My name is Jeanne Lorang, and I and my dogs are Lebec Briards. I live in a small town 70 miles north of Los Angeles, CA. My joy is to breed quality companions for show and pet homes, emphasizing type, movement, and temperament.
I bought the first Briard I ever saw, in 1981. Poor leftover, skinny, abused, back yard bred, never socialized Amy was the beginning of my love affair with the breed. In fact, Amy is the reason this website exists today. Those who are considering getting a Briard need a place to learn, and a way to find reputable breeders. Amy and her poor start in life are always in the back of my mind as I work on this site.
Since 1981 I have never regretted filling my life with these beautiful companions. My Briards are house dogs, although I have had to limit the number sharing the bed at night to two - there just isn't room for more! And did you know 5 Briards can fit in a bathroom? That's usually how many have to move when I want out of the shower. Black and Grey are the colors I prefer in Briards. That powerful, elegant, imposing look of a black or grey always catches my eye. I have the occasional tawny, and love them dearly, but blacks will always be my preference.
I always remember that the Briard originated in France. I want to produce dogs that could go back to Europe, and compete there. To do that, I believe in using the best of both the American and European lines that are available. Both sides of the Atlantic have quality dogs. I have fallen in love with the temperament and quality of Briards from the Czech Republic, and with the help of a friend from there, have added several Czech dogs to my household. My goal in breeding is to produce puppies that are true to the breed standard, puppies that will enrich the lives of the people they live with.
Temperament is a big part of the Briard. The classic temperament, independent, aloof, with spirit and initiative, must be kept, or we will have lost the Briard. On the other hand, Briards are not supposed to be aggressive, out of control, and impossible to live with, which can happen if that temperament is mishandled. There should be a difference in living with a Briard and a Golden Retriever, and prospective owners must know that, and decide whether the Briard is suitable for them. They are hearts wrapped in fur, but there is a lot of work involved in living with that love. To me, the rewards far outweigh the effort I invest.
As a breeder, I believe it is important to preserve the characteristics that make the Briard unique. I believe that form and function are forever linked, and if you breed a dog that would be unable to herd because of poor construction, you have not bred a Briard. Movement is at the heart of the Briard - that quicksilver, almost cat like motion that can carry a dog around a large flock of sheep for hours. A high head carriage and a showy hackney gait will win in the show ring under judges that do not know better, but they tamper with the essence of the Briard.
My Briards
I began showing Briards in 1993, when my third Briard Howie came to me from de Bejaune in Delaware. Once I began showing, I was hooked.
I kept looking for that special Briard to breed, and found her in Sassy. Sass came to me from Canada. Sassy is always near me, and knows she is queen of all around her.
Sonnet came to me from Colorado, where both of her parents herded. Her instinct was obvious. Beauty can go along with working ability.
Journey is Sassy's daughter from her first litter. Strong minded and beautiful, she's a handful.
Caesar came to me from the Czech Republic, and is a great addition to my life. He is Mr. Personality, and leaves an impression on everyone he meets.
Belle is a Sassy great granddaughter, and a pleasure to live with. As a bonus, she produces dynamite puppies!
Abby, Minie, Ego and Blondie are Lebec's younger girls, waiting to grow up. Abby is a sweet girl who loves to swim. Minie is a rowdy girl from the Czech Republic, Ego is an energetic Belle daughter, and Blondie is Sass' great-great grandaughter, tawny and natural eared. Chief and Mendel are the tawny boy babes, happy and playful.
My extended family of Briards includes Rumor, living in Camarillo with his own family. Yahoo, Cliche, and Vegas all have their own families to love now.
I have had and loved other Briards. Amy, Fozzie Bear, Howie, Luna and Turbo all have had a place in my heart. I hope to love many more, for years to come.
Jeanne Lorang
Lebec Briards
Lebec, CA
661-248-6164 H
661-618-8798 M