Which is Better Between the Akbash and the Briard?

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Akbash Versus Briard: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the Briard? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the Briard better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the Briard.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the Briard is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the Briard. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the Briard.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the Briard.

Akbash versus Briard: Overview

Both the Akbash and the Briard are similar in size. The Akbash and the Briard are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Akbash belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Briard belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Akbash versus Briard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the Briard based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the Briard

Factor Akbash Briard
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 70 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $610 $2500
Price Range $500 – $800 $2500 – $2500
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 81.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination at least once between six (6) months and eight (8) years
  • Hip Dysplasia (min age 24 months for all tests)
  • Stationary Night Blindness
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Briard. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Briard is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the Briard. So, you should get the Akbash!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the Briard so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akbash and the Briard

    Below is a list of where the Akbash and the Briard are most different:

    • Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Briards have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Briards do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Briard

    The Akbash and the Briard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the Briard are most similar:

    • Both the Akbash and the Briard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the Briard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus Briard

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the Briard.

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Briards weigh 70 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Briards are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akbash versus Briard

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Briards is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Briards is 11.0 years.

    Temperament of the Briard Versus the Akbash

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the Briard.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Briard is 81.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 81.7 percent, the Briard has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akbash and the Briard by measuring the temperaments of 16 Akbashs and 382 Briards.

    Price of Akbash versus Price of Briard

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Briard puppy is $2500. The price of the Briard typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Briard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Briard is more expensive than the Akbash.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akbash and Briard. For different price points, the charts show how many Akbash puppies or how many Briard puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Briards

    A breakdown of the prices of Briards

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akbash puppy or the Briard puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Briard

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Briards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Akbashs shed more than Briards?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Briards do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the Briard

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Briards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the Briard?

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    Briards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Briard?

    Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Briards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Briards?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Briards are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Briards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Briards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Briard

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Briards have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Briards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Briards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the Briard?

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Briards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Briards?

    Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Briards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and Briards?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Briards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Briard?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Briards are very easy to train.

    Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the Briard?

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Briards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the Briard?

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Briards are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akbash versus Briard. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the Briard better suits you and your family.