Briard

You can see Briards in 8th-century French tapestries (our likenesses -- not our long, goat hair-like fur) and we've been guarding the flocks (against wolves, poachers and other perils) for hundreds of years. Thomas Jefferson brought Briards to back to America after one of his Paris visits. They used to crop our ears -- so the wolves wouldn't have anyplace to get a grip -- but you probably don't have to anymore. The Briard was recognized by the AKC in 1928, as a sheepherder and livestock guardian, and placed in the Herding Group.

• Adaptable to apartment life -- with ample exercise
• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Always alert
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Busy is better than bored
• Coat needs regular care
• Confident and self-assured

• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Loves kids and vice-versa
• Sensitive to family’s feelings
• Can be aggressive with other dogs
• Perfect protector
• Caters to the country, tolerates town
• Socialization and training must start early
• Willing watchdog

I need you to think ahead. When you see that 8-week-old furry little pup -- happily wresting and romping with the kids -- you'll probably think: no harm in a little rough-housing at that size and age -- right? Wrong! Early habits just get stronger and harder to change in big teddy bear dogs. I won't mature, emotionally, until two or three years of age. So I need an adult human -- not the kids -- to teach me how to play.

Pups' parents should be screened for hip dysplasia and PRA. Also watch for gastric dilation (bloat), and possible cardiac and blood disorders.