Newfoundland vs Briard
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Newfoundland
Working Group
Briard
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Newfoundland Overview
Majestic and powerful, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick black, brown, or white-and-black coats. Their massive heads, deep chest, and muscular build reflect their water rescue heritage. Standing up to 28 inches tall with males weighing up to 150 pounds, they possess webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat. Their calm, patient demeanor and soft expression embody their reputation as natural caregivers.
Briard Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Briard showcases a distinctive shaggy double coat in various shades including black, gray, and tawny. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage, while their intelligent eyes and proud bearing command attention. Standing 23-27 inches at the shoulder with a well-proportioned frame, these dogs combine strength with elegance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Newfoundlands are less energetic than Briards, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Newfoundlands require less grooming attention compared to Briards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Newfoundlands tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Briards.
- Trainability: Briards may be slightly easier to train due to their Briard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Briards adapt better to apartment living, while Newfoundlands typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Newfoundland and Briard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Newfoundland | Briard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 9-10 years | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Newfoundland | Briard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 100-150 lbs 45-68 kg | 55-100 lbs 25-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Newfoundland | Briard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Sweet, Patient, Devoted | Confident, Smart, Faithful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Newfoundland | Briard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Newfoundland Temperament
The Newfoundland is known for being sweet, patient, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Briard Temperament
The Briard is characterized by being confident, smart, faithful, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Newfoundland and Briard, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Briard
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Briard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Briard
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Newfoundland
Rating: 1/5
Briard
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Briard
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Newfoundland Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Newfoundlands require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Briard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Briards need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Briards require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Newfoundland Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Briard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Heart Issues
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Newfoundland
Pros
- Excellent with children
- Gentle and patient
- Strong swimming abilities
- Loyal and protective
- Good therapy dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Excessive drooling
- Expensive to maintain
- Need lots of space
- Short lifespan
Briard
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with children
- Intelligent
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed nature
- Reserved with strangers
- Requires extensive exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Newfoundland and Briard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.