Briard

The Briard is an old French herding dog from the plains around the Brie region. It guarded flocks against wolves and thieves and kept them in unfenced fields.

Like the Beauceron, it has double dewclaws on its hind legs.

Loyal, protective and very attached to its family, the Briard is often described as 'a heart of gold wrapped in fur'. It is reserved with strangers.

Intelligent but independent, it needs consistent, patient training and good socialisation.

Hip dysplasia, bloat and some inherited eye diseases are the main concerns.

Ask for the parents' screening results and keep up regular veterinary check-ups.

Good-quality large-breed food in two meals suits it. Its long coat easily hides changes in weight.

Avoid exercise straight after eating.

It needs one to two hours of daily activity: long walks, games, obedience or tracking.

It likes to stay close to its family.

In summer, walk it in the cool hours and give it a cool, shady spot. It needs a house with a garden; apartment life does not suit it.

Its long, dry coat needs thorough brushing once or twice a week to prevent mats, even though it sheds relatively little.

Clean its beard and ears regularly.