What was the Briard first bred for?

Answer 1

In 1863 a man named Pierre Megnin differentiated two types of sheepdogs, one with a long coat, which became known as the Briard, and the other with a short coat, which became the Beauceron. The Briard was then crossed with the Barbet to improve the dog's look. The Briard became popular only after the Paris dog show of 1863. In 1897 the first shepherd dog club was founded and both the Beauceron and the Briard were accepted into it. Prior to 1889 the Beauceron and Briard had a reputation of being a flock guard who was brave but one who was more incline to snap and bite in defense of its flock. Both breeds temperaments were softened through selective breeding. Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, and Lafayette all owned Briards. Centuries ago the Briard was used to defend their charges against poachers and wolves and by the French army ignoring exploding bombs and artillery fire. The dogs were used to run messages, detect mines, pick up trails, support commando actions, find the wounded, and carry food and ammunition to the front lines. The Briard may have been named after Aubry of Montdidier, who owned an early Briard, or for the French province of Brie, although the dog probably does not originate in that area. The Briard was recognized by the AKC in 1928. The Briard still serves as a flock guardian and herder. They also make great family companion dogs. Some of the Briards talents are search & rescue, police work, military work, herding, watchdog and guarding.