It connotes the manner in which the neck joins the base of the
skull, and does not imply that the neck is held in a vertical line.
When in motion the head and neck should extend forward.
The outline of the Briard is completed by a breed hallmark,
the distinctive tail which ends in a crook, or “crochet”, similar
to the letter “J” when viewed from the right side of the dog. The
shape is not always apparent when the dog is in repose. Ideally,
the tail should be carried low, never coming above the level of the
back except the terminal crook.
Another traditional breed hallmark is the double dewclaws
required on each rear leg. It is important to learn how to examine
for the digits, as ideally the dewclaws form functional toes and
therefore are much lower than one might anticipate.
The Briard coat should enhance the outline of the dog, and a
correct coat needs less grooming and functions better in the ele-
ments. The correct double coat is coarse, hard and dry and slight-
ly waving on the outside with a tight short protective undercoat.
The colors are black, tawny and gray in various shades. Combina-
tions of two of these colors are permitted, without marked spots
but rather with smooth, gradual and symmetrical transitions
from one color to another. White is not allowed except as scat-
tered white hairs throughout the coat on all colors, or as a spot
on the chest no bigger than 1" in diameter at the root of the hair.
Briards may go through color changes from puppyhood to adult-
hood, which may include the changing of some black coats to
gray, and tawny coats to lighten and then darken over time. This
transitional color change also occurs in the grays. The coat tex-
ture may also go through changes over the course of several years.
The gait of the well-conformed Briard is beautiful to behold.
It is light and gliding; a marvel of supple power, effortless. It is
important that the angulations of the front and rear be correct
and equal to help drive the dog forward and create the balanced
gait so valued by the shepherd. Briard movement clearly dis-
plays the balance, power, flexibility and soundness synonymous
with its correct structure.
Disqualifications
All dogs or bitches under the minimum size limits
(
dogs under 23", bitches under 22")
Yellow eyes or spotted eyes
Nose any color other than black
Tail non-existent or cut
Less than two dewclaws on each rear leg
White coat
Spotted coat
White spot on chest exceeding 1" in diameter
The BCA’s Breed Education Booklet that contains the breed
standard and commentary is available on the Briard Club of
America’s website.
AUTHORS
Marsha Clamp, Theresa Lee, Terry Miller, Margaret Shappard,
Denise Simenauer and Meg Weitz
The Briard should be approached calmly with
assurance and self-confidence on the part of the examiner.
The Briard should stand his ground without cringing or
menacing the examiner. All judges are expected to check
for each of the Briard’s disqualifications. If a Briard does
not appear to meet the minimum height requirement for
its sex, it is incumbent upon the judge to request a wicket
and measure the dog. Bearing in mind that the head is
coated, approach from the front so the dog can see you
and be aware of your presence. Place one hand under the
chin, taking care to not grab the beard. Head planes,
proportions and ear placement are confirmed during this
portion of the exam. Brush the hair away from the eyes to
check eye color, shape, placement and pigmentation. You
may then move on to examining the bite and noting nose
color. Any disqualifications on the head may be identified
at this time.
To check for disqualifying white on the chest, face the
same direction as the dog, place your right hand on the
left side of the dog’s head as you lean forward to lift the
coat on the dog’s chest. Do make sure the dog’s head is
controlled by the handler. It is recommended you follow
good judging practice as directed by the AKC to avoid
placing yourself at risk. Proceed with the examination as
with any other breed. Remember to check for coat quality
as you examine the body. To examine for length of tail,
continue from your exam of the loin and croup, gently
place your hand at the base of the tail, then run it down
to the bony tip of the tail, verifying that it is uncut. You
may then bring the tail over to the hock, taking care not
to pull, stretch or force the crook of the tail open to make
your determination of length.
You must be able to confirm that there are two
dewclaws on each rear leg. When reaching down to
check for dewclaws, do not use the dog’s hindquarters to
support yourself, nor should you stoop down or kneel on
the ground. To facilitate the examination of the dewclaws,
place your hand at ground level at the inside of each rear
foot and move it upward. Dewclaws that are attached low
on the leg or are positioned next to the other toes may
necessitate that you lift the foot to confirm the presence
of the dewclaws. If you are unable to locate the dewclaws,
give the handler the option of showing them to you. If
the handler wishes you to proceed with the exam yourself,
carefully lift the leg back and up just a bit, keeping the foot
and leg in line with the body.
Examining the Briard
S
how
S
ight
M
agazine
,
N
ovember
2012 • 237