Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

The Briard

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The Briard History and origin:

The Briard has been known since the 12th century and comes from the Brie area of France, where the dog is also known as the “Berger de Brie” or “Chien de Brie.”  He was first used to guard herds against wolves and poachers.  This breed was bred with good size and a protective weather-proof coat.

Description:
The Briard stands 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 55 and 90 pounds.  He has a large, strong, lanky body and a shedding coat that is long and straight or slightly wavy, with a finer undercoat.  The head is well coated, with a beard, long, arched, expressive eyebrows, and cropped or uncropped ears.  The eyes are almost covered with hair.  This breed requires  daily brushing and combing to prevent mats.  A shorter clip will reduce the maintenance requirements.  The color may be black, gray, or tawny or a combination of two of these colors.

About The Briard

The Briard is a great family pet, a farm worker, a good guard dog, and a successful show dog.  He is loyal, easy to train, and has a gentle nature.  This active, lively, independent breed is affectionate with his family and reserved with strangers.  Alert and territorial, he may be initially resistant to training.  A firm, consistent technique combined with early socialization will be needed to reduce pushy, suspicious behavior.  Giving this breed a job such as herding, competition obedience, or agility work will help focus his energy and increase his confidence.  The Briard may chase cars, bikes, and joggers and may not tolerate the hectic activity of young children, perhaps nipping at them in an effort to herd them.  Roughhousing and chasing should not be allowed.  This breed can also be dog-aggressive.  The Briard may be susceptible to hip dysplasia and eye problems.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for the Briard is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of a high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.

Ideal home:
The Briard needs a house with a fenced yard. The owner of a Briard should be an active, firm leader, who desires an athletic, lively, intelligent breed. Daily exercise is mandatory; competition obedience or herding would help focus this breed and build his confidence.  Sedentary people should avoid this breed. Spoilers and nervous types may encourage a pushy, nippy, timid attitude.  Older children who will not roughhouse or play chase games are okay.  The elderly and the disabled may have trouble controlling this active breed.  The Briard does better in a dry clim

The Bearded Collie

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Bearded Collie History and origin:

Believed to be one of the oldest herding dog in Scotland, the Bearded Collie was developed in 17th and 18th century England and Scotland. This breed was used for herding and cattle droving. His weather- resistant coat enables him to withstand harsh, wet climates.

Description:

The Bearded Collie stands 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 45 and 55 pounds. He has an athletic medium-size body and a long, flat, shaggy, shedding coat that mats easily and absorbs odors. Daily brushing and combing as well as regular bathing are essential for this breed. His coat can be kept in a shorter clip to reduce maintenance. His coat may be black or blue-gray with or without white, or it may be fawn or brown, both with or without white. The color may lighten or darken as the dog ages.

About the Bearded Collie:

A natural herder, this beautiful dog is a devoted pet who is friendly, playful and good with children. He is intelligent, active, easily trained, and makes a great show dog. The Bearded Collie is initially reserved with strangers but comes around quickly. This is a sensitive and mildly stubborn breed that responds well to consistent training if the technique is firm but not overbearing. The “Come” command can be the hardest to teach. The Bearded Collie, like most other herding breeds, has a tendency to chase moving objects such as cars, bikes, and joggers. Though reliable with children, he likes to chase them and nip at their heels. Children should not be allowed to play chase games with this breed. The Bearded Collie needs regular exercise. He can excel at competition obedience, agility work, and herding.

Feeding:

Recommended feeding for the Bearded Collie is 1 to 1 ½ cans (13.3oz) of a branded meaty product with biscuit added in the same amount or 3 cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Ideal home:

This breed needs plenty of exercise. A house with a fenced yard is essential. The owner of a Bearded Collie should be a consistent leader who wants an enthusiastic, friendly family dog that can excel in obedience work. Children are fine, provided no chasing or roughhousing is permitted. Spoilers and nervous owners may reduce the dog’s confidence and promote timidity and fear-biting. The elderly and the disabled may have trouble owning this active breed. Time to train, exercise, socialize, and groom the Bearded Collie is important.

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