Bouvier des Flandres Breed Description

An Owner's Bouvier des Flandres Description
Here is another multi-skilled herding breed - the Bouvier des Flandres. Poirot's intelligence, determination and protective nature has made our sheepdog a natural watch and guard dog. He is exceptionally big and strong but also has a very big heart.

Poirot is constantly on the watch, alert to the surroundings. And though he is somewhat leery of strangers, he has such a balanced, non-aggressive personality, along with a very protective nature, that I feel very safe with him watching over the kids. He loves to play with them, but due to his size, I have to watch out when he is with the smaller children.

Poirot needed to learn socialization skills starting from puppyhood. But once he understood the concept of friends, he became an excellent companion dog. Firmness with a kind and patient hand is what Poirot needed. If you have your heart set on one of these dogs, watch out that your puppy doesn't display excessive shyness, because that usually will lead to a much too-timid adult as he matures. On the other hand, some of this breed's puppies are uber-dominant, continually beating up on their siblings. You can guess where that will lead as they mature - dogs so alpha that training them can be problematic. I tried to choose a pup somewhere in the middle, and the breeder helped. I also noted what the personality of their mother was, because that's a guide to the mature make-up of the puppy.

My dog Poirot has grown up to be a well rounded and stable companion. As he's matured, he's outgrown some of the bad habits that he'd developed out of boredom. The Bouvier can adapt to city and apartment life in spite of its size, but will need plenty of exercise in those circumstances. Plan on daily walks or runs in the park - and not the five minute sort of walk, either. You'll need a couple of hours a day to keep a Bouvier happy and well-adjusted. My Poirot really needs the sheep and cattle work that my little ranch provides. I keep him plenty busy, give him equal amounts of love and attention and he has paid me back as a very loyal dog.

 

Introduction

These dogs were bred for work, not show. They were called by many different names: Vuilbaard (dirty beard), Koehond (cow dog), and Toucheur de boeuf or pic (cattle driver). The breed's chief job was cattle driving. He is considered first of all working dog.

History

The Bouvier des Flandres arose from breeding between the Belgian sheep dog, the Barbet and the Dutch Griffon. Thriving as working dogs on the farms of the low countries, the Bouvier achieved popularity but that waned as World War I decimated much of their homeland. Many of these dogs served in the conflict while others continued to tend livestock. By War's end, it was apparent that the breed was nearly wiped out.

Breeders moved several of the remaining dogs to the Netherlands and to France, with the goal of reestablishing the breed. Numbers began to grow and the dogs started to take their role as the sheepdog of choice. Breeders; groups were formed and the dogs seemed well on their way back to a strong population. The Adolph Hitler briefly considered the Bouvier as the national watchdog of the Third Reich. When introduced to one of he animals, he was bitten on and. In retaliation, Hitler ordered that all Bouviers be exterminated. In the countryside, many were preserved despite that order, and the breed continued to flourish.

General Description

In Belgium, a Bouvier cannot win the title of champion unless he has also won a prize in a work competition as a police, defense, or army dog. The Bouvier has natural herding instincts. He is very patient with children and makes an ideal family pet. He has an exceptional sense of smell, is responsive, faithful, affectionate, and intelligent.

In 1912, a standard for the breed was finally drawn up by the Societe Royale St. Hubert, Most of the breed was lost in World War I and II, and only a few remained.During the wars, they were messengers and helped find the wounded on the battlefield. Ch.Nic De Sottegem, a dog whose progeny did much to revive the Bouvier in Belgium, belonged to a veterinarian in the Belgium Army. Ch. Nic died in 1926, but left many descendants whose names appear in almost every pedigree.

Bouvier have attained great success in Belgium and Holland. They are alert with a docile temperament and serve as police dogs and as guide dogs for the blind. They make excellent farm dogs. The Bouvier was brought to the united states in the 1930's.

Temperament

The Bouvier des Flandres is a smart breed that trains easily. With enough exercise they make terrific family pets and thrive in the role as long as they are disciplined with a firm yet gentle hand.

Health and Care

Trimming the coat several times a year is recommended, and bathing as necessary in addition to that will keep the Bouvier well-groomed and comfortable. Be sure to trim hair between foot pad to prevent matting.

Colors

Black through to salt and pepper as well as fawn, gray and brindle are all acceptable. A small white patch on the chest is acceptable. Any parti-colored, chocolate or white coloration is considered a fault in the show ring.

Living Area

The Bouvier des Flanders can live in an apartment provided they have adequate exercise. They do best in a larger space with a yard as they enjoy being outdoors.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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