The Briard can be any of several different solid colors or lighter colors with darker or light ears and face. Briards stand 22 to 27 inches (58 to 69 cm) at the withers. Ear cropping has been common in the breed, although more breeders are leaving the ears in their natural state since ear cropping is becoming illegal in most European countries, including the Briard's land of origin, France. Their long coat requires an extensive amount of grooming.
They were originally bred to herd as well as guard flocks of sheep. And they were often left to their own devices in order to accomplish their assigned tasks. Which makes the Briard different from those breeds that only guard and those that only herd. The breeds that just herd are often smaller in size, agile, and swift of foot. Those breeds that just guard are usually larger and heavier.
The breed characteristics of the Briard, are of a medium sized, rugged, agile dog, having harsh coat and double dew claws mounted low on each rear leg, resembling additional toes. Each double dew claw should have bone substance and nail, giving the appearance of a wider rear foot. Bred for centuries to herd, the additional digits on each rear foot give the Briard the ability of pivoting on one foot for quick turns and complete turn arounds, which are necessary when herding and guarding their flocks.
They should be well balanced, sound in body and mind, and of a size appropriate for both herding and guarding without tiring.
Throughout history, the Briard has retained an appropriate balance of size and build that is required for both herding and protection of their flocks. The size, not too large to tire during the task of herding, and their build (structure), large enough to fend off predators such as fox and wolves.