Official ICCF Breed Standar
Brief Historical Summary
The Briard is one of the oldest French herding breeds, developed as a universal pastoral and guard dog. Early references to Briard-type dogs appear in the Middle Ages, when they were used to protect flocks, accompany caravans and guard farms. The breed evolved actively in France, where selection focused on endurance, independence and the ability to work over long distances. By the 19th century the Briard was known as a courageous and reliable dog, equally effective with cattle and in service roles. During World War I Briards served as messengers and medical dogs. Today the breed preserves its ancient working type and is valued for its intelligence, loyalty and versatility.
General Appearance
The Briard is a large, strong, harmoniously built dog with a powerful bone structure and well-developed musculature, yet without coarseness. The outline is slightly elongated; the body is strong, and the silhouette is softened by the long coat. The chest is deep, ribs long, the back straight and firm. The head is large and long, covered with long hair forming a typical fringe partially covering the eyes. Ears are set high and may be cropped or natural depending on the country. Movement is light and springy, with excellent rear drive, reflecting the breed’s natural endurance. The overall impression should be that of a strong, confident dog with a lively temperament, high intelligence and a working purpose. Balance and functionality are essential features of the breed.
Important Proportions
Height at the withers is approximately equal to body length, providing a balance of maneuverability and stability. The chest reaches the elbows, ensuring sufficient lung capacity for long work. The head is long, measuring about 40% of the dog’s height, emphasizing breed expression. Skull and muzzle are equal or nearly equal in length. Limbs are long, dry, with correct angulation allowing a wide range of movement. The tail is long, carried low, forming a slight J-shaped hook at the end. The coat is dense, long, with a soft undercoat, creating visual volume without distorting proportions. Imbalance—especially short legs or excessive mass—is considered faulty.
Behavior and Temperament
The Briard is a balanced, courageous and intelligent dog with pronounced independence and a natural guarding instinct. Deeply attached to its owner and family, it possesses emotional sensitivity and makes an effective working partner. The Briard is attentive, alert and capable of quick decision-making, essential in herding. Aggression toward humans is not permitted, but the dog must be confident and cautious with strangers. A correct Briard is calm, disciplined, energetic but not overly excitable. Faults include timidity, weak character, nervousness or low working motivation. The temperament must express balance, obedience, initiative and a strong working instinct.
Head
The head is long, powerful and harmonious, blending well into the dog’s silhouette and emphasizing its working type. The skull is moderately wide, slightly arched, with a distinct but not abrupt stop. Head length is about 40% of height at the withers. The head is fully covered with long, dense hair forming a characteristic fringe that partially obscures the eyes. Cheeks are moderately developed, not coarse. Scissor bite; jaws powerful with full dentition. The head should convey strength without heaviness, retaining elegance and functionality. Faults include an overly light or excessively massive head, weak muzzle, narrow skull or lack of characteristic breed lines.
Foreface
The foreface is long, rectangular, well filled, with a strong but not coarse muzzle. The nasal bridge is straight, strong, wide at the base and tapering slightly toward the nose. Nose large, black, with wide nostrils; brown is allowed only in matching coat colors. Lips dry, tight-fitting, sometimes partially covered by long hair. Jaws powerful and balanced. The chin is moderately defined, emphasizing muzzle strength. The foreface must reflect the impression of a functional working dog—strong, attentive and suited for extended pastoral work. Faults include weak jaws, narrow muzzle, pendulous lips or excessive roundness that breaks the breed’s clean lines.
Eyes
Eyes are oval, large and widely set, expressing softness, intelligence and attentiveness. Eye color is dark—ranging from dark brown to nearly black; slightly lighter tones are allowed in lighter coat colors but must remain expressive. Eyelids tight, without drooping, though the long hair around the eyes forms a fringe that partially covers them, giving the Briard its characteristic contemplative expression. Eyes must show calm confidence and working focus. Faults include light, round or protruding eyes, or loose eyelids. The expression is key to evaluating temperament—balance, attentiveness and sensitivity to humans.
Ears
Ears are set high, broad at the base, covered with long, slightly wavy hair. In countries permitting cropping, ears may stand erect; natural ears are pendant, close to the head, without heaviness or tangles. Length is moderate, tips rounded. Ear placement should enhance expression and the harmonious outline, not disrupt balance. Ears must be mobile and responsive to sound—important for a working breed. Faults include low set, overly large, extremely long ears or coarse, harsh hair inconsistent with the breed’s soft appearance. Incorrect ear set distorts the breed type.
Neck
The neck is long, strong and elegant, with a smooth arch flowing into well-constructed shoulders. Musculature is developed but not coarse, contributing to mobility and endurance in herding work. Skin tight and elastic, without loose folds. Neck length must allow free head carriage and maintain body balance. A neck that is too short, thick or weak disrupts harmony and reduces functional ability. A correct neck emphasizes the Briard’s strength, flexibility and confidence.
Body
The body is strong, slightly elongated, with well-developed musculature and a solid bone structure, giving stamina and stability. The back is straight, strong and long enough without softness. The loin is short, broad and muscular, blending smoothly into the croup. The croup is broad, slightly sloping, enabling strong rear drive. The chest is deep and capacious with long ribs providing large respiratory capacity. Belly moderately tucked. The body must show strength, stability and proportional harmony. Faults include weak back, barrel chest, looseness, or excessive short-leggedness. The Briard must present a functional pastoral silhouette.
Tail
The tail is long, set low, natural in shape, without kinks or shortening. In repose it hangs down reaching the hock; at the tip it forms a characteristic J-shaped hook—an essential breed trait. In motion the tail lifts but not above the topline, staying natural and flexible. Coat on the tail is long, dense, lightly wavy. Faults include high tail set, missing hook, excessive stiffness, or an overly long tail. The correct tail completes the Briard’s silhouette, showing mobility and confidence.
Forequarters
Forequarters straight, strong, with a developed but dry bone structure. Shoulders long, sloping, close-fitting, forming a correct angle with the upper arm for wide reach and fluid movement. Upper arms strong. Elbows pointing straight back, neither turned out nor tied in. Forearms straight, vertical, muscular. Pasterns slightly sloping but firm. Feet round, tight, with well-arched toes and thick pads. Some Briards have functional single or double dewclaws. Faults include weak bone, elbows out, cow-footedness, soft pasterns or instability.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters powerful, broad, with well-developed muscles providing strong propulsion. Thighs long and muscular. Lower thighs long and well-formed with correct stifle angulation. Hocks strong, low-set, working in a single plane without inward or outward deviation. Rear pasterns short, vertical, stable. Feet oval, strong, with thick pads. Double dewclaws on the hind legs are obligatory — an important breed hallmark. Faults include weak ligaments, straight angulation, cow hocks, narrow stance or excessive angulation.
Gait / Movement
Movement is light, free and springy with noticeable elasticity and a wide stride. The dog must move confidently with strong rear drive and harmonious front extension. The trot is long, smooth and energy-efficient. The topline remains stable without sway or dip. Movement should show endurance and agility essential for pastoral work over large terrain. Faults include short stride, stiffness, crossing limbs, weak propulsion, unstable topline or excessive bounce. Correct movement is a key indicator of working ability.
Coat
The coat is dense, long, somewhat dry to the touch, with a characteristic slight wave. It must be thick and protective, suitable for harsh weather and rough terrain. Undercoat soft and dense but not excessive. Coat length varies but must provide volume without hiding proportions. Faults include overly soft, silky, very curly or excessively short coat, lack of undercoat or uneven texture. Coat must highlight the Briard’s silhouette and provide functional protection.
Permissible Colors
Accepted colors include black, grey, fawn and red in various shades. Colors may be solid or lightly mixed due to coat texture. Grey ranges from light to deep steel; fawn from cream to golden. Red must be clean without clear striping. White markings allowed only minimally—small chest patch or a few hairs on feet. Faults include large white patches, merle, tricolor or any color indicating non-breed influence. Color must enhance expression and harmonize with the silhouette.
Size
The Briard is a medium-large breed with strong bone and developed musculature. Males: 62–68 cm; females: 56–64 cm. Weight usually 30–40 kg depending on sex and structure. Balance of proportions and functional movement is more important than absolute size. Excessive mass reduces agility; insufficient bone weakens type. Correct proportions—elongated outline, deep chest, strong topline—define the functional silhouette.
Faults
Faults include any deviation reducing harmony, expression or functional ability. Examples: weak bone, narrow chest, short body, soft back, poor musculature, excessive looseness or barrel chest. Head faults include narrow skull, coarse muzzle, round or light eyes, incorrect ear set, too short or too long coat on head. Movement faults include short stride, stiffness, weak drive, unstable topline or poor coordination. Coat faults include overly soft, silky or very curly coat, lack of undercoat, uneven texture. Temperament faults include timidity, aggression, poor trainability or weak working motivation.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifications include severe deviations of structure, temperament or health. Examples: unwarranted aggression, extreme fear, unstable temperament, inability to be controlled. Structural faults such as incorrect bite (beyond puppy allowances), missing teeth beyond standard limits, blue eyes, albinism, severe limb or spine deformities. Non-standard colors: merle, tricolor, large white patches. Missing or malformed double dewclaws on hind legs. Missing tail hook, excessively soft coat, severe disproportion or barrel body.
Important Notes
Evaluation must consider the Briard’s historical working function—herding, guarding and long-distance work over varied terrain. Coat quality is essential, providing protection rather than decoration. Young dogs may appear “soft,” as the breed matures slowly. Double dewclaws on hind legs are a mandatory hallmark. Temperament is critical: the Briard must be confident, alert, balanced and owner-oriented. Signs of fear, hyperreactivity or excessive aggression are serious faults. Movement—long, springy, elastic trot—is a key indicator of working quality.
Conclusion
The Briard is a unique French pastoral breed combining strength, endurance and intelligence with a distinctive appearance and long coat. It remains a versatile working dog capable of effective herding and guarding while maintaining a friendly, sensitive character and close bond with humans. Harmonious structure, independence, bravery and trainability define the breed. The standard emphasizes balance between working qualities and breed expression: correct proportions, stable movement, strong bone and characteristic coat form a functional and aesthetically complete dog. The Briard stands as a symbol of reliability, loyalty and true French herding heritage.
