A breed of Dog originating from France bred for herding, and were used by the French Army as a messenger, sentry and to search for missing soldiers during World War I. They have a large body and shaggy brown, black or tawny fur that tends to cover the eyes.
In popular culture, Dennis the Menace's dog Ruff is a Briard. Also, Chewbacca from Star Wars fame was modeled after the Briard.