Let me preface this by saying: I love both Briards and Caucasian Shepherds, both are my heart breeds and I’ll always have at least one of each. They’re both working breeds, bred for tough jobs, and they excel at what they do. But here’s the thing: their jobs are very different, and you have to understand that these differences make them suitable (or not) for very different types of people.
The Briard, this giant mop of a dog with a heart of gold (referred to as a “heart wrapped in fur”), is a herder with a side job as a guardian. They’re bred to partner with shepherds, but make independent decisions when needed, helping manage livestock and keep them safe. But their intelligence and trainability make them fantastic all-rounders. They can be service dogs, therapy dogs, compete in sports like agility and dock diving, do search and rescue, etc. They’re endlessly adaptable, as happy hiking by your side as they are curled up on the couch. This is why they were given the title of the official dog of the French army, and also a big part of why they’re so rare – the army used them almost into extinction during the world wars, for every last job they could think of.
The Caucasian Shepherd, on the other hand, is an unchanging force of nature. These massive guardians, bred for working in remote mountains (and the modern ones taken by the Russians and bred to be very human aggressive as well), are true independent thinkers, as they were bred to work entirely independent of a handler. Their primary function is to guard livestock, and they take that job very seriously. They’re suspicious of strangers, incredibly strong, and fearless. They are primitive guardians – they were never bred to work FOR a handler like a border collie was, they have next to no biddability compared to the modern dog.
Living with a Briard vs. Living with a Caucasian Shepherd
Imagine living with a giant, loving, goofy teenager who’s always eager to please. That’s a Briard. They need a good deal of training, of course, but they’re generally happy to go along with your plans as long as you can convince them they’re their plans too. They can be rambunctious at times but generally are happy laying with you, lightly guarding you, helping you when they can.
Now imagine living with a Viking warrior who tolerates your presence but sure as hell isn’t going to go fight battles simply because you’ve said to. That’s a Caucasian Shepherd. They’re generally not aggressive for no reason (the well bred, well trained ones anyways), but their guarding instincts are intense. They need a very experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent leadership and be prepared to handle the extreme aggression that can come with a Caucasian. Even with appropriate threat assessment, they’re a LOT of dog.
Who Needs a Caucasian Shepherd?
Honestly, not many people. These are incredible working dogs, but they’re a handful, to say the least. These dogs should not be handled by the general public, they SHOULD be rare. In the hands of the average soccer mom, these dogs will very likely have a bite history by the time they’re 18 months old, particularly if the dog isn’t well bred (most aren’t). While they don’t NEED dozens of acres to patrol, they absolutely need an outlet for their guardian work and safe places to feel like they’re patroling. Apartments are NOT suitable, the dog is very unlikely to be okay with a bunch of strangers around making noise always (and they shouldn’t be okay with it) or having no yard at all. I live in effectively a stand alone studio apartment (why I don’t do board and trains currently, but a move is happening soon!), but we have more than 1/4 acre for Pandora to patrol when she’s not protecting us on trails and things (that’s why she came to us – we kept having our dogs attacked, predators on the property, dangerous people around). She’s got plenty of outlets, both on property and off, and is a very happy girl. I do not recommend anyone in a small space follow my lead – I myself would not have done it if not for a NEED for her. We planned on waiting until we had more property but needed her sooner.
Who Needs a Briard?
Almost anyone who wants a loyal, loving companion and can handle a little bit of a challenge. They do need exercise and mental stimulation, plus loads of socialization as pups, but they’re incredibly versatile and adaptable. They’re big goofballs with a surprising amount of finesse. These dogs are so silly, not a day will go by without a laugh, but they switch like a light into serious workers the second they deem it to be work time. They’re independent thinkers as well, but not on the same level as a Caucasian. These dogs can be, and historically have been, used for almost anything. You got a job? A briard can probably excel at it.
The Bottom Line
Both Briards and Caucasian Shepherds are amazing dogs, but they’re suited to very different lifestyles. If you’re looking for a giant cuddle monster who can also be your adventure buddy, the Briard is your dog. If you have a lot of experience and genuine need for a dog that can be more aggressive than a mama bear, then the Caucasian Shepherd might be a good fit. But for most people, the Briard’s friendly, all-around nature makes them the far more realistic, safe choice.
