Briard

The Briard has been traced back to the 8th century, when the breed was depicted in tapestries, and was mentioned in writings as far back as the 12th century. Originally thought to be descended from rough-coated sheepdogs, the Briard is an old French working dog. In France, the breed is often called the Berger de Brie. This name may have come from "chien berger de Brie", which means “shepherd dog of Brie,” and led to the belief that the breed originated in the province of Brie. Others believe that the name started as "chien d'Aubry," a reference to a famous owner of the breed, Aubry de Montdidier, whose dog avenged his death. The modern name of Briard came about in 1809. Back then, the Briard was used primarily to herd sheep, and protect their flocks from wolves and poachers. As the French Revolution stirred up the country, the lands were divided into smaller sections. Briards became focused on herding the sheep within their smaller boundaries, as well as becoming guardians of the entire property. The breed was also used as tracking, hunting, pack, and war dogs, and even to help find the wounded left on the battlefield. Some believe that the Marquis de Lafayette first brought the Briard over the ocean to the United States. Others give the credit to Thomas Jefferson who first became interested in Briards during his time in France serving as minister. In 1909, Les Amis du Briard was founded, a French society that drew up the breed standard by 1925. The first litter of Briards was registered in 1922 to the AKC, and by 1928, was officially recognized by the organization. Briards are mildly popular in the United States, but still enjoy the designation of the most popular sheep herder in its homeland of France.