Briards are not hypoallergenic, but they do tend to shed less than other breeds.
Some Briard breeders may crop a puppy's ears in a round crop, then glue them together so they stand up. The ears will eventually stand erect on their own. It is usually done for cosmetic reasons, and may also help prevent ear infections. Briards may also have uncropped, or natural ears.
Briards may present a condition called congenital stationary night blindness. This genetic disease causes varying degrees of vision loss and night blindness. Affected dogs may experience minor night blindness or some vision loss and have a normal quality of life, while others may lose vision entirely. In order for puppies to inherit the recessive linked condition, both parents must be carriers of the disease.
A DNA test is available to determine whether a dog carries the gene for CSNB—they may test as clear, carrier, or affected. Carriers, or those with affected results should not be bred, but dogs who test clear will not develop or pass CSNB to offspring.
Double dewclaws are found in a handful of breeds, most of them herding dogs. The Briard's double dewclaws may aid in sharp turns and quick stops, but it isn't entirely clear why this trait has developed in the breed. Double dewclaws are required for show in the Briard's breed standard, but they may be removed if your vet recommends it and you do not plan to show your dog.