The breed standard also allows for a natural ear, which some people prefer. Since cropping is illegal in England and some Scandinavian countries, dogs imported from these countries also have natural ears. Even uncropped, the ears are quite mobile, lifting slightly and giving a square look to the top of the skull. Although the feature is common to many French sheepdog breeds, the Briard and the Great Pyrenees are the only two AKC breeds that have double dewclaws on the hind legs. The best dewclaws are real toes, placed low on the leg near the other toes to give the dog a wider foot for turning quickly.
Briards are large dogs.
American Briards are often somewhat larger than French Briards, but it is generally accepted that the smaller dog is quicker, has more stamina, and is lighter on its feet when herding. Health This is a generally healthy, long-lived breed, often living to 13 or 14 years. As with most breeds, Briards used for breeding should have their hips x-rayed for hip dysplasia, a sometimes crippling disease of one or both hips. Breeders should provide registration numbers from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to prove them free of the disease even though dogs with clear x-rays can produce dysplastic offspring. Both parents should also have their eyes checked each year or should have their eyes cleared for life.