Breed Health
Briard Health Issues
A generally healthy herding breed, though a few hereditary conditions are worth screening for before breeding or adoption.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Congenital Stationary Night Blindness
A hereditary condition causing poor vision in low light, present from birth and documented largely in this breed; a DNA test can identify carriers before breeding.
Hip Dysplasia
A joint malformation that can affect mobility; screening of breeding parents lowers the odds in puppies.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
A life-threatening emergency common in large, deep-chested breeds; smaller, more frequent meals help reduce risk.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain and lethargy; a simple blood panel diagnoses it.
Preventive Care
Requesting a night blindness DNA test result from a breeder is one of the more valuable checks for this breed. Hip screening and feeding smaller, more frequent meals further reduce hereditary and bloat risk. Periodic thyroid panels as the dog ages round out a solid preventive routine.
Did You Know?
A Briard with congenital stationary night blindness typically sees normally in daylight, with the condition only affecting vision in dim light — many affected dogs go unnoticed without specific testing.
Briard Gifts
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