There’s a new top dawg on DoG Street. Meet Liberty, a shaggy mop of wavy fur, with boundless energy and a friendly disposition.
Colonial Williamsburg’s first mascot, a Briard, was born in April in New Mexico and only recently arrived in the Revolutionary City. The puppy is still learning its way around town and is being trained to become a therapy dog.
Liberty will be known as George Washington’s dog, but will spend most of her time with a costumed handler. The two will walk the streets of the Historic Area and visit with guests in our hotels. Eventually, you’ll be able to track Liberty’s adventures both on our website and through your mobile devices.
Why a Mascot?
“The idea of a mascot came from our witnessing the everyday interactions between our guests—particularly children and people with special needs—and the dogs of DoG Street,” explains our President and CEO Mitchell Reiss. “We saw these not only as moments of affection and warmth, but also as teachable moments that could bring history to life.”
Duke of Gloucester (DoG) Street has been called “America’s Main Street,” and it is famously dog-friendly. It’s also family friendly. Liberty will be one more way to help tell the stories of Williamsburg. As people visit, they can learn about the founders as well as their faithful companions.
Why a Briard?
“We researched dogs that were contemporary to 18th-century Williamsburg and the Briard instantly jumped off the page,” explains Reiss.
History tells us Briards originally descended from the sheepdogs of medieval France. It’s there that the breed acquired its reputation for being intensely loyal and a stout defender of shepherds’ flocks. The dogs had the endurance to work for long stretches of time and the size to successfully ward off threats.
Unlike many breeds that have had dramatic changes in their behavior and appearance in 200-plus years, the Briard has had minimal cross-breeding since it was introduced into the United States in the 18th century. In fact, the dogs today look and act very much like they did then.
George Washington is best known for creating the American foxhound breed, but his menagerie included many other types of dogs. He certainly had herding dogs to protest his flocks of sheep from predators.
In all likelihood though it was probably Thomas Jefferson who first brought the breed from France after serving as ambassador in the 1780s. Before leaving, he purchased a chien bergere de Brie, which many believe to be the shepherd dog that would eventually be known as the Briard. He named that dog Buzzy and she had two pups on board the ship, so he arrived stateside with three.
The Marquis de Lafayette, who of course also spent time in Williamsburg, soon sent him two more of the same type of dog. Jefferson began breeding those dogs and they became known all across Virginia. In 1791, he wrote to his son-in-law, Thomas Mann Randolph, that he intended to offer President Washington “a pair of puppies of the Shepherd’s dog.”
We’re not sure what came of that plan, but Colonial Williamsburg’s choice of a Briard mascot serves as the symbolic fulfillment of Jefferson’s proposed gift.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Briard in 1928 and it currently ranks as the 126th most popular dog breed in the country. While it seems unusual, it may actually be more familiar than you think. Tramp from My Three Sons and Buck from Married with Children were Briards. My favorite? Sam the Sheepdog from the Looney Tunes cartoons.
A full-grown Briard is pretty big—weighing close to 75 pounds. Expect Liberty to be instantly recognizable on the streets and not just because of size. Other traits of the breed include thick fur that covers the eyes, double dew claws on the hind legs, and a crook at the end of the tail. The dog’s gait can also make it appear as if it’s “gliding” across the ground.
Why the Name “Liberty?”
George Washington’s dogs had names that varied from feminine (Duchess, Countess, and Madame Moose) to mythological (Juno, Jupiter, and Vulcan) to comedic (Tipsy, Tipler and Drunkard). And then there’s the unclassifiable: Sweet Lips. Sadly, the story of that name origin appears lost to history.
We chose the name Liberty because it “seemed like a natural fit,” says Reiss. “It symbolizes both General Washington’s role in securing our liberties and Williamsburg’s unique place in the public imagination as the place where the rights and freedoms we enjoy today were born.”
When Can You Meet Liberty?
As you can see, Liberty is already a celebrity among her peers. While she’s still very young and in the middle of important training, Liberty will be making a special appearance to the public on September 19. We’re inviting you (and your dogs) to join George Washington, Liberty, and all our friends from Heritage Humane Society for a special Dogs of DoG Street event. The fun kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Palace Green with an exciting march down to the Capitol.
Don’t miss our live auction where you can bid on replica collars and leashes similar to the 18th-century inspired accessories Liberty is already sporting. The event is free but we’re asking everyone to bring a donation for the shelter pups. Click on the link to read more about what they need and to see some of Liberty’s friends waiting for adoption.
What do you think of our new mascot? Will we see you on September 19? RSVP in the comments and while you’re at it, upload a picture of your pup to join the Dogs of DoG Street Club!
Sara says
Where is Liberty living while she works for you? A nice home with a family, I hope.
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Brittany Cole says
Me and My little girl Trixie would love to come out since we live local but unfortunately I have to work. But im a computer arts major at TNCC and im doing a 6 page article on Colonial Williamsburg. I have been a few times to take pictures but have not had a chance to meet liberty yet which i hope to come next week and do so.
Holly says
Myself, daughter and our two fur babies Niko & Nelly look forward to meeting Liberty!!!
This news make me soooo happy!!! This is a picture of our late Briard, MacGregor, posing in Colonial Williamsburg almost 5 years ago. We are getting a new Briard baby girl in a few weeks and we can’t wait to take her to meet Liberty!! Our family will be watching the parade this Saturday.
Estie says
Looking forward to being on DOG street with Mac— my Pembroke Welsh Corgi—-we both look forward to seeing Liberty and all of the other pups - HUZZAH!
Barbara Elmer says
My husband and I are hoping to meet Liberty when we visit Williamsburg in October. We visit at least once a year and we often cross paths with the resident cats. We have had encounters with one of the cats at the kitchen at the Armoury I think that is Eleanor. On our last visit we saw a cat near the George Wythe house who was very friendly and I was able to pet them. Not sure which cat it was. We always enjoy seeing the kitties being a cat lover and parents of two cats of our own Jasper and Patches. We also enjoy seeing all the dogs being walked on DOG street especially the local dogs that you start seeing each time you visit. I envy the locals who get to walk CW daily. My husband and I hope to retire to the area. See you all in October.
Melissa Bonhoff says
Mine name is Melissa Bonhoff and corgi chi chi are looking forward to meeting liberty and Mr Washington
Donna Schennum says
My husband and I visited Colonial Willamsburg for the first time in early July of this year. We were pleasantly surprised to find how dog friendly it is! We talked about returning soon for a visit with our Westie, Mack. We received an email from Colonial Willamsburg describing the Dogs of DoG Street event. We immediately made our reservations! We’re very excited about Liberty and look forward to meeting her!!! Mack sends “licks and sniffs” to Liberty.
Donna, we’re so glad you, your husband, and Mack will be here for our big event. Liberty sends a “tail wag” back to you and your family. See you in September!
Geri Campbell says
This just made my day——I’ve been making my annual trek to Williamsburg since 1975 and have always thought how great it would be to bring my dog! I can’t wait to make my reservation and bring my girls. My Bichon Frise and Mini Golden Doodle are going to love walking down DoG. Huzzah! George Washington’s dog is a welcome addition to the historic area—-can’t wait to meet Liberty!
Liberty can’t wait to meet you and your pups! If you don’t know already, Colonial Williamsburg has three pet-friendly hotels and properties. Here’s all the information to plan your next visit: http://bit.ly/1DSQIwW
Cindy a says
Good girl Liberty. I have been a Briard fan and owner for many years (wait, I think they own me). You could not have picked a better ambassador.
Cindy A says
My girl.
Cindy, don’t all of our pups own us? I couldn’t agree more. And what a beautiful girl you have. We hope you can both make it to our Dogs of DoG Street event or at least to the Historic Area this fall to meet Liberty in person.
Matti says
Sweet heart wrapped in fur!
What a beautiful picture. Thank you for sharing!
Gerry Walton says
Toby Mac and T.J. welcome Liberty to the “neighborhood,” and hope to see him on their daily CW walks. Will definitely see him on the 19th!
Liberty can’t wait to meet them!
Rebecca Wheeler says
Here’s Morgan who is coming to welcome Liberty too!
Hi, Morgan! We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Rebecca Wheeler says
So eager to meet Liberty! We have two dogs coming to join the festival, Bogey here, and Morgan in the next comment
It’s hard to find a Briard in rescue. Thank goodness!
Mary says
Liberty is a beautiful dog and what a wonderful idea! Please consider using rescue dogs going forward. They not only need a loving home but rescuing those less fortunate could not be more American. God bless our Liberty and God bless Anerica!
Nicky loves the farmers market on Saturdays. People stop and take pictures of this handsome boy. Kids love it when he gives them kisses.
Nicky is a pure bred german shepherd from Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.
3 years old, all black with sable socks and over 100 pounds.
He lives in Williamsburg.
A briard heart wrapped in fur. Great choice he will great everyone with open paws plus keep them together..I Fur sure will make a stop in to see Liberty if I am down that way. My Briard Fergus says awesome to have that job..:)
Well, hello there Kathy and Fergus. What a handsome fella! We’ll share your welcome with Liberty and we hope to see you both very soon!
Waaay to go! Id say with a smile ‘about time.’ Too. All about time. Great to spotlight an era dog, historically unchanging that still does the job and is famously friendly to humans. Also great on the therapy side of the work. With the addition, if a may suggest CGC before the test for Therapy Dog. Its a great way to show ehere things stand and Im sure any Canine Good Citizen would agree its a lively thing to say of an up and coming Therapy Dog in Training.
I think its also a great way to show how much the Canine’s were a part of the day to day life. I remember a story about a dog found and returned to a British Commander… Details lost in this older brain… That could be retold to visitors.
My collie and I are a TDI team. Just yes yes yes!.
Leslie, I believe you’re referring to the story of General Howe! Here’s a link to a blog we wrote about it: http://makinghistorynow.com/2015/04/national-pet-day-has-gone-to-the-dogs-george-washingtons-dogs-that-is/
Thank you for the CGC suggestion. We’ll certainly look into it!
CONGRATS, Liberty, on your new adventure! Briards are beautiful , intelligent, friendly & photogenic with a touch of the comedic! Don’t think we’ll be making it for your special introduction, but Dreamghost’s Arduer de Ras Elan “Shadeaux” and I will be there in spirit!!!
We’re sorry to hear you won’t be able to make it September 19 but Liberty looks forward to meeting you in the future!
Welcome Liberty. We are glad that you will be the mascot. We cannot think of a better breed. Have fun
PB, Darcy, Indy and Loki
What beautiful pups! We will pass along your well wishes to Liberty and I hope you and your “pack” can make it our way some day soon!
Welcome, Liberty. A Briard is the perfect dog for Williamsburg. I hope to get to meet you soon!
Good evening, Norman! Liberty was so excited to hear a celebrity had reached out to say ‘hello.” We too hope you can both meet one day. Perhaps a scooter and carriage ride down DoG Street?
We would love to!! I visited CW back in 2011 when I was just 1 year old. I love it there!!
Fantastic! Liberty is a welcome addition to CW. We’ve seen all the cats and look forward to meeting Liberty in October.
Thank you, Kathy. Rumor has it Eleanor is preparing her welcome speech to welcome Liberty to the family!
Wonderful choice of a breed. He will bring much joy and delight to your visitors. There is nothing more majestic than a well-groomed, full grown male Briard.
Mary
Mary, we agree. The Briard is such a beautiful dog (even as a puppy!). We have no doubt that Liberty will not only make a fabulous ambassador for Colonial Williamsburg but will also bring joy to so many as a therapy dog.
Mssr. Reiss et al get my undying admiration for this wonderful idea. I wont be able to get there on the 19th but I WILL get there later this fall to meet George and Liberty! Thanks for making me smile CW!
We look forward to seeing you in the fall, Michael!
I love this new dog! This is a great idea for Williamsburg! I’m sure they had cats in Williamsburg, too. I’ve only seen one cat in Williamsburg and I have been there about 30 times. I will not get to be there on Sept. 19th but, my husband and I are coming for the Grand Illumination. Yes, George Washington started the American Fox Hound breed. Get some of those, too. I love, love, love Williamsburg. Also, this is the first time I have seen George smiling! I can hardly wait to get there.
There are a number of cats at CW. Most famously are three presently. Mollie, Lady Grey and Eleanour. There was a blog here about them not long ago, and their comrade Schilling who has since passed.
Ha! I have shown how little I know one of the cats! It is Sir Thomas Grey! I have always been closer due to where I work with the others.