BRIARD CLUB OF AMERICA
Referral General Information
Here is some general information regarding the breed, and an article on socialization and early puppy training which were published in the "Dew Claw", the official BCA magazine.
The Briard Club of America (BCA) does not maintain a breeder's list. Instead, the Club lists individual litters as they are reported to us by members. There are a few breeders who have puppies frequently. Quality puppies are also raised by breeders who breed infrequently, with sometimes several years between litters.
In order to search for local people with Briards, check with all area kennel clubs. Also, check with area veterinarians, dog training schools and professional groomers. Attend a dog show when possible, as major shows may attract dogs from both within and outside your region.
For those persons who definitely want to buy a puppy, and do manage to find a breeder in the area, it is not unusual to be on a waiting list, possibly for several months. It also is not unusual to buy a puppy from a far distant location, after appropriate correspondence and telephone calls.
Prices will vary from breeder to breeder. A "pet" puppy comes from the same litter as the "show" puppy, but it is not one of the pups selected by the breeder for show or breeding. Since breeders constantly strive to improve the quality of the breed, only the very best or pick puppies should be chosen for breeding. Often pet puppies are sold under the condition that they be spayed or neutered or with an AKC "restricted registration" registration paper.
In every breed it is only natural that a breeder will be a little prejudiced about their own dogs and bloodlines. However, a good breeder should also be able to tell you the faults or shortcomings in structure, temperament and health produced in that line. Be cautious of anyone who uses hard-sell techniques or who seems to say the puppies are perfect. There is no perfect dog, and a responsible breeder will point that out to you. Briards must have plenty of handling, affection and praise to develop well. If a puppy appears to be either shy or hyperactive, it may be a difficult challenge to raise.
A word of caution here: even the rarer breeds are sometimes sold in pet shops or by dog wholesalers who will process hundreds of dogs per year. All too often these dogs are sold for show price, but those that know the Briard know that a pet shop or wholesaler cannot provide the proper environment for the puppy. Private breeders, however, will know each of their puppies, take a keen interest in the pups' care and health and will be able to evaluate the temperament as well as the physical qualities of the pup for you.
Briards have definite guarding and herding tendencies which must be properly channeled. If you do not have the time to devote to a Briard's upbringing, then perhaps it would be wise to look to a less complicated breed for you, or if you just want to learn more about the breed, you may be interested in our Club magazine, the "Dew Claw", It is published quarterly and is available through our Editor, Christi Leigh, cdleigh@nmia.net . Contact her for subscription information.
BRIARD CLUB OF AMERICA
Description of the Briard
The Briard, or Chien Berger de Brie, is an ancient working/herding dog of France. Once the official dog of the French Army, the Briard served as a sentry and was used by the medical corps to search for wounded soldiers. The Briard possesses a sweetness in nature, a keen sense of hearing, and the qualities of bravery, loyalty and intelligence which embodies the "sage-hardi" (wise-fearless) nature of the ideal shepherd and trusted companion.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: Vigorous and alert, powerful with out coarseness, strong in bone and muscle, exhibiting strength and agility required of the herding dog. The Briard gait is described as quicksilver, permitting abrupt turns and springing starts. The gait is elegant but powerful and gives the impression of gliding without touching the ground. A distinguishing feature of the Briard are the two (2) dewclaws on each rear leg.
SIZE: Males stand between 23 to 27 inches at the withers (shoulders); bitches between 22 to 25 1/2 inches at the withers. Weight ranges between 65 and 100 pounds.
COAT: The coat is coarse and dry. All colors are permitted except white. Colors are black, various shades of gray and various shades of tawny (ranging from a light fawn to reddish gold). Tawny puppies are born with very dark color which lightens until the second year, when the coat begins to develop a deeper, richer color. Puppy coats are softer than the adult coat. The Briard has a double coat which repels dirt and water.
GROOMING: The Briard must be faithfully groomed a minimum of two (2) hours per week. The coat sheds very little, but must be brushed regularly to avoid tangles and mats. Grooming is essential to assure good health of the coat and skin. Neglecting this responsibility will cause distress to both Briard and owner.
TRAINING: Early socialization and introduction to various situations and environments is a must to develop a happy, confident and mannerly Briard. The Briard learns quickly, has an excellent memory, and is eager to please, but must be taught right from wrong at an early age as they are independent and were bred for centuries to make their own decisions.
The Briard is not the right dog for everyone. They are a large breed who requires consistent training, grooming and attention. For those who accept these responsibilities the rewards are many. Briards enjoy participating in agility trials, or simply being your devoted companion and joining the family activities.
For information regarding the official Briard Standard of the Briard Club of America, or other information, contact: The American Kennel Club at their Web Site, or 260 Madison Ave., N.Y., N.Y. 10016 or 5580 Centerview Dr., Ste 200, Raleigh, N.C. 27606-3390
SOCIALIZATION IS IMPORTANT
By Cece Collins Megrue
A Briard puppy needs a careful program of socialization during his first year to develop properly. The degree to which the Briard possesses this need is one of the reasons the Briard is not for everyone. Although hereditary factors certainly play a part in temperament, the environment is of particular importance for the young Briard; your puppy will become to a large extent what you make of him.
The Briard character which you want to encourage in your pup is that of the perfect shepherd dog --wise, courageous, intelligent, fractable, loyal. The French call it "sage-hardi", and it is this wise-fearless nature which the sheep herders of France prize today as much as they did in the 11th century. The AKC Standard of the Briard defines Briard character this way: The Briard "is a dog of heart, with spirit and initiative, wise and fearless with no trace of timidity. Intelligent, easily trained, faithful, gentle and obedient, the Briard possesses an excellent memory and an ardent desire to please his master. He retains a high degree of his ancestral instinct to guard home and master. Although he is reserved with strangers, he is loving and loyal to those he knows..."
Socialization of the Briard puppy begins with the breeder as soon as the litter opens it's eyes. By three weeks of age the litter can see and hear, and the environment begins to affect how each pup regards the world. The presence of cheerful voices and the gentle, loving handling of the puppies by the breeder's family will produce a litter which hangs over the edge of the whelping box, each individual begging to be loved. Ear cropping should be completed by approximately 5 to 6 weeks of age, so that the pups will retain minimal memory of the experience.
If the puppy must be shipped to his new home, all necessary precautions should be taken to protect him from a damaging experience. Pups should be shipped only on non-stop flights; the breeder will put the puppy on the flight, waiting until the plane leaves the ground, and the new owner must be at the destination well before arrival. The pup will withstand the shipping experience best at 8 to 10 weeks of age, and need not be tranquilized.
Your part as the owner of a Briard puppy in the development of his character begins when you bring him home. Always handle the puppy in a friendly, gentle manner, using your voice to praise and encourage him. He is apt to be a dynamic bundle of energy at 8 weeks, with a non-stop pair of jaws. Some discipline must accompany the loving attention you give your Briard, but it should be administered with the voice, not the hand.
Handling class is an excellent way of getting your young pup the kind of exposure to people and dogs that he needs. Enroll the puppy at 10 to 12 weeks of age, or as soon as you and your Veterinarian feel he has adequate shots. Even pups which never set foot in a show ring benefit from handling class. The little fellow will learn to trot calmly on a lead at your side and will look forward to the association with new people and their dogs. If no handling classes are offered in your area, you may be able to find a puppy "kindergarten" which will serve the same purpose. Formal obedience classes will not accept a puppy under 6 months of age, but it is inadvisable to wait until that age to bring your puppy "out".
Take him in the car with you on short errands, walk him in shopping centers (you may wish you'd hung a sign on him announcing his breed to head off the many questioners). When visitors come to your home, have the puppy greet them. Accustom the pup to having his bite checked, as this procedure in the show rings puts off many an adolescent Briard. Put him on a grooming table at an early age and teach him to accept the grooming procedure, as it will become a weekly routine when he is an adult.
Even if you have socialized your puppy extensively, he may go into a "spooky" stage somewhere between four and eight months. It is common for Briard puppies to go through a period when strangers frighten them, but this stage generally lasts only a month or two. Continue to take the puppy out and provide him with as many positive experiences as possible. Obedience class can be very helpful in giving confidence to the pup and his master. When your Briard knows what to expect from a situation and knows that he can trust you to give him his clue, he will lose his uncertainty.
You as the owner of a Briard must be willing to undertake the responsibility for his socialization. If it seems like too much work for you, choose another breed. Briards which are left at home all day with little human contact are apt to become shy or aggressive. But if you are willing to meet his needs during this important first year, you will be rewarded with an active, intelligent, and devoted companion for the remaining years of his life.
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