Bouvier des Flandres

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Bouvier des Flandres

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Size: Large to Extra-Large
Other Names: Bouvier, Flanders Cattle Dog, Herder of Flanders, Cattle Driver, Dirty Beard
Country of Origin: Belgium
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Herding
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Herding
United Kennel Club (UKC): Herding Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Working Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Herding
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Working Dogs

Powerfully-built, compact, rough-coated dog of rugged appearance, giving the impression of size and strength without clumsiness or heaviness. Perhaps its most notable feature is the impressive head, which is accentuated by a heavy beard and mustache. The ears and tail are traditionally cropped.

A large, bearded herder and guardian for a house and yard; the coat is work, he has a real bark, and he is too much dog for close-quarters living without a job.

Originally used for farm work, including cattle droving, sheep herding, and cart pulling. Currently used as guard dogs, police dogs, security dogs, as well as being kept as pets. In the past, all dogs that worked with cattle were called Bouvier (bovine herder). Each region throughout the European area had it’s own type of Bouvier. From ancient rough-coated stock, these dogs were prized guardians and drovers. The Bouvier’s were almost eliminated after the bloody fighting of World War 1, and many of the types were lost altogether. The breeds that are now a memory include Bouvier de Roulers, Bouvier de Moerman, and Bouvier de Paret. Still remaining are the Bouvier de Ardennes and Bouvier des Flandres. Both France and Belgium have claimed the dog of Flandres, and the French Kennel Club has actually dubbed it "Franco-Belgian".

Height: Male: 24½–27½ inches; Female: 23½–26½ inches
Weight: Male: 100-120 pounds
Color: Fawn, black, gray brindle, or "pepper and salt"
Coat: Compact, rough, thick double coat
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Litter size: 5–10 puppies

Temperament

Rational, gentle, loyal, and protective in nature. The breed’s unique blend of characteristics makes them good family pets, as well as keen guard dogs. Unlike many animals bred for basic aggressive nature and power, they possess sophisticated traits, such as complex control, intelligence, and accountability.

Training

Start early and be consistent. A Bouvier that is allowed to make its own decisions becomes hard to live with.

Care and grooming

Sometimes considered non-shedding, they do lose hair, like all dogs. Most of the hair they lose, is caught within the double coat, which results in matting. They require weekly brushing and combing to maintain the coat. In addition to weekly brushing, the coat should be trimmed approximately every 3-5 weeks, if it is to be a show-dog. Trimming requires practice to achieve the proper look.

Shedding

Moderate; the rough double coat mats if loose hair is ignored.

Health

Bouvier des Flandres may develop hip dysplasia, eye disease, hypothyroidism, and bloat. Hip and eye screening of breeding stock is recommended.

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