The Briard has been known for some centuries. Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, and Lafayette all owned Briards. This ancient sheep guard and herder has also been used by the French Army as a sentry, messenger, and to search for wounded soldiers because of its keen sense of hearing. The Briard is a farm worker by nature and lives to herd anything. They have exceptional hearing ability and are basically kind, but with a strong protective instinct.

Also called Berger de Brie.