Briard
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Briard. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat (GDV) | high | Deep-chested build; know torsion signs and rest after meals. |
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Standard large herding-breed risk; request OFA scores. |
| Congenital stationary night blindness | moderate | Breed-specific inherited vision defect; DNA testing identifies carriers. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Common in middle age; routine screening recommended. |
| Cancer (lymphoma) | moderate | Elevated rates appear in breed health surveys. |
Pet insurance for a Briard
Insurers price a Briard from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Bloat (GDV). Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Briard is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 55–100 lbs and a grooming score of 5/5, the Briard sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Briard
The Briard is an ancient French flock guardian and herder — the heart wrapped in fur — that served as the French army's official dog in World War I. It is a deeply loyal, protective family dog that bonds intensely and can be reserved or suspicious with strangers, so early socialization is essential. Herding instinct shows up as gentle heel-nipping at children and guests. The long double coat is the major commitment: daily brushing or regular professional grooming. Suits experienced owners wanting a devoted, watchful working companion.
Origin: France
Temperament
Related reading for Briard owners
Briard FAQ
How long do Briards live?
The typical Briard lifespan is 12–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Briard?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Briard carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Briard policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Briard a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 55–100 lbs with an energy level of 4/5, the Briard needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are Briards prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Bloat (GDV), Congenital stationary night blindness. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.