Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a strong and active dog from Belgium that was originally used for herding cattle. These dogs are known for their loyalty and dedication to their families. They walk with a confident and proud stride, and their tough, weather-resistant fur adds to their sturdy look. Their unique beard, bushy eyebrows, and mustache give them a stylish appearance.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
Shades of black through to fawn, and brindle; a small amount of white is permitted on the chest
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
24 to 28 inches
Type
Livestock
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
70 to 110 pounds
Family

Personality

The Bouvier des Flandres is a breed known for being gentle and relaxed at home. They are brave and enjoy exploring outside, showing strong loyalty to their families. These dogs are self-assured but also want to make their owners happy. Originally bred for guarding, they can be a bit shy with unfamiliar people and other dogs. They generally get along well with older kids, but they might nip at younger ones as part of their herding instinct.

History

The Bouvier des Flandres has its roots in Belgium, where these dogs helped farmers and cattle herders by guiding and safeguarding livestock. The term “Bouvier” translates to “cowherd” in French, but they were also known as “Vuilbaard,” meaning “dirty beard,” due to their distinctive looks. Their past is not thoroughly recorded, but they may share ancestry with Mastiffs, Sheepdogs, and even Spaniels. The breed faced a significant decline during World War I, though some dogs served as helpers for ambulances and as messengers. A notable dog, Champion Nic de Sottegem, appears in the lineage of nearly all modern Bouviers. They made their way to the United States in the 1930s.

Ideal Owner

People who own land and know how to handle big herding dogs are great matches for Bouvier dogs. These dogs do well with kids, but they thrive best in homes with older children or no kids at all, where the owners can spend plenty of time with them. It's essential to have a yard that is fenced, and it's important to have someone who can dedicate a lot of time to training and grooming these dogs.

Exercise Needs

An adult Bouvier dog loves to be active, run freely, train, solve problems, and play games. As working dogs, they require plenty of mental and physical activities to stay happy. It's important to keep an eye on the exercise of Bouvier des Flandres puppies to support their joint growth.

Space Requirements

Bouvier des Flandres are big dogs originally developed for herding and guarding. They thrive in spacious homes, ideally in the suburbs or countryside, where they have a secure yard to play in. Living in a city might be too much for them, as they require plenty of room. Although they don’t lose hair, they require regular grooming to keep their fur from tangling.

Training

The Bouvier des Flandres breed is very easy to train when they have a strong connection with their owners. They love to be busy, whether through work or training. However, they may experience anxiety when left alone. It’s important for Bouvier dogs to be socialized frequently with other pets and kids from a young age. Teaching them a reliable recall is essential to stop them from trying to herd their families, especially young children.

Grooming

Bouviers are big dogs that need regular grooming because of their thick and rough outer fur. It's important to trim their beards and mustaches often. Their undercoat is tight and thick, so it’s essential to keep it free of mats for the dog's comfort. You may also need to strip the outer coat about twice a year.

Suitability for Family Life

If your family is used to taking care of big dogs that need a lot of attention, Bouvier dogs could be a great choice. They need regular grooming, which can be quite demanding. These dogs may try to herd smaller kids by nipping at their heels, so they are better suited for families with older children or no kids at all.

Did You know?

In the 1970s, a Bouvier served as a protector for the Princess of Wales. This breed is also known as the “Vuilbaard,” a term that translates to “dirty beard.”

Similar Breeds

Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Puli

Need to Know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Large dog
Some drool
Requires grooming every other day
Chatty and vocal dog