A Briard (bree-ard), a French herding dog, un Chien Berger de Brie. The Briard has been known for some centuries. Charlemagne, Napolean, Thomas Jeffferson, 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.There is some controversy regarding the origin of the name of the breed. Some believe the breed derives its name from the French province of Brie, like the well-known cheese, hence Chien Berger de Brie, or sheep-herding dog of Brie.
Others say that Briard, or Chien Berger de Brie is a corruption of Chien d'Aubrey. Sir Aubrey de Montdidier was a French aristocrat who was murdered in 1371 in front of his Briard. Every time the dog came across the assassin, the dog became enraged and tried to attack the killer. The King of France ordered that a duel should take place between the dog and the accused, Richard de Macaire. The dog was the victor. Macaire confessed and was beheaded.
