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BOUVIER DES FLANDRES — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 83 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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| Origin: |
Belgium/France |
| Height: |
From 22.5-27.5 in (57-70 cm) at the shoulder |
| Weight: |
Male—35 to 40 kg;
Female—27 to 35 kg |
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The Bouvier des Flandres (literally: "Cow Dog of Flanders") originated in Flanders, Belgium. He was used mainly for herding and driving cattle. The first Bouviers arrived in North America in the 1930's. The breed distinguished itself during World War II for carrying messages and supplies to the front lines and searching out the wounded.
The Bouvier enjoys human companionship and does well in most environments. He is intelligent, alert, and agile, making him a very versatile breed who is seen in obedience competition, agility, carting, herding, as well as tracking. He is even-tempered, never shy and not overly aggressive. He is calm, rational, prudently bold, playful and outgoing with those he knows. Signs of shyness under normal situations or aggression without reason are uncharacteristic of the breed.
The Bouvier is often used as a personal watch or guard dog, police and drug detection dog, army dog, as well as a search and rescue dog. He has also been used as a guide dog for the blind, service dog and therapy dog. In Belgium a Bouvier may not hold the title of breed champion unless he has also earned a working dog title.
The general appearance of the Bouvier gives the impression of power without clumsiness. He is a square, thickset, short-bodied dog with muscular limbs. His intelligence and energy can be seen in his eyes. The Bouvier has a harsh, full double coat to protect him in all types of weather and climates. Rough to the touch and slightly tousled but not wooly or curly, the coat is neither too long nor too short. The coat colour is fawn, grey, dark grey, brindle, or black, with or without a white star on the chest.
CLICK HERE for more Calendars, Books, Gifts & Collectibles.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a Bouvier des Flandres puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Some health concerns to be aware of for the Bouvier des Flandres breed include:
- Hip Dysplasia — As with many large breeds, Hip Dysplasia is the most prevalent health concern in the breed.
- Bloat — As with any deep-chested dog, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Bouvier des Flandres. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms — This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) — Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
- Eye problems such as Cataracts and Glaucoma
- Thyroid problems
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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AKC Bouvier des Flandres DVD
19 Min. DVD Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
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Grooming:
- Grooming — This growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs covers grooming information, tips and techniques as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your Bouvier, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Beginner's Guide to the Bouvier des Flandres from the ABdFC
- Don't Buy a Bouvier By Pam Green
- Herding Dogs — A new section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs Section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tributes and information on such jobs as Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, SAR Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
- Sports, Activities & Clubs — This section covers listings of dog clubs not specific to breed, information on various sports and activities, including French Ring Sport, Schutzhund, Obedience, Conformation, and much more. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
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Bouvier des Flandres: The Dogs of Flanders Field
by Jim Engel
Covers history of the breed in Europe and North America, how to choose a breeder, select a puppy, properly raise and train a puppy, groom your dog, enter your dog in ring and trial competition, and develop a breeding strategy for your own program. Book is suitable for beginners to the breed as well as fanciers.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
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For additional books, please see the Bouvier Books & Merchandise section. |
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AM/CAN Ch. Thorcourt's Josephine
