Bouvier des Flandres

Bouvier des Flandres Breed description: Character & Co

Bouvier des Flandres

Life expectancy
10 - 12
Character
Advisedly Protective Family-friendly Intelligent Loyal Meek Friendly Quietly Faithfully
Size
Large
Dogs/Active

The Bouvier des Flandres - an all-rounder for the whole family

General information about the Bouvier des Flandres

The dog breed originating from Belgium is also called Flanders Cattle Dog and is assigned to FCI group 1 and section 2, under the standard number 191. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies the Bouvier des Flandres as a working herding dog. The dogs reach a height at withers between 59 and 68 cm, with a maximum weight of 40 kg. These large dogs are known for their dark and coarse coat, as well as their affectionate and child-friendly nature. The Bouvier des Flandres can reach an age of up to 14 years.

Origin and history

This dog owes its name, Bouvier des Flandres, to the region of Flanders, also known as the Flemish Empire, where it originated. Basically, the Bouvier des Flandres descends from the Mastiffs, which found use in warfare in the 16th century. In the fight for Spanish independence, the Spanish Conquistadores drew their benefit from the massive dogs and then left them in patches. Thus, the Bouvier des Flandres was created by crossbreeding the Mastiff and other breeds. The Bouvier des Flandres is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and was therefore already seen as an independent breed by the FCI in 1910, then in 1955 the breed was officially recognized. The breed standards were first established in 1922, the latest standards were published in 2000. Like many other dog breeds, the Bouvier des Flandres was threatened with extinction after the First World War, but could fortunately be preserved through increased breeding.

Banner: Shutterstock / Erik Lam
Bouvier des Flandres on a farm, black big dog with curls Herding dog from Belgium, Belgian dog breed, grey dog with woolly coat, woolly coat, dog with curls, lots of undercoat on dog, working dog breed, dog for the police, guard dog, herding dog and sheepdog in one, family dog with lots of exercise, face like a monkey, dog similar to monkey, dog similar to poodle, Bouvier des Flandres in the mountains Bouvier des Flandres on meadow, dog with curls, black dog, therapy dog, dog for the police, working dog Bouvier des Flandres side profile, black dog with wavy coat, long coat
Alternate Name -
Origin Belgium
Life expectancy 10 - 12 years
Care requirements high-maintenance
Activity level high
FCI group Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
AKC group not recognised
KC group not recognised
News/Active

The nature

The temperament of the Bouvier des Flandres is very calm, friendly and loyal. This breed is also very intelligent and affectionate. The Bouvier des Flandres is sure to charm you with its mischievous and affectionate nature, which also makes it the ideal family dog. Children's noise or clumsy movements of the little ones do not upset the calm Bouvier des Flandres. Consistent training is necessary, but the hound is a quick learner.

Husbandry and use

The Bouvier des Flandres is suitable for many different activities and living conditions. While it is accustomed to a lot of exercise as a driving dog, he also enjoys playing with the smallest members of the family or cuddling with you on the sofa. A special feature of this breed is his unique jumping technique, where he uses all four paws to slow down and jump from a standing position. The Bouvier des Flandres can be used for many things:

  • Family and companion dog
  • Protection dog
  • Police dog
  • Rescue dog
  • Avalanche search dog
  • Guide dog
  • Therapy dog
  • Guard dog
  • Pulling dogs

Character

  • advisedly
  • protective
  • family-friendly
  • intelligent
  • loyal
  • meek
  • friendly
  • quietly
  • faithfully

Usage

  • Watchdog
  • Herding Dog
  • Working Dog
  • Family Dog
  • Police Dog
  • Shepherd Dog
  • Searchdog
  • Sheepdog
Belgium

Breeding and buying

If you want to get a Bouvier des Flandres, it is best to ask reputable breeders for puppies or adult dogs. In the VDH directory you will find breeders who belong to the German Bouvier Club. There is also a Bouvier Club Austria, to which several breeders belong. Depending on the pedigree the driving dogs cost between 1300 and 2000€.

Hintergrund
Bouvier des Flandres, breed description therapy dog, pedigree dog, dog with curls

Characteristic of the Bouvier des Flandres is its robust and strong appearance. This breed has a strong body and deep chest, as well as a short and muscular back. The physique of the driving dogs is strong, purposeful and athletic. A distinctive feature of the Bouvier des Flandres is the darkening of its coat with age. This breed has a grey to dark grey coat from birth, which darkens over time and eventually appears almost black. Basically, the coat texture is rough and it is of medium length. You could also mistake the Bouvier des Flandres for a bear, because as a herding dog, it has thick fur that makes it perfect for all weather conditions. The undercoat warms and cools, as needed, and protects the herding dogs from bites. Typical of the Bouvier des Flandres is its moustache and his protruding, short floppy ears.

Fur length medium
Fur curly
Ear shape Triangle
Tail lang
Anatomy rugged, strong
Size ♀ 59 - 65 cm
Weight ♀ 27 - 35 kg
Size ♂ 62 - 68 cm
Weight ♂ 35 - 40 kg
Suitable For -

Colors

black blackCurrent Currentfawn fawngrey greyblack grey black grey

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