Buying or Adopting a Briard
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Briard until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Briard the right breed for you?
Briard Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Briard?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No very small dogs in the household
- No dogs of the same sex in the household
- No cats in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Briard stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- Brushing – a lot (unless you clip the coat short)
- Trimming/clipping – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a smaller dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Briards are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Briard to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Briard, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Briard?
Briards are not a common breed in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Briards rank 132nd.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Occasionally you might find a Briard available from a Rescue group. Common reasons for giving up a Briard might include too much grooming, too much exercise, and chasing of smaller pets.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Briards would be very rare here. Briard Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Briard turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Briard from a show breeder, who breeds Briards to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy a Briard from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Briard puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
Also, at least ONE PARENT of a Briard puppy should have:
- a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a severe hereditary eye disease called congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB).
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Briard ends up blind with hip dysplasia.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I have never seen a Briard in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Briard Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Briard puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Briard puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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