Briard Grooming Guide

Coat Overview

The Briard's Long, Wavy Double Coat

The Briard's coat is one of the most distinctive in the herding group. Unlike the flat, harsh outer coats of the Belgian varieties or the silky long coat of some other herding breeds, the Briard's outer coat is long, slightly wavy, and dry in texture — it should not be flat, silky, or tightly curled. The waves form naturally along the coat length, giving the dog its characteristic shaggy, rustic appearance. The undercoat is fine, tight, and dense.

The coat grows everywhere on the body including the face, where the long eyebrows and beard create the Briard's signature expression. The eyebrows fan outward and slightly upward, partially obscuring the eyes in a breed-typical way. The beard and mustache accumulate food and water and require dedicated attention between grooming sessions.

The Briard's coat is slightly less prone to tight mat formation than the long, fine coat of the Bearded Collie, because the wavy texture provides some natural separation. However, without regular brushing, the undercoat and outer coat can still form significant mats, particularly in high-friction areas like the armpits, behind the ears, and around the collar.

The coat grows long but is self-limiting to some degree — it tends to part naturally along the spine and fall to the sides. No trimming is required for correct presentation of the breed, other than basic hygiene neatening and paw tidying. Many pet owners, however, maintain their Briard in a shorter 'working trim' or puppy cut to reduce the grooming commitment.

Grooming Routine

The Briard Grooming Process

Brushing (Every 2–3 Days): Begin with a wide-toothed metal comb or pin brush, working section by section from the skin outward. Line brush by lifting the outer coat and working through the undercoat first, then the outer coat. The wavy texture can make mats feel less apparent than they are — use the comb to feel for any resistance. Focus on the classic high-friction zones: armpits, behind the ears, under the collar, groin, and between the thighs. The beard and eyebrow areas require particular attention.

Beard and Face Maintenance: The beard and mustache collect significant food and water debris. Wipe after each meal with a damp cloth. Keep a dedicated beard towel near the water bowl. Trim the beard periodically to reduce accumulation and maintain a tidy appearance. Gently work a comb through the beard and mustache several times per week — food and moisture can cause mats and skin irritation in this area.

Bathing (Every 6–10 Weeks): Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo for long or wavy-coated breeds. The Briard's thick double coat requires several minutes to fully saturate — take your time. Apply shampoo in the direction of coat growth; working against the grain can tangle the wavy coat. Use a conditioner to help maintain the natural wave pattern and ease combing after the bath. Rinse very thoroughly — product residue in this thick coat can cause skin irritation.

Blow-Drying (Essential): Never allow a Briard to air-dry after bathing. The thick coat traps moisture, which leads to mat formation and potential hot spots. Use a medium heat dryer while brushing through the coat section by section. A high-velocity dryer is the most efficient tool for the Briard's dense coat. Ensure the undercoat is completely dry — it can retain moisture even when the outer coat feels dry to the touch.

Double Dewclaw Trimming: The double dewclaws on each hind leg require trimming every 3–4 weeks. They grow rapidly because they don't contact the ground and can curl into the skin if left too long. Use a heavy-duty nail clipper and trim in small increments. See the special considerations section for more detail.

Special Considerations

Dewclaws, Working Trim Options, and Eye Visibility

Double Dewclaw Maintenance: The Briard's double rear dewclaws are a breed requirement and must be retained. Because they don't wear naturally through ground contact, they require trimming every 3–4 weeks — on the same schedule as regular nails but with extra attention. Check these dewclaws weekly as they can curve quickly. If a dewclaw grows to the point of curling toward the skin, seek veterinary assistance to trim it safely. Regularly handling the hind legs and dewclaws from puppyhood makes maintenance far easier throughout the dog's life.

Eyebrow Care: The Briard's characteristic long eyebrows partially obscure the eyes. This is correct breed presentation and should not be trimmed in show dogs. For pet dogs, many owners tie back the eyebrow hair with a small clip or trim it slightly to improve the dog's forward vision and eye comfort. If you choose to leave the eyebrows full, check that the hair is not irritating the cornea — if the dog is squinting or rubbing its face, the eyebrow hair may need to be trimmed or secured.

Working Trim / Puppy Cut: Many pet Briard owners maintain the coat in a 'working trim' — approximately 3–4 inches long all over — which dramatically reduces grooming time and brushing frequency. This trim maintains the Briard's shaggy character while eliminating the most demanding aspects of full coat maintenance. Professional grooming appointments every 8–10 weeks for a working trim bath and cut are far less time-consuming than maintaining a full-length show coat.

Coat Quality and Nutrition: The health of the Briard's coat is closely tied to diet. A high-quality food with appropriate levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports coat shine, texture, and skin health. Dry, brittle coat or excessive skin flaking may indicate nutritional deficiencies or an underlying health issue worth discussing with your veterinarian.