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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 powerful, impressive dog with a
massive and heavily-coated head with a beard and mustache. The thick beard and
shaggy eyebrows give the dog a very distinctive appearance. The slightly tapered
muzzle is strong and broad. The oval, dark brown eyes have a bold, affectionate
and lively expression. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in a scissors
bite. Body length from point of shoulder to the tip of the rump should be
approximately equal to the height of the dog from the withers to the ground,
giving the dog a square profile. The front legs are muscular and perfectly
straight. The chest is broad and deep. The dog has a double coat. The rough,
shaggy-looking outer coat is harsh and dry to the touch. This steel-wool hair
comes in black, fawn, blonde, gray, or brindle. Solid black is not favored in
the show ring, but is accepted. Blonde coats are not accepted in the show ring.
The Bouvier's coat is lined with a dense undercoat. The
AKC allows a white marking on the chest. The coat protects the dog in all types
of inclement weather. The ears are triangular and erect. The tail is docked and
the ears may be cropped to a point, though some breeders prefer to leave them
natural. Docking and Cropping is illegal in some European countries. Belgians
lines tend to be somewhat smaller and lighter than Dutch bloodlines. |
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Temperament |
The Bouvier des Flandres is an obedient dog with a
pleasant nature. He looks intimidating, but is actually calm and gentle.
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 make the dog aware, without being too hard with it,
that you are and will remain the boss. This breed needs an experienced owner to
prevent dominance problems. He should be socialized well at an early age to
avoid over-protectiveness and shyness. 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. Behavior with other animals depends on individual
temperaments and character. Provided they are properly socialized at an early
age, chances are they will get along well with cats and other pets, but be
careful with non-canine pets. They are usually good with other dogs if they are
raised with them from puppyhood. Dominant individuals can be
dog-aggressive. Slow to mature both in body and mind. It does not fully mature
until the dog reaches the age of 2-3 years. They can be suspicious and reserved
with strangers and protective of their family. |
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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 |
These very hardy dogs are accustomed to harsh
conditions and are rarely ill, however some dogs may suffer from hip dysplasia
and 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. 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 |
The shaggy coat requires a lot of attention. 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 owner 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 Bouvier des Flandres,
originally a cattle herding dog, was extensively used as a rescue dog and
message-carrier during World War I. As a result of his exposure during the
warfare and the nearly total destruction of Flandres; the breed was almost
completely killed off. In 1923, after the war, the Bouvier was
"reconstructed" from a few individuals, and a breed club was
established in Belgium. Bouvier des Flandres means "cowherd from
Flanders." Currently the Bouvier serves as a watchdog, guardian, family
companion and as a tracking dog. This breed has also been used as a guide for
the blind and in search & rescue. It will also succeed in police work,
military work, carting, agility, competitive obedience and schutzhund. |
| Group |
Herding, AKC Herding |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
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 |
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
Pictures Page 1
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