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Rescue a Bouvier des Flandres
Bouvier des Flandres
Puppies for Sale
Bouvier des Flandres
(Flanders Cattle Dog) (Vlaamse Koehond)
Photo Courtesy of Bajoron Kennel.
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Pronunciation |
BOOV-yay
day FLAHN-druh |
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Description |
The Bouvier is a large, powerful, rugged looking dog. The head is in proportion to the body,
giving the dog a square profile. The broad, somewhat short back has a firm level top-line. The head is flat, slightly longer than it is wide. The skull is parallel with the muzzle which is wide between the ears. The muzzle is slightly tapered, broad and strong. The nose is black. The bushy eyebrows make the stop more pronounced than it really is. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The dark brown eyes are oval in shape with black eye rims. The triangular ears are set high either cropped or left natural. The well muscled back legs are powerful and the front legs are straight. The tail is set high and usually docked. Note, it is illegal to crop or dock a dog's body parts (tail and ears) in most parts of Europe. Dewclaws are usually removed. The double coat is weather-resistant with rough, harsh outer hairs. The undercoat is fine and soft but dense. The coat is cut so it has a shaggy, thick beard and eyebrows giving the dog a distinctive look. Coat colors come in black, fawn, blonde, salt and pepper, gray, or brindle. Sometimes with a small white star on the chest. Solid black coats are not favored in the show ring, but are accepted and blonde coats are not accepted. Dutch bloodlines are often larger and heavier than Belgians
lines.
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Temperament |
The Bouvier des Flandres is an obedient dog, whom may look intimidating, but is actually pleasant natured and gentle. With the proper amount of exercise they will also be calm. Enthusiastic, responsible, even tempered and fearless. An excellent guard and
watchdog that is easy to train. This breed learns commands relatively fast,
though not quite as fast as, for example the German
Shepherd. They require well-balanced training which remains consistent in
nature. Once they learn a command they will remember it for the rest of their
life. It is important to consistently make the dog aware, without being harsh or rough,
that you are and will remain the boss. This breed needs an experienced owner to
prevent dominance and over-protectiveness problems. He should be socialized well preferably starting at an early age to
avoid shyness, suspiciousness, and reserved
with strangers. Protection of the family when danger is present is not something that needs to be taught, nor is it something you can train out of them. The dog will arise to the occasion if needed. A good family dog, the Bouvier likes and
is excellent with children. The Bouvier is very adaptable and goes about its
business quietly and calmly. This dog's loyalty is world famous. Obedience train this breed at an early age. Their behavior in general and with other animals depends on the owners ability to be alpha over the dog communicating what is expected and the individual
dominancy level of the dog. Provided they are properly socialized at an early
age, chances are they will get along well with cats and other pets, but take caution with non-canine pets. They are usually good with other dogs if they are
raised with them from puppyhood. More dominant individuals can be
dog-aggressive if the owners are not alpha and do not communicate to the dog that fighting is unwanted. Slow to mature in both mind and body, taking about 2-3 years.
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 23-28 inches (58-71
cm.) Bitches 22-27 inches (56-69 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 75-90 pounds (34-41 kg.) Bitches 60-80 pounds (27-36
kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts. The Bouvier has a very high pain threshold.
They can take a lot of contact with the cattle's legs without feeling it. This
does not make them a veterinarian's favorite patient, as they cannot tell where
the dog is hurting by manipulating the legs and/or other body parts. |
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Living Conditions |
The Bouvier des Flandres will do okay in an
apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and
will do best with at least a large yard. |
Exercise |
The Bouvier des Flandres is an energetic and
active dog that has an average demand for exercise. It needs to go out with you
for long, brisk daily walks or running alongside a bike. When walking this dog make him heel on the lead. Do not allow him to walk out in front as instinct tells a dog pack leader goes first. During the growing stage, exercise
should be carefully regulated to only the walk, so that growing bones, muscles and joints are not
too strenuously stressed. The dog requires all its energy to build a strong,
healthy frame. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years |
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Litter Size |
5 - 10 puppies - Average 8 |
Grooming |
Needs a lot of grooming. Brush
the long coat regularly and bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The
Bouvier needs to be trimmed at least three times a year. Between trims remove
any excess hair inside the ears and trim hair between the pads of the feet. Do
not let the hair grow too long close to the feet but trim it so that the Bouvier
has nice round feet. A well-groomed Bouvier sheds very little hair in the home.
Some Bouvier owners have reported the Bouvier to be good for allergy sufferers. |
| Origin |
There is no real agreement concerning the origin
of this Franco-Belgian breed. It may have been formed by crossing the Griffon
and the Beauceron. The breed originated in Belgium by the working class who were not interested in creating a show dog, but rather wanted a working dog. Farmers, butchers, or cattle merchants used the dogs in their everyday work. While the dogs varied in size and look they still were similar enough to recognize them as a Bouvier. Bouvier des Flandres means "cowherd from
Flanders.". The dogs were labeled several nick names as well such as, "koehond" ( meaning cow dog), "Vuilbaard" (meaning dirty beard), and "toucheur de boeuf" or "pic" (meaning cattle driver). Later they were used as a message-carrier and rescue dog during World War I. Like most breeds during the world wars, the Bouvier was almost killed off. In 1923 a group of individuals worked at recreating the Bouvier breed and a breed club was formed in Belgium. Some of the Bouvier talents are watchdog, guardian, tracking dog, guide for
the blind, search & rescue, police work,
military work, carting, agility, competitive obedience and schutzhund.
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| Group |
Herding, AKC Herding |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
APRI, ACR, DRA |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Federation
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. |
Nani the blonde Bouvier. Blonde
Bouviers are born dark and lighten from the bottom up as they get older.
"I am a Bouvier des Flandres puppy named Windmolen's
Indigo Blue,
but people just call me Blue."
Photo Courtesy of Windmolen Bouviers.
Paden, the Bouvier, owned by George and
Frances Roach -
The Bytown Obedience Club.
Paden, the Bouvier, owned by George and
Frances Roach -
The Bytown Obedience Club.
Windmolen's Isadora, aka, Dora, a brindle Bouvier.
Photo Courtesy of Windmolen Bouviers.
Bouvier des Flandres 1
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