Facts About The Briard - Did You Know??

The Briard is a very old breed of French working dog.

The Briard is depicted in French tapestries as early as the 8th century.

In early times, Briards were used to defend their charges against wolves and poachers, but they eventually became more peaceful herding dogs.

History credits both the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson with bringing specimens of the Briard to the Americas.

Legend has it that Chien Berger de Brie - the early name of the breed - is actually a misnomer of Chien d'Aubry, from a 14th century recounting of Aubry de Montdidier as having erected a cathedral in memory of his valiant dog - supposedly a Briard -who saved his son's life.

In 1909, a French society called Les Amis du Briard (Friends of the Briard) was founded which eventually drew up a precise standard in 1925.

Thomas Jefferson became interested in Briards while serving as minister to France. He purchased a pregnant female named "Buzzy" and started his breeding program. Lafayette also sent Jefferson purebred dogs - two Briards to help protect his sheep.

Source: AKC ORG