Is a Briard a good choice for apartments and families?

A Briard is a medium breed that typically needs more space and exercise, so they may not be ideal for small apartments. They may be better suited for households without young children. They shed moderately, with weekly brushing usually sufficient.

What are common health issues for medium breed dogs like the Briard?

Medium breeds like the Briard may be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and certain eye conditions. Regular vet checkups help catch issues early. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

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Briard Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Briard need per day?

A typical adult Briard weighing about 35 kg needs approximately 1612–2015 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

Medium Breed

Quick Answer

A healthy adult Briard weighs 30–40 kg (66.1–88.2 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 5–6 months and full weight by 12–14 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

30–40 kg

(66.1–88.2 lbs)

Size Category

medium

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~1612–2015 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

30 kgto40 kg

66.1 lbsto88.2 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

Your dog's weight (kg)

Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

Unit:

Current weight (kg)

Age

How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Briard Health & Weight Management

Briards are large, rugged herding dogs from France with a distinctive long, flowing coat and a confident, intelligent expression. Originally bred to herd sheep and guard flocks in the French countryside, they are powerful, athletic dogs with a natural protective instinct. Napoleon reportedly called them "the finest dog in France." Hip dysplasia and bloat (GDV) are significant health concerns in this large, deep-chested breed. Excess weight compounds joint stress and increases bloat risk. They are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy and certain blood-clotting disorders.

Exercise: Briards need 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise — long walks, running, herding, agility, and obedience work. They are working dogs at heart and need a job to stay mentally balanced. Without sufficient activity and purpose, they become destructive and develop behavioral issues. They excel at canine sports and love having tasks to complete.

Feeding tips: Feed 3–4 cups of large-breed formula daily in two meals to reduce bloat risk. Briards are large and active — adjust portions based on workload and body condition. Avoid feeding around exercise times. Their thick coat can hide weight gain, so feel their ribs monthly.

Keeping your Briard at a healthy 65–90 lbs (30–40 kg) protects their joints and reduces bloat risk. Use PawScale's calorie calculator for Briards to set exact daily limits, check body condition with our BCS assessment tool, and build a balanced meal plan with the feeding guide.

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-19

Is your Briard at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

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Briard Calorie Calculator

Calculate daily calorie needs in 3 steps

Life Stage

Activity Level

Neuter/Spay Status

Full Calorie Calculator

Detailed calorie needs with food brand comparisons

Feeding Guide

Personalized feeding plan with portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Briard weigh?

The ideal weight for a Briard is 30–40 kg (66.1–88.2 lbs). Weight can vary based on gender, age, and individual build. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Briard need per day?

A typical adult Briard weighing 35 kg needs approximately 1612–2015 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Briard overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Briard's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Briard reach full adult weight?

Briard puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 5–6 months and typically reach full adult weight by 12–14 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Briard need?

A Briard typically needs a 36-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Briard. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

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