With its large size, rugged appearance, and a significant amount of hair, the Briard is an eye-catcher. It stands 58–69 centimetres at the withers and weighs 70–90 pounds. It has a slightly rounded head, strong mouth and muzzle, a square jaw with a perfect scissor bite, large brown eyes, and a black nose. Its ears, covered in long hair, are set high. It has a supple, muscular, and well-proportioned body.
The Briard’s shaggy coat, which is low- to non-shedding, gives this breed an endearing appearance. It has a slightly wavy outercoat with a coarse texture and according to the Kennel Club standards, it should not be less than 7 centimetres long on the body. On the other hand, its undercoat is soft and fine. The standard colours are solid black, black with scattered white hairs, and fawn.
Some may think that grooming this handsome breed is easy because of its rugged appearance, but this is not the case. Its double coat needs a lot of work to maintain. Its fluffy coat is a magnet for dirt and its paws can easily get muddy. To maintain a clean and tidy coat, plenty of brushing and combing must be done daily and a bath every six weeks (or more frequently if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors).
Apart from keeping its coat in top shape, also remember to pay attention to its dental health. Brush its teeth at least twice a week and provide it with chew toys to support strong teeth and healthy gums. Lastly, keep its ears clean and dry, nails trimmed, and skin free from bumps and fleas.