Schipperke vs Briard
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Schipperke
Non-Sporting Group
Briard
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Schipperke Overview
Schipperkes are small, sturdy dogs with distinctive black coats and fox-like faces. Their well-muscled bodies support an alert, confident stance, while their thick double coat forms a characteristic ruff, cape, and culottes. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these agile dogs move with purpose and grace, displaying their heritage as both watchdogs and ratters through their keen expression and quick movements.
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: Schipperkes are more energetic than Briards, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Schipperkes require less grooming attention compared to Briards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Schipperkes tend to be more reserved 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 Schipperkes typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Schipperke and Briard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Schipperke | Briard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Schipperke | Briard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 10-16 lbs 5-7 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 | Schipperke | Briard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Alert, Curious | Confident, Smart, Faithful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Schipperke | Briard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Schipperke Temperament
The Schipperke is known for being confident, alert, curious, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Schipperke 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
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Briard
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Briard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Schipperke
Rating: 4/5
Briard
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Schipperke
Rating: 2/5
Briard
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Briard
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Schipperke Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Schipperkes 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
Schipperke Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- MPS IIIB
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Briard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Heart Issues
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Schipperke
Pros
- Excellent watchdog
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Barks frequently
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
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 Schipperke and Briard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.