

The Briard’s history remains to be a mystery, though they are discussed to be one of the oldest breeds native to France! It’s thought that they may even date back to the reign of Charles l, around 768 A.D! During this time, similar looking dogs were depicted in tapestries, which is where the speculation comes from. However, others believe that similar dogs came about during the Middle Ages and when they came to the US, were bred with Herding dogs. It was thought the reasoning behind their creation, was to develop a dog that was proficient in guarding flocks of sheep and even courageous enough to take on Wolves! However, they were highly valued in France for both their intelligence and loving natures.