Bouvier des Flandres: temperament, size, care and health

About the Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres, or "cow herder of Flanders," is a large, powerful, thickset dog standing roughly 23 to 27.5 inches and weighing 70 to 110 pounds. The harsh, tousled coat forms a distinctive beard and mustache and a bushy brow over the eyes, giving the face a stern, intelligent look. Colors range from fawn to black, brindle and salt-and-pepper, and the ears are traditionally cropped in some countries but are left natural in many places.

The breed was a farm dog in Flanders, used to drive cattle, pull carts and guard property. It later served as an army messenger and ambulance dog and as a police dog. Owners today want a dependable watchdog with a calm, steady head, and they accept the commitment of a big, hairy dog.

Temperament and family life

A Bouvier is deliberate and thoughtful rather than excitable. It bonds closely with its family, and it takes its protective job seriously, being reserved with strangers and willing to stand its ground. Because of its size and guarding instinct, it needs thorough socialization and firm direction from the start.

The breed can be gentle with children in its own household, though it may try to herd and its weight can knock down small ones. It can be dominant with other dogs, especially of the same sex, and it should be introduced to other animals carefully. A Bouvier left bored and isolated can become destructive or overprotective.

Exercise and training

The breed needs a good daily walk or two, plus space and tasks, such as carting, obedience, tracking or herding. Its energy is moderate for a herding dog. Young Bouviers are exuberant and must not be over-exercised in the growing period, since their joints are still developing.

Bouviers learn quickly and are eager to work, though they are sensitive and can be stubborn. Training should be calm, confident and consistent. Harsh methods risk a fearful or defensive adult. Enroll in a puppy class, socialize widely, and continue lessons through adolescence. A strong recall, a solid down and reliable manners on a leash are important in a dog of this size.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is a significant undertaking. It needs thorough brushing and combing several times a week, ideally to the skin, to prevent mats, especially on the legs, beard and under the body. Many pet Bouviers are clipped every six to ten weeks. The beard collects food and water and needs washing and drying after meals.

Shedding is light because loose hair is trapped in the coat, but it can be found as clumps, and the dog tracks mud and water inside. Clean the ears regularly, since hair grows in the canals, and trim the nails.

Health

As with many large breeds, the Bouvier is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), an emergency. Other concerns include laryngeal paralysis, subaortic stenosis (a heart condition), glaucoma and cancer. Responsible breeders test hips, elbows, hearts, eyes and throat function. Lifespan is shorter than in smaller breeds.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The Bouvier is generally traced to the farming regions of Flanders, in present-day Belgium and northern France, where farmers kept rough-coated dogs of mixed origin. Local kennel clubs recognized breed standards in 1912 and 1913, and a unified French-Belgian standard followed in 1936. The First World War nearly caused the breed to disappear, and surviving dogs were used to rebuild the line. The American Kennel Club registered its first Bouviers in 1931.

Is the Bouvier des Flandres right for you?

A Bouvier suits an experienced owner who wants a large, serious and loyal guardian, and who has the time and money for grooming. It is not a good choice for a first dog, a small home or someone who wants a social dog that welcomes every visitor.

Related breeds include the Giant Schnauzer, the Black Russian Terrier and the French herding Briard.