8 Things to Know Before Getting a Berger De Brie

The Berger De Brie, also known as the Briard, originated in France. While the Berger De Brie is a popular breed in France, they are relatively rare in other parts of the world. 

If you're considering getting a Berger De Brie breed, you must understand what you're getting into. This breed has unique traits and characteristics that may not be suitable for everyone. 

Here are the key things you should know before getting a Berger De Brie breed!

The Berger De Brie is a large breed of dog.

The Berger De Brie is a large breed of dog that can weigh up to 100 pounds. Their enormous size means they will need a lot of space inside and outside your house.

So, if you are considering getting a Berger De Brie, ensure you have enough room in your home or access to places like a dog park. This also means that this breed is not suitable for small apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.

They have a strong herding instinct.

The Berger De Brie has a herding instinct that can sometimes be directed towards small children or other pets in the household. While this behavior is typically not aggressive, it can still be alarming or dangerous if not properly managed.

You must supervise your Berger De Brie around children and other pets and teach them to redirect their herding instincts toward appropriate toys or activities.

They require regular grooming.

One of the most notable features of the Berger De Brie breed is its thick, curly coat. However, their stunning coat requires a lot of maintenance to prevent matting and control shedding.

You must brush your Berger De Brie daily to keep their coat in good condition. Regular grooming is also essential in keeping your home free of loose hair.

In addition to daily brushing, you may need to take your Berger De Brie to a professional groomer every few months for coat trimming.

The Berger De Brie is an intelligent and high-energy breed.

The Berger De Brie is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. They are an active breed, requiring regular exercise and playtime to maintain their health. 

You can give them daily walks, runs, playtime, and training sessions. As an intelligent breed, they also need mental stimulation through training, games, and interactive toys.

They are protective of their family and can be wary of strangers.

They are loyal to their family and will go to great lengths to protect them if they sense any threat or danger. While this protective instinct can be desirable, they also need proper socialization and training to grow into well-behaved and friendly pets.

They need proper socialization and training.

Early socialization is essential to expose your Berger De Brie to various people, animals, and situations so they can learn to be calm and confident in different environments and settings. Training is also essential to teach your Briard appropriate behavior and manners and establish clear boundaries and expectations. 

The Berger De Brie can be stubborn at times during training.

The Berger De Brie can sometimes be stubborn and may require consistent training from a firm owner. This does not mean that they are challenging to train, but rather that they are independent thinkers who may try to do things their way.

You must be patient and persistent when training your Berger De Brie. This breed does not respond well to harsh or punitive training methods, so positive reinforcement and patience are critical.

They have a high prey drive.

Because of the Berger De Brie's high prey drive, they also have the instinct to chase and run after smaller animals. This also means they are incompatible with other small pets at home, like cats, rabbits, hamsters, etc. 

If you already have pets at home, you must introduce your Berger De Brie to them slowly, carefully, and under close supervision. The Berger De Brie's prey drive can also extend to wildlife, so keeping them on a leash or in a secure area when outside is important. 

The Berger De Brie may not do well if left alone for long periods.

Because the Berger De Brie is a loyal and devoted breed that thrives on companionship, they may become anxious or bored if left alone for long periods. So, it means that this breed does best with owners who can spend plenty of time with them.

If you have a Berger De Brie, you must plan for their care and companionship while away from home or at work. If they are alone, they might suffer from separation anxiety which could lead to other severe behavior problems.

They can be vocal and bark excessively.

The Berger De Brie is a breed that can be vocal and may bark excessively to alert you of strangers or unusual activity. This trait can be desirable, as it makes them excellent watchdogs, but it can also be challenging in certain living situations, especially if you live closely with your neighbors.

They are prone to hip dysplasia and other health issues.

The Berger De Brie, like many large breeds, is prone to common health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. To keep your Berger De Brie healthy, it's important to schedule regular vet check-ups and provide them with proper nutrition.

The Berger De Brie may not do well in hot climates.

The Berger De Brie is a breed with a thick, curly coat that provides insulation and protection from harsh elements. However, this also means they can struggle in hot climates, as their coat can make it challenging to regulate their body temperature.

You must provide them with plenty of shade, water, and opportunities to cool off. This also means providing access to air conditioning or fans indoors and providing a shaded area or pool outdoors. 

Summary

As with any dog breed, it's essential to understand the specific traits and characteristics of the Berger De Brie before bringing one into your home. With proper training and socialization, the Berger De Brie can make an excellent addition to the right family!