You've checked out the Briard, and are starting to think this may be the breed you want to live with.

What next? How do you go about finding the right Briard for you?  What should you look for in a breeder, and what will they look for in you? Should you be looking at a puppy, or an older rescue or re-homed Briard? If you have not met Briards personally, contact Lebec Briards or a regional club, and they will work with you to meet some great dogs in person. Most areas have someone who loves to show off their Briards. It is important to meet Briards before making the commitment to share your life with one.

Here are some points to consider when finding that perfect Briard:


Ethics and the Breeder

Any breeder listed here is a Briard Club of America member, and has agreed to follow the BCA Code of Ethics. The safest way to obtain a puppy is from a member of the BCA, which is the parent club for the Briard in the U.S. Most experienced, reputable Briard breeders are members. There are a couple of exceptions, experienced, ethical breeders who just aren't "joiners", but most choose to join the parent club.

If  a breeder is listed on these pages, they will be more than happy to provide you with health and other information on any of their dogs. Hips, eyes, parents, etc. should all be discussed.
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Why so Many Questions?

Don't limit your search to the first breeder you talk to. Contact as many as you can, especially if you are looking for your first Briard. It is very important that you are completely comfortable with your breeder, since they will be a resource for the entire life of your Briard. Be aware that any reputable breeder will have many questions to ask you. Good breeders make a lifetime commitment to their dogs, and make every effort to ensure that they are placed appropriately. Be very honest in speaking with a breeder - every question is designed to be sure that the Briard is right for you. You will need to know why you want a Briard, and what you want in a Briard. Are you looking for show or pet quality, male or female, black or tawny? Do you have other dogs, and what sex and breed? Will the pup's main purpose be as a companion, or are you looking for a dog for competitive agility, obedience, or herding? Will you want to breed in the future? Other questions the breeder may ask will involve your household (kids, activity level, visitors, etc.), your house (fenced yard, space available, neighborhood), and your experience with dogs. If a breeder doesn't ask these questions, but will sell you a dog simply because you have the money, beware! You may be dealing with a less than reputable breeder.

You also have to ask questions. What temperament is expected from this litter? What is the health history of the pedigree? What does the breeder expect from you as the buyer? What guarantees does the breeder provide? Who will pick out your puppy? Are you obligated to show or breed, even if your circumstances change? What training methods does the breeder favor? Most basic of all, is the Briard the right dog for you? At Lebec Briards, a good pet home is every bit as important as a show home. It is the quality of life a Briard will have that matters most. So be patient with our questions.
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Can I See the Parents?

Do not expect to see both parents of a litter, even if you see the litter in person. It is a fallacy that this is necessary, or even desirable. A good breeder may send their bitch across the country, or even to another country, to find the perfect male to breed to. Nowdays, semen can be shipped thousands of miles, or saved for decades, to produce puppies. Most breeders will have photos or videotape of the sire of a litter. If a potential buyer asks, it should be possible for them to talk to the owner of the stud dog.  If a breeder has a long established breeding program, some matings will occur between dogs that they keep, but beware the breeder who produces litter after litter from dogs and bitches on their property. It may be that no one else will breed with them, or that they are simply producing puppies to make money. They may have little or no concern for improving the breed, or maintaining healthy lines.

Many people want to know that their puppy comes from championship lines. Breeders on this site show their Briards, and produce many champions. However, not every dog that is bred will have an AKC Championship, although all will be of a quality to get that championship. The Briard may not have finished its championship yet, or hate showing, or have been injured in a way that prevents showing (such as an injured ear).
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Picking a Puppy

You probably will not have the freedom to pick any puppy you want from a litter. The breeder will know which pups will do best in which type of home. They have watched their puppies from birth, and have years of experience behind them. Many breeders also use a stranger to temperament test litters at 7 weeks, to be sure of their impressions. Some puppies in every litter will not be available, as the breeder, the owner of the stud dog, and related show / breeding homes may have first pick. If you want to have the widest pick from a litter, arrange to purchase a pup as early as possible, even before a breeding is done.

Some breeders will not place show quality pups in pet homes. Others will, at show prices. Every breeder will have different stipulations and agreements, from neutering to co-ownerships. Buy from a breeder you trust, then listen to them when choosing a puppy. Realize that the perfectly calm pup you see and adore may have been tired out from his regular duties as the wild child in the litter. The puppy who insists on playing with you may be the dominant puppy in the litter, not suited for children. It is safest to trust a reputable breeder to ship you the pup best for your situation, even sight unseen, even across the U.S., if you have carefully explained your needs. 
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Is an Older Briard Right for You?

You may want to consider acquiring an older Briard. There are several sources for this. Many breeders end up with dogs that are returned at some point. Show puppies that cannot be bred, dogs that don't get along, an owner's divorce, death, relocation, or simply incompatibility with a Briard all can result in the need for a new home. There are also occasionally older puppies that have not yet found the right home. Some breeders may keep the best two or three puppies for quite some time until they decide which one will stay with them. Some of these Briards can be easily fitted into a new home, while others may require special attention. The advantages can include not having to housebreak a puppy, or deal with puppy destructiveness. Most of these older Briards, when placed in a new home, will bond as strongly to the new owners as any puppy would. The disadvantage is that both dog and owner have an adjustment period.

There may be older Briards that are available. If so, they can be found on the Gently Used page. The Briard Club of America also has two sources for older dogs. BCA Rescue places dogs that have ended up in pounds, or have been surrendered by owners. BCA Referral has a new service, helping breeders and owners list dogs that need homes.
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