Briard versus Dutch Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Briard Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd? 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 Briard and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Briard and the Dutch Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Briard and for the Dutch Shepherd. 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 Briard and the Dutch Shepherd.

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

Briard versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Briard is a large-sized dog while the Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd are Herding Dogs. This means both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Briard versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Briard to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Briard and the Dutch Shepherd

Factor Briard Dutch Shepherd
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 25 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 100 pounds 50 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2500 $1530
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $900 – $1500
Temperament Score 81.7 percent 96.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • 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
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Briard 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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Briard is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Briard and the Dutch Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd

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

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

    The Similarities Between the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd

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

    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Briard and the Dutch Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd are very easy to train.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd are very playful.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd get along well with other dogs.

    Size Comparison of Briard versus Dutch Shepherd

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

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

    On the other hand, Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Briard versus Dutch Shepherd

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

    The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    Dutch Shepherds live longer than Briards.

    Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Briard

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Briard.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 81.7 percent, the Briard has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Briard and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 382 Briards and 26 Dutch Shepherds.

    Price of Briard versus Price of Dutch Shepherd

    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 reviewing the prices of 1 Briard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1530. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 45 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Briard is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Briard puppy or the Dutch Shepherd 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: Briard versus Dutch Shepherd

    Briards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Briards shed more than Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Briard or the Dutch Shepherd

    Briards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Briard or the Dutch Shepherd?

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

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Briard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?

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

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

    Do Briards Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Briards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Briards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. Dutch Shepherd

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

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

    Can Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Briards get along very well with other dogs.

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Briards good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Briards and Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Briard Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Briards are very easy to train.

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Briard Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Briards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Briards are OK for new dog owners.

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Briard versus Dutch Shepherd. 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 Briard and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.