I have owned Briards, and my extended family has always owned Briards... they are wonderful animals, but like any breed they do require research, and often patience. As far as trainability, they are stubborn, but with patience they are wonderful. Our briards (the family has has 6 total) have all been impecibly trained. All 6 have had incredibly different personalities. My guy was a rescue, and was incredibly afraid of silly things, like walking through doorways if a door wasn't completely open (for fear of catching his hair). We typically kept him shaved because it was easier for him since he had this fear, and he was not a show dog. My uncle's current briard is a lunatic in other ways, like has to run and pace everytime something is going on, like guests come over, or the family leaves. It seems to me each briard is miniacal about one specific thing. They pick something to be completely irrational about, but otherwise are wonderful pets. My aunt's briard was Queen of the Frisbees. If she went outside and a human came with her, she had to collect all 7 frisbees, in her mouth, at one time, and no one else could have any. They were hers, and she was not sharing. My uncle's other briard thought it was her job to keep the other family dog (a different breed) out of their den. She had no reason to have claimed that room, nor did she ever go in there, but it was her job and duty (in her own mind) to keep him out, no matter what... even though the humans never made that rule. It seems they have all given themselves a job to fulfil, and will do it no matter what. We have never had them as show dogs, nor has anyone in our extended family, even though all were from show lines. All briards we have had were absolutely wonderful with children, except for one thing. You absolutely cannot let children run in front of them (or at least no one could in front of our 6). They are shephards, and would run, grab the butt of the child, and bring them back. Even the best trained of ours would do this behavior. Or in an attempt to do so, would knock a child down. I do want to add that none of this was done aggressively, but at the same time children dont know that. Of all 6, none of them were aggressive, but no one would know that approaching the house. They all had a bark that began with a growl and shook the entire house before the bark was done. But all were friendly when people entered. They were also all good with other dogs. My briard did not like cats, and would go after them, but I think that was because of his previous owner. The girl you are thinking of adopting is beautiful, and certainly looks pure bred. Hope this was helpful... should you have any other questions on the breed, please feel free to PM me... I would be happy to help in any way i can.
