The Briard is a large and robust herding dog known for its loyalty and intelligence. Originating from France, this breed typically displays a significant variation in size between males and females. Males generally stand between 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 70 to 90 pounds. Females, slightly smaller, usually measure 22 to 25.5 inches in height and weigh between 50 to 70 pounds. The Briard’s physical stature complements its energetic and protective nature, making it a formidable working dog and a dependable family companion. Their size and strength reflect their historical role as both a herder and a guardian of flocks.
Male Briard Weights & Heights by Age
The following chart contains the average weights and heights of male Briard from newborn to 3 years of age. Please note these are only averages. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your Briard’s growth.
| Age (Months/Years) | Average Weight (lbs) | Average Weight (kg) | Average Height (in) | Average Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | 8-10 | 3.6-4.5 | 8-10 | 20-25 |
| 2 | 18-22 | 8.2-10 | 12-14 | 30-36 |
| 3 | 30-35 | 13.6-15.9 | 16-18 | 40-46 |
| 4 | 40-50 | 18.1-22.7 | 18-21 | 46-53 |
| 5-6 | 55-65 | 24.9-29.5 | 21-23 | 53-58 |
| 7-9 | 65-75 | 29.5-34.0 | 22-24 | 56-61 |
| 10-12 | 70-85 | 31.8-38.6 | 23-26 | 58-66 |
| 2 years | 70-90 | 31.8-40.8 | 23-27 | 58-69 |
| 3 years | 70-90 | 31.8-40.8 | 23-27 | 58-69 |
Female Briard Weights & Heights by Age
The following chart contains the average weights and heights of female Briard from newborn to 3 years of age. Please note these are only averages. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your Briard’s growth.
| Age (Months/Years) | Average Weight (lbs) | Average Weight (kg) | Average Height (in) | Average Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | 6-8 | 2.7-3.6 | 7-9 | 18-23 |
| 2 | 15-18 | 6.8-8.2 | 11-13 | 28-33 |
| 3 | 25-30 | 11.3-13.6 | 14-16 | 36-41 |
| 4 | 35-40 | 15.9-18.1 | 16-19 | 41-48 |
| 5-6 | 45-55 | 20.4-24.9 | 18-21 | 46-53 |
| 7-9 | 50-60 | 22.7-27.2 | 20-22 | 51-56 |
| 10-12 | 50-70 | 22.7-31.8 | 21-24 | 53-61 |
| 2 years | 50-70 | 22.7-31.8 | 22-25.5 | 56-65 |
| 3 years | 50-70 | 22.7-31.8 | 22-25.5 | 56-65 |
These tables are based on general guidelines and can vary greatly depending on individual dogs. Always consult with a veterinarian or professional breeder for more specific information about your pet’s growth and development.
FAQs about a Briard Puppy’s Growth and Development
1. How fast do Briard puppies grow?
Briard puppies experience most of their growth in the first six months. During this period, they can rapidly gain weight and height, but growth slows down as they approach one year. It’s important to monitor their diet to ensure they grow at a healthy rate.
2. What is the ideal weight for a Briard puppy at 3 months?
At 3 months, a male Briard puppy typically weighs between 30-35 pounds (13.6-15.9 kg), while a female averages 25-30 pounds (11.3-13.6 kg). These weights can vary based on the puppy’s genetic background and nutrition.
3. How tall should a Briard be at 6 months?
By 6 months, male Briard puppies are usually about 21-23 inches tall (53-58 cm), and females stand around 18-21 inches (46-53 cm). Height can be influenced by factors such as diet and overall health.
4. Why is my Briard puppy not gaining weight?
If your Briard puppy isn’t gaining weight, it could be due to inadequate diet, digestive issues, or parasites. Ensure you’re feeding high-quality puppy food in appropriate portions and consult your vet if weight gain doesn’t improve.
5. Can growth spurts in Briard puppies cause joint problems?
Briard puppies can experience growth spurts that put stress on their joints. It’s important to manage their exercise and avoid strenuous activities that could cause joint damage. Regular vet check-ups are essential to monitor their bone development.
6. What should I feed my Briard puppy to support healthy growth?
Feed your Briard puppy a balanced diet formulated for large breed puppies. Such diets are designed to support steady growth and include the right balance of protein, fat, and minerals to support bone health.
7. How can I tell if my Briard puppy is overweight?
Check for excess weight by feeling around their ribs and spine. If you can’t easily feel their ribs without pressing hard, they may be overweight. Overfeeding puppies can lead to obesity and health issues in adulthood.
8. What is the maximum height a Briard can reach by one year?
By one year, most male Briard puppies reach close to their adult height, typically around 23-26 inches (58-66 cm), while females might grow to 21-24 inches (53-61 cm). They may continue to fill out in muscle and breadth after this age.
9. How often should I weigh my Briard puppy?
Weigh your Briard puppy monthly to ensure they are growing at a healthy rate. Regular weigh-ins help track growth and can alert you early to any potential health issues.
10. Is it normal for a Briard puppy’s growth to plateau?
It’s normal for growth to slow down as your Briard nears their adult size, usually around 10-12 months old. A plateau in growth may occur before they reach their full adult size at about 2-3 years.
11. How does neutering/spaying affect my Briard puppy’s growth?
Neutering or spaying can influence your Briard’s growth. These procedures can sometimes result in a slight increase in eventual adult size due to changes in hormone levels affecting the growth plate closure.
12. What are growth plates in Briard puppies?
Growth plates are soft areas at the ends of the long bones in puppies where bone growth occurs. These plates gradually harden as the puppy matures, closing fully when they reach adult size, usually around 18 to 24 months.
13. Can I give supplements to my Briard puppy for better growth?
It’s usually not necessary to give supplements if your puppy is on a balanced diet. Excessive supplementation, especially of calcium, can harm normal bone development. Always consult with a vet before adding supplements to your puppy’s diet.
14. What are common signs of growth abnormalities in Briard puppies?
Signs of growth abnormalities include limping, difficulty moving, swelling near joints, or an uneven gait. These could indicate issues like hip dysplasia or other joint problems common in larger breeds.
15. How do genetics affect my Briard puppy’s growth?
Genetics play a significant role in determining the size and growth rate of your Briard. The sizes of the parents often provide the best clues to how big your puppy will grow.
16. Why is my Briard puppy growing unevenly?
Uneven growth could be due to nutritional imbalances or developmental issues. If one part of the body seems out of proportion, consult your veterinarian to rule out any health problems.
17. What exercise is best for a growing Briard puppy?
Moderate exercise is crucial for developing strong bones and muscles. Avoid high-impact activities that could damage growing joints, and opt for activities like gentle walks and brief play sessions.
18. How long does it take for a Briard to reach full maturity?
Briards generally reach their full physical maturity around 2-3 years of age. However, their emotional and behavioral maturity may continue to develop beyond this age.
19. What should I do if my Briard puppy shows signs of rapid growth?
If your puppy seems to be growing very quickly, ensure their diet is appropriate and not too high in calories, which can lead to rapid growth and associated health issues. Consult your vet for guidance.
20. At what age will my Briard stop growing taller and start gaining more body mass?
Briards usually stop growing taller by around 18 months and will continue to gain muscle and body mass until they are about 2-3 years old. This shift from vertical growth to gaining mass is gradual and varies by individual.
