Briard vs German Shepherd

If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The German Shepherd's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.

One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Briard is typically loyal, protective and intelligent, making them well suited for families, experienced-owners and active lifestyles.

The German Shepherd needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Briard (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the German Shepherd.

Life expectancy favors the Briard: 12–14 years versus the German Shepherd's 9–13 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Briard.

The German Shepherd has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the German Shepherd tends to catch on a bit faster.

Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,500–$3,000 for a Briard and $1,000–$3,000 for a German Shepherd. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.

The Briard (27–41 kg (60–90 lbs), 56–69 cm (22–27 in)) and German Shepherd (22–40 kg (49–88 lbs), 55–65 cm (22–26 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.