Dog health

Briard health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Briard, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 23 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 6 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, cancer, kidney disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. A typical vet bill for a large dog runs $308 – $1,224.

Health problems linked to the Briard

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
CataractsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The lens of the eye turns cloudy and vision fades. Some cataracts can be removed surgically by a veterinary eye specialist. [5]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
HypothyroidismNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [8]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [9]
CancerNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Some breeds have higher rates of cancers such as lymphoma, bone cancer or hemangiosarcoma. Catching a new lump early gives the most options. [10]Cancer treatment (owner bills): $3,000–$10,000 total [11]
Biopsy (owner bills): $170–$400 [12]
Kidney diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter waste. It is managed with diet, fluids and regular blood tests rather than cured. [13]Ongoing medication (owner bills): $40–$225 [14]
Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [9]
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiencyNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The pancreas stops making digestive enzymes, so a dog loses weight despite eating well. Enzyme powder with each meal usually controls it. [15]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [9]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: The Briard is overall a healthy breed, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as cancer, hip dysplasia, congenital stationary night blindness, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, retinal folds, hypothyroidism, immune diseases, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and kidney disease. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB, LCA) - DNA Test. [1][16] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Briard, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [17] One health test costs $58 there. [18]

What to budget

For a large dog like the Briard, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640), and surgery, when needed, runs $541 – $3,903. [19]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Briard at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12 years and you get roughly $10,500–$18,200 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [19][20] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [21] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [22] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [23]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Briard?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, cancer, kidney disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. That doesn't mean every Briard will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Briard?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640).

Should I get pet insurance for a Briard?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Briard breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB, LCA) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Briard live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12 years.

Briard breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsCataracts in dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (23) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Briard breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. VCA – Cataracts in dogs
  6. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
  9. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  10. VCA – Lymphoma in dogs
  11. VetReceipt – Dog Cancer Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. VetReceipt – Dog Biopsy Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. VCA – Chronic kidney disease in dogs
  14. VetReceipt – Dog Chronic Medication Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  15. VCA – Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs
  16. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  17. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Briard DNA tests
  18. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  19. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  20. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  21. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  22. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  23. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)