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The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerfully built, compact, rough-coated dog of rugged appearance. They are agile, spirited and bold with a calm and steady manner. The Bouvier des Flandres is easy going but aloof, they can sometimes be serious or moody. Their herding instincts will keep them close to home. Used in police work and helping the blind, they love the company of people.
Other Names: Belgian Cattle Dog
Height: 23 - 27 inches
Weight: 59.5 - 88 lbs.
Colors: Fawn to black, including brindle
Coat: Rough, thick, harsh with a soft dense undercoat
Temperament: Bouvier des Flandres are alert, responsive, even tempered
With Children: Yes, gentle with family children but may be intolerant of other children.
With Pets: Yes, if raised with other pets. They also may be dog aggressive.
Special Skills: In the past, a cattle driver. Today, a guard dog, defense dog, and family pet.
Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: High, an excellent guard dog and brave protector, they will watch out for strangers and other dogs.
Care and Training: Regular attention should be given to the Bouvier des Flandres teeth, nails and ears. Weekly brushing is a must. The Bouvier des Flandres needs plenty of exercise, but be careful not to jogged with them over long distances as they are heavy in structure and predisposition to hip problems. Ample space is necessary. Bouvier need to be put to work to keep their mind active.
Learning Rate: High, Obedience - Medium, Problem Solving - High.
Activity: Outdoors - High, Indoors - Low
Living Environment: They will adapt to country or suburban living, but does they do best in the country. A fenced yard is a must and they should not be kept in cramped quarters. An owner of a Bouvier des Flandres needs to be a firm, strong leader.
Health Issues: Some problems with hip dysplasia, bloat and eye problems.
Life Span: 10 - 12 years
Litter Size: 5 - 10
Country of Origin: Belgium
History: Bouviers date back to the sixteenth century where they originated from the Flanders area of Belgium where they were used to pull cards and drive cattle. The name Bouvier means "driver of oxen". During World War I, they almost became extinct. Saved by a few Belgian vets who began to breed them again. They were then imported to the US in the 1930's.
First Registered by the AKC: 1931
AKC Group: Herding
Class: Herding
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 1), KC (GB), UKC
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