Which is Better Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard?

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Briard: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Briard.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Briard is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Briard
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 70 to 100 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1160 $2500
Price Range $450 – $1200 $2500 – $2500
Temperament Score 87.4 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Briard is 79 out of 125.

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

    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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are most different:

    • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Briards get along well with other dogs.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers 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.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Briards are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Briards require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Briards are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are most similar:

    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 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 American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Briards.

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Briard

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Briard.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 382 Briards.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Briard

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1160. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $450 – $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 561 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Briards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Briards?

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Briard

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Briards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Briard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Briard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

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

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Briards?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Briards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Briards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Briard

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Briards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Briard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Briards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Briards?

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terriers and Briards?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Briard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Briards are very easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Briard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Briards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Briard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Briards are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Briard better suits you and your family.