Briards are herding/guardian dogs that may be aloof or protective with unfamiliar people and can be reactive toward other dogs; they think independently and tend to handle new situations best with slow, calm approach and clear space. Their long facial hair can lightly veil the eyes, so fast hand movements or contact from above may startle them. Warm, crowded areas can add stress—heavy coats mean they may pant more in heat—while separation from their owner can increase anxiety; note if the dog prefers owner presence, slow introductions, high-value treats, or a muzzle for exam.
Front desk script: This breed can be watchful with strangers. Would you like to stay with your Briard during check‑in and have us approach slowly with treats? Are there handling preferences we should note (quiet room, minimal restraint, muzzle, preferred staff)? If you see escalating stress (hard staring, freezing, growling) or signs of heat distress (heavy panting that doesn’t ease, weakness), please tell us immediately so we can move to a safer setup; collapse or severe breathing trouble is an emergency.
Briards have several breed‑linked risks to flag at intake: an inherited retinal disease (RPE65‑related retinal dystrophy, historically called congenital stationary night blindness) can cause difficulty seeing in dim light from puppyhood; parent‑club guidance highlights an ophthalmologist exam and a CSNB DNA test for this breed. Like other large, deep‑chested dogs, Briards are at risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat)—a rapid, life‑threatening emergency; if owners report sudden unproductive retching, a tight or rapidly enlarging abdomen, restlessness/drooling, or collapse, advise immediate emergency care. Orthopedically, hip dysplasia is a recognized large‑breed concern; note mobility issues (reluctance to rise/jump, hind‑limb lameness) and whether hips and eyes have been screened.
Front desk script: For Briards, we watch for inherited eye issues that affect low‑light vision and for hip dysplasia. Do you notice trouble seeing in dim rooms or reluctance to jump? Also, large deep‑chested breeds can develop dangerous bloat—if you ever see unproductive retching with a suddenly swollen belly or collapse, this is an emergency; come in immediately or go to the nearest ER. We can record any breed‑recommended screenings you’ve had done (hip evaluation, eye exam, CSNB DNA test).
Briards are large, shaggy herding dogs that do best with daily exercise and close family time; plan for thorough brushing several times a week and routine ear/coat care. Typical lifespan is around 12 years. Common issues include hip dysplasia, eye disease (e.g., congenital night blindness/cataracts), hypothyroidism, and ear infections; we can schedule wellness and screening visits. As a deep-chested breed they can develop bloat (GDV): watch for unproductive retching, a swollen/painful belly, restlessness, pale gums, or weakness/collapse—this is an emergency; proceed to the nearest ER immediately and call us on the way.
Front desk script: Briards are active, loyal herding dogs that need daily exercise and regular, thorough brushing; we’re happy to book wellness and grooming/ear-check visits. They’re prone to hip and eye issues, hypothyroidism, and ear infections—ask if the owner wants screening guidance. If an owner reports unproductive retching with a tight belly, pale gums, or collapse, direct them to the nearest emergency hospital right away (possible bloat) and notify the doctor. For new eye redness/discharge or persistent limping, offer a same-day appointment when possible.
Briards commonly prompt front-desk contacts for ear irritation (head shaking, odor, debris) related to their pendulous, hairy ears; skin/coat problems such as hot spots or matting under a long, dense coat (often after swimming or in warm weather); limping or stiffness after activity consistent with large‑breed orthopedic concerns; owner-noted vision changes—especially poor night vision—given a breed-reported inherited retinal condition; and sudden gastrointestinal distress with restlessness, non‑productive retching, and a rapidly enlarging abdomen, which in large, deep‑chested dogs is a bloat/GDV emergency.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Briards often come in for ear irritation, skin ‘hot spots’ under the coat, limping or stiffness, and changes in vision (notably at night). If you’re seeing unproductive retching, a tight or swollen belly, sudden collapse, or severe distress, this may be bloat—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now while I alert them. For painful ears, persistent limping, or new eye changes, I recommend a same‑day exam; I can schedule that for you.
Briards have a long, coarse, wavy double coat that sheds little but mats and traps debris if not maintained; owners should plan multiple brush‑throughs to the skin each week and budget roughly two hours of at‑home grooming weekly, with referrals to a groomer experienced in long, double coats as needed. Their floppy, hairy ears are predisposed to ear issues, so front desk should flag any reports of ear odor, redness, pain, or head shaking for same‑day evaluation, and advise owners to discuss an ear‑care plan with the veterinary team. Ask about beard/feet/pad hair and rear dewclaws, which commonly collect debris and form mats that may need professional attention.
Front desk script: Briards need frequent, thorough brushing and often benefit from a groomer who knows long double coats—would you like a referral we trust? If you notice ear odor, redness, head shaking, or painful mats, we should see your dog today. For routine care, we can help you set a maintenance schedule and show you what our team will check at each visit.
Briards are large, deep‑chested herding dogs; during intake, screen first for bloat/GDV red flags (non‑productive retching, tight/distended abdomen, restlessness, weakness/collapse)—these require immediate ER referral. Breed‑relevant but usually non‑emergent reasons to book include lameness/difficulty rising (hips/elbows), vision concerns (especially poor night vision consistent with breed‑associated CSNB) or other eye changes, recurrent ear/skin issues related to heavy coat/ears, and possible hypothyroid‑type signs in middle age. Route stable lameness/skin/ear concerns to a same‑week sick visit; chronic vision issues without pain to next‑available GP or ophthalmology per clinic protocol; escalate same‑day for sudden eye pain, rapid vision loss, disorientation, or head trauma. Document prior health testing (OFA/CHIC hip/eye, CSNB results), current meds, feeding routine, and timing of signs.
Front desk script: Because Briards can be higher‑risk for stomach bloat, is your dog retching without bringing anything up, has a tight swollen belly, or seems weak or collapsing? If yes: this is an emergency—please go now to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital; I can provide the address and alert the team. If no, are you calling about lameness, eyes/vision (including trouble seeing at night), ears/skin, or wellness? I can schedule the appropriate visit and will note any prior hip/eye testing or recent changes you’ve noticed.
Briard lifecycle touchpoints: Puppy (to ~18 months for large breeds)—book vaccine-series visits every 3–4 weeks, growth/behavior check-ins, and grooming acclimation; Adult (~1.5–7 years)—annual wellness with parasite prevention refills, weight/activity and skin/coat reviews, and discuss travel/boarding or working-dog activity needs; Senior (~7+ years)—schedule wellness every 6 months with mobility/cognition/vision-hearing check-ins and any screening the doctor recommends. Front desk should remind owners that large, deep-chested breeds are at risk for bloat: if they report restlessness with unproductive retching, a tight/swollen belly, sudden weakness/collapse, or rapid worsening, instruct them to seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: For a Briard puppy, we’ll schedule visits every 3–4 weeks until the vaccine series is complete and can add brief grooming/handling practice appointments. For healthy adults, we plan yearly wellness and parasite prevention refills; for seniors (around age 7+), we book checkups every 6 months and any doctor-recommended screening. If you ever notice unproductive retching, a swollen/tight belly, or sudden collapse, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately—this can be an emergency in large, deep-chested breeds.
Briards are large, deep-chested herding dogs that may be protective or aloof with unfamiliar people, so ask owners to keep a sturdy 4–6 ft leash on and expect a slow, low-key greeting so the dog can see and sniff the team; confirm coat status (long, easily matted coat can limit handling), note rear double dewclaws when estimating time for nail care/bandaging, and request any prior hip/eye records or CSNB genetic results for the chart. Set expectations that they do best with calm handling and owner presence during intake. If a caller reports red-flag signs of bloat—tight/distended abdomen, repeated unproductive retching, restlessness/collapse—do not schedule; direct them immediately to emergency care and alert the medical team.
Front desk script: “Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Briard. They can be reserved with new people, so we’ll approach slowly—please keep a short leash on and arrive 5–10 minutes early. Do you have grooming concerns today or any health records (OFA hips/eyes or CSNB testing) we can add to the chart? If you ever see a swollen, tight belly with gagging that produces no vomit or sudden restlessness, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way so we can notify the doctor.”
Briards are large, deep-chested dogs—flag them for GDV (bloat) education: if an owner reports unproductive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, marked drooling, weakness/collapse, or pale gums, instruct immediate ER care. For preventive scheduling, confirm hip screening is on file (OFA/PennHIP at ≥24 months), ensure at least one ACVO eye exam is recorded between 6 months and 8 years, and verify a Stationary Night Blindness (SNB/CSNB) DNA result is registered with OFA; route thyroid panel timing (autoimmune thyroiditis) to the doctor per parent‑club guidance. Ask about ear odor, discharge, or head-shaking and offer prompt ear checks—hairy, floppy ears in this breed are prone to infection.
Front desk script: Because Briards can be at risk for life‑threatening bloat, if you ever see unproductive retching, a tight swollen belly, heavy drooling, or weakness/collapse, please go straight to the nearest ER and call us on the way. For routine care, the breed club recommends hip screening after 24 months and at least one eye exam between 6 months and 8 years—would you like me to check your records and book what’s due? Also, their hairy ears can trap moisture; if you’re noticing head‑shaking or odor, I can add a same‑day ear check.
Large French herding/guardian; deeply bonded and protective, often reserved with strangers—expect a watchful, noise‑sensitive dog that responds best to calm, confident, low‑pressure handling and a quiet seating area. Ask owner to keep a short leash and lead introductions; avoid crowding at check‑in. What matters most: front‑desk triage awareness for bloat/GDV red flags in large breeds (sudden nonproductive retching, drooling, restlessness, tight or swollen belly—treat as an emergency); note common owner‑reported issues like hip/orthopedic stiffness and breed‑linked eye problems (night‑vision deficits, cataracts/PRA) that may make dim spaces or abrupt changes startling. Heat and heavy‑coat grooming needs are typical conversation points; defer medical guidance to the clinician.
Front desk script: “Briards can be very loyal and protective. We’ll keep things low‑key and seat you in a quieter spot—please keep them on a short leash and let us know if slow introductions help.” “If you ever see signs like unproductive retching, a swollen/tight belly, collapse, or pale gums, this can be an emergency—please come in immediately or go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.”
Briards are large, high-drive herding dogs that may be aloof or vocal in shelter settings and need structured enrichment, early socialization, and secure containment; their long, dense coat mats quickly—flag heavy matting at intake because it can hide skin and ear problems, and counsel adopters on a regular grooming plan. Note typical breed considerations for placement conversations: orthopedic issues (hips/elbows), inherited eye disease, and hypothyroidism per breed references, plus a large, deep-chested body type that carries risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat). Educate adopters on red-flag signs of bloat—restlessness, non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal distension, weakness/collapse—and state clearly that these require immediate emergency veterinary care.
Front desk script: Briards are athletic herding dogs with heavy coats and strong bonding/guarding instincts, so we talk through daily exercise, secure fencing/ID, and a realistic grooming plan. You may see double rear dewclaws—this is normal for the breed. If you ever see unproductive retching or a suddenly ‘bloated’ abdomen, go straight to an emergency vet and notify us after you’re en route.
Briards are large, intelligent herding/guarding dogs—deeply loyal to their person, often aloof with strangers, and sometimes independent—so expect a confident, watchful patient that may guard their owner and space. At check‑in, verify a secure collar/harness and short leash; avoid direct reaching or staring; seat away from other dogs/high‑traffic areas; offer car or quiet-room waiting when possible. For handoff, alert clinical staff if you observe stranger-wary or distance‑increasing signals (freezing, stiff posture, hard stare, growling, lip lift/air‑snap) or heightened arousal (panting, trembling, pacing); if these appear, pause intake and page a technician immediately for safe rooming and handling guidance. Note the long facial hair can obscure vision—announce yourself, approach from the side, and keep pathways clear. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/briard?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Hi there—Briards can be very loyal and sometimes reserved with new people, so we’ll give [Pet] extra space. Please keep the leash short and wait a bit away from other pets; we can room you quickly or arrange car check‑in. If you notice stiff posture, heavy panting, growling, or a hard stare, tell us right away and we’ll have a technician assist. Thank you for helping us keep [Pet] comfortable and safe.
Briards are large, deep-chested dogs and therefore at elevated risk for life‑threatening bloat/GDV. Escalate the call to a clinician immediately and direct same‑day emergency care if the caller reports: unproductive retching or dry heaving, a rapidly enlarging or painful abdomen, restlessness/pacing with excessive drooling, pale gums, weakness/collapse. Also treat as an emergency any sustained breathing difficulty, seizures, straining to urinate with little or no output, major trauma, or sudden profound lethargy. If any of these are present, state clearly: “This is an emergency—please come to the clinic now; if we are closed or you cannot arrive promptly, go to the nearest 24/7 ER immediately.”
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling—based on what you’re describing, your Briard needs to be seen immediately. Are you noticing dry heaves without anything coming up or a swollen belly?” Pause for a yes/no, then: “This is an emergency—please come straight to us now; if we’re closed or you’re more than ~20 minutes away, go to the nearest 24‑hour emergency hospital. I’m alerting the clinician so we’re ready for arrival.”