Briard Pet Insurance | Compare Prices & Policies | Savvy

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Find out all about Briards and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 28th, 2023

Price range

$500 – $800

Height

54–68cm

Weight

22–40kg

Personality

Loyal, intelligent, protective

Coat length

Long, double coat

Exercise needs

Moderate to high

Kid-friendly?

Yes – with socialisation and supervision

Life expectancy

10–12 years

Overview

The Briard, a French herding breed, has a history rooted in sheep farming. Originating in the Brie region of France, these dogs were developed for their exceptional herding abilities. Their robust and muscular physique, combined with a distinctive long, wavy coat, provides both protection from the elements and a striking appearance. Briards are versatile working dogs, excelling not only in herding but also in roles like search and rescue, and even as military or police assistants.

Beyond their working prowess, Briards exhibit a charming temperament. They are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards their families, making them excellent companions. While they are generally gentle and friendly, they can also display a protective streak, making them reliable guardians. Briards thrive on human interaction and are eager to please, but they do require consistent training and early socialisation to become well-adjusted pets.

As a pet, Briards are well-suited for families that can accommodate their energetic nature. They have a moderate to high activity level and benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation. With their loving disposition and devotion to their families, Briards can be a wonderful addition to households that value an active and engaging canine companion.

Common diseases and conditions of Briards

Hypothyroidism: this is a hormonal disorder that affects the thyroid gland, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. It can be managed with medication.
Hip dysplasia: this genetic condition affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort. It's important for Briard owners to have their dogs screened for hip dysplasia, as it can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness. Regular eye check-ups are crucial to monitor and manage this condition.
Bloat (gastric torsion): Briards, like many large breeds, are susceptible to bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Immediate veterinary attention is required.
Cataracts: this is a common eye condition in Briards, leading to cloudy vision. Regular eye examinations are important for early detection and treatment.

Breed-specific issues:

Due to their herding instincts, Briards may display a tendency to try and round up or nip at small animals or even children. It’s crucial for owners to provide proper training and supervision, particularly when they are around young children or other pets. Providing structured activities and tasks can help channel their energy in a positive way and prevent undesirable behaviours.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Briard?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Briard, including the following:

Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.
Type of insurance you choose: there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.
The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.
Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.
Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.
Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do.
Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Briards

Do Briards require a lot of grooming?

Briards have a dense double coat that requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangles. While they are not considered heavy shedders, they do go through seasonal shedding periods, especially during spring and fall. During these times, more frequent brushing can help manage loose fur and keep their coat in good condition.

Are Briards easy to train?

Briards are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them generally receptive to training. However, they can also have an independent streak, so consistent and patient training methods work best. Early socialisation and positive reinforcement techniques are highly recommended for Briard puppies to grow into well-behaved and obedient adults.

Are Briards good for first-time dog owners?

Briards are intelligent and loyal, which can make them wonderful companions for the right owner. However, they can also be independent and require consistent training and socialisation, which may present a challenge for first-time or less active owners.

How do I socialise a Briard puppy?

Early socialisation is crucial for a Briard puppy's development. Introduce them to a variety of people, places and experiences in a positive and controlled manner. Expose them to different environments, sounds and interactions with other dogs. Enrolling them in puppy socialisation classes can also be highly beneficial in building their confidence and ensuring they grow up to be well-adjusted adults.

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