Bouvier des Flandres
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 Description:
The Bouvier des Flandres is a large dog with a
rugged and powerful appearance, a thick beard
and shaggy eyebrows. Their ears are often clipped
to create a fiercer look. While fearless and incredibly
protective of family, this breed is also gentle
and calm.
It is believed the Bouvier originated in the Flanders
area of Belgium and on the neighboring northern
French plains. Early breeders' (farmers, cattlemen)
primary intention for these dogs was for them
to help with their work. The Bouvier des Flandres
breed was utilized as cattle drivers.
Initially, breeders were not concerned about the
Bouvier des Flandres' 'appearance' and it wasn't
until after this breed's first participation in
a Belgium dog show in 1910, expert breeders agreed
on a single type. An official breed standard was
created in 1912 and the Bouvier des Flandres was
listed in the stud book of the Societé
Royal St. Hubert.
As the Bouvier des Flandres was becoming very
popular, WWI broke out. Many of these dogs were
lost and abandoned, many were taken by the Germans
and many died. Fortunately, there were Bouvier
des Flandres which survived the war and the breed
was once again refined in 1922. The Bouvier des
Flandres was recognized by the AKC in 1929 and
was admitted to the AKC Stud Book in 1931.
Height: The
height for a Bouvier des Flandres dog is 23-28
inches (58-71 cm.) and for bitches 22-27 inches
(56-69 cm.)
Weight: The
weight for a Bouvier des Flandres dog is 75-90
pounds (34-41 kg.) and for bitches 60-80 pounds
(27-36 kg.)
Coat Type: The
Bouvier des Flandres has a thick double coat that
protects against inclement weather. The outer
coat is rough and shaggy the under-coat is dense.
The Bouvier des Flandres is sometimes considered
a non--shedder, yet it does lose hair, it just
gets caught in within the double-coat causing
matting. Weekly brushings are required.
Color: The Bouvier
des Flandres' coat can be fawn, black, grey brindle,
or "pepper and salt" in color. Solid
black is not favored in the show ring, but is
accepted while a blonde coat is not accepted in
the show ring at all.
Temperament:
Bouvier des Flandres are very protective, loyal,
and gentle. This breed is good with children and
other pets as long as socialized early. Easy to
train, obedient, excellent guard or watchdog.
Alert and fearless.
Health Problems:
The Bouvier des Flandres is generally a hardy
breed although they can suffer from hip and elbow
dysplasia along with and eye problems such as
cataracts. Other health concerns include Other
health concerns include autoimmune disorders,
hypothyroidism, subaortic stenosis, cancer and
bloat. The average life span is between 10 - 12
years.
Special Interests:
• The Bouvier des Flandres was recognized
by the AKC in 1929.
• President Ronald Reagan had a Bouvier
des Flandres named Lucky.
• The American Bouvier des Flandres Club
was established in 1963.
• The Bouvier des Flandres also goes by
these names: Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver)
and Vuilbaard (dirty beard) and Koehond (cow dog)
Classifications:
AKC: Herding
ANKC: Group 5 - Working Dogs
CKC: Group 7 - Herding Dogs
FCI: Group 1 Section 2 #191
KC (UK): Working
NZKC: Working
UKC: Herding
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