The Bouvier des Flandres is a hard-working dog suited for life on the farm. With a strong work ethic and an easy-going attitude, this dog is held in high regard. Read on to learn more about the Bouvier des Flandres!
1. This Dog Hails from Europe
The history of the Bouvier des Flandres begins in the region of Flanders, Belgium, sometime during the late 19th century. This dog is believed to have been first developed at a monastery, where imported Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, and local dogs were all used in this breed’s creation. It would eventually prosper in agrarian areas throughout Flanders.
The “Bouvier” part of its name translates to “cow herder” in French. This canine is also known in a handful of other names, including the Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver), the Vlaamse Koehond (Flemish cow dog), and even the Vuilbaard (dirty beard). There wasn’t much of a standard with what was considered a Bouvier des Flandres for a while, and a few various forms existed that would either later become extinct or integrated within this breed.
While the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Bouvier des Flandres in 1931, it wasn’t until 1936 that a unified breed standard was finally established. Due to its hardiness and working ability, the Bouvier des Flandres was utilized as a military dog in World War I; unfortunately, the breed almost became extinct around this time.
The Bouvier des Flandres nearly experienced another close call of disappearing during World War II, but their population has since rebounded back by the 1960s. While still considered a relatively rare breed, the Bouvier des Flandres is less endangered than in the past. Out of the AKC’s 201 registered breeds, the Bouvier des Flandres ranks 99 in popularity.
2. These Dogs Were Bred for Farm Work
The Bouvier des Flandres was made for life on the farm. Its thick coat protects this canine from even the harshest weather conditions, and its trainability and versatility make this dog useful for many important duties. The Bouvier des Flandres has an innate herding instinct that makes them useful for rounding up livestock as in its namesake.
While it is mostly known for herding cattle and sheep out in the fields and corrals, the Bouvier des Flandres was also both an ideal guard dog and a draft animal. Whenever a guard dog was needed, the Bouvier des Flandres is a fearless animal that will fiercely protect livestock and property. This strong dog is great for pulling cargo carts, due to its strength and stamina, though this use dwindled after the invention of the automobile.
To prevent injury, working dogs had their tails docked and their ears cropped. In the modern-day, both ear cropping and tail docking are mostly cosmetic, but this practice is highly opposed by the American Veterinary Association. Cosmetic ear cropping has also been outlawed in Belgium, its home country, in 2006.
3. This Breed Is Suited for Many Tasks
As mentioned earlier, the Bouvier des Flandres is a working dog that is a jack of all trades. While popularized for its reputation as a farm dog, the Bouvier des Flandres has been established in a variety of other tasks today. Due to its protective nature, this dog is often used as a police dog. It is also still used as a guard dog to this day.
The Bouvier des Flandres has also been used for scent work, making them ideal for use as detection dogs. This canine has been used to sniff out drugs, explosives, and other contraband. This ability also makes them useful as search-and-rescue dogs. Being a highly intelligent dog with a gentle disposition, the Bouvier des Flandres has also been used as a service animal (including emotional support and guide dogs), though its protective nature should be considered.
4. This Breed Is Generally Healthy
Generally speaking, the Bouvier des Flandres is a generally healthy breed; however, like other dogs, this canine can be susceptible to a few health conditions. Bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus, is one ailment the Bouvier can suffer as a deep-chested breed. Deep-chested breeds in general are prone to bloat, and the Bouvier is unfortunately no exception. Bloat occurs when gas builds up in your dog’s stomach, which then causes it to twist and cut off vital blood flow. This requires immediate veterinary attention, as it can be fatal if left untreated.
Both hip and elbow dysplasia are issues that the Bouvier des Flandres can also get. This occurs when your dog’s joints don’t grow properly, which can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, arthritis. This can be managed with your veterinarian, but severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Other issues that the Bouvier des Flandres may be prone to include glaucoma and hypothyroidism, and reputable breeders will ensure that their dogs are genetically screened to not pass down any detrimental health disorders to future generations. Do not get a puppy from a breeder who doesn’t screen their dogs.
It is highly recommended to have your dog examined annually by a veterinarian to troubleshoot any issues that appear early on. You should also schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible if your dog displays any signs of illness.
5. Grooming Requires Some Attention
The coat of a Bouvier des Flandres does require some grooming every so often. Its coat needs to be brushed around once or twice a week to prevent mats and other tangles, which can cause your dog some discomfort if ignored. A slicker brush and a metal comb are both useful in maintaining the Bouvier’s coat. Attention should also be given to its signature beard, as it can get soiled very easily.
The Bouvier des Flandres can be bathed every six to eight weeks, but doing so too frequently can irritate your dog’s coat and skin. It is highly recommended to brush your dog’s fur before bathing to remove any dead hair and mats. Due to the nature of its coat, having a professional groomer is highly recommended when clipping and trimming a Bouvier’s coat.
6. This Working Dog Needs Exercise
While the Bouvier des Flandres is a fairly laid-back breed, this dog must get at least an hour and a half of exercise daily. Remember, the Bouvier was bred for busy life on the farm, and like other working breeds, they have high energy needs. For a highly intelligent breed, exercise not only stimulates these dogs physically but also mentally. Long walks are appreciated, but this canine is also a great companion for runs, hikes, or even bike rides. Just be sure to keep a Bouvier on a leash, as this breed has a high prey drive. A large, secure yard or other enclosed area is a must for the Bouvier des Flandres.
The Bouvier des Flandres is a great candidate for various canine sports competitions. As this dog was originally bred to herd cattle and other livestock, herding trials are a fantastic way to allow them to channel their natural herding instincts. Agility trials are another activity that involves having your dog run and compete through an obstacle course. Either way, the Bouvier des Flandres is an athletic breed that excels in most other sporting competitions.
7. This Breed Thrives with Owners of Experience
The Bouvier des Flandres is a breed that requires a considerable amount of experience to raise. While this breed is relatively easy to train, this canine should not be kept by first-time dog owners. Socialization and training must begin early in puppyhood, or else you’ll end up with a dog that is either overly protective or shy. This dog is rather wary around strangers, so proper socialization is key.
The Bouvier des Flandres requires someone who is firm, consistent, and patient. This breed does not respond well to harsh punishment (no breed does, but especially not the Bouvier). The Bouvier des Flandres can be content in many households, but smaller children should always be supervised (being a herding breed, the Bouvier may try to herd them as well!). This dog has a strong prey drive as well, which must be considered if other smaller pets, such as cats, also share the same household. Usually, if raised young with smaller pets, the Bouvier des Flandres may get along with them; however, keep in mind that every individual dog is different.
The Bouvier des Flandres does best in an active household, and a large, enclosed area is a must if you want to bring this dog home. Provided its requirements are met, the Bouvier makes a loyal and loving companion that can bring joy to households for years to come. Be sure to do your research and obtain your dog from a reputable breeder or a rescue group.
