Protection Dog Breeds we offer For Sale:

German Shepherd Dog | Boxer Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Belgian Malinois

Bouvier des Flandres | Giant Schnauzer | Dutch Shepherd Dog | Rottweiler | Airedale Terrier

(Click on the above links to learn about each breed)

Bouvier des Flandres

AKA: (Flanders Cattle Dog) (Vlaamse Koehond) (Toucheur de Boeuf)

The Bouvier des Flandres in Brief:

The Bouvier des Flandres is a dog breed originating in Flanders. They are used for general farm work including cattle droving, sheep herding, cart pulling, and as guard dogs, police dogs, dogs of war, and security dogs, as well as being kept as pets. It can be noted that usage of the French name (meaning, literally, "Herdsman of Flanders") is contradictory with the Flemish origin of the breed; in Flemish, they are known as Koehond, or cattle dog. Other names for the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver) and Vuilbaard (dirty beard).

Bouvier des Flandres are rational, gentle, loyal, and protective in nature. The breeds unique blend of characteristics makes them ideal family pets, as well as keen guard dogs. Unlike many animals bred for basic aggressive nature and power, the Bouvier des Flandres possess sophisticated traits, such as complex control, intelligence, and accountability. A rare inherent quality of the breed is its ability to recognize between aggressive and non-aggressive behavior and re-act accordingly.

Security-K9.com fully trained Bouvier des Flandres Protection Dog

More pictures of the Bouvier

Pronunciation of "Bouvier des Flandres":

BOOV-yay day FLAHN-druh pronunciation

Temperament of the Bouvier:

The Bouvier des Flandres is an obedient dog with a pleasant nature. His looks are intimidating, but is actually calm and gentle. The Bouvier is enthusiastic, responsible, even tempered and fearless. The Bouvier is an excellent guard dog, personal protection dog and watchdog that is easy to train.

Security-K9.com fully trained Bouvier des Flandres Jumping and Playing

The Bouvier breed learns commands relatively fast, though not quite as fast as, for example the German Shepherd Dog. The Bouvier requires well-balanced training which remains consistent in nature. Once the Bouvier learns a command they will remember it for the rest of their life. It is important to make the dog aware, without being too hard in nature, that you are and will remain the boss. This breed needs an experienced dog-owner to prevent dominance problems. As with most Breeds, the Bouvier should be socialized well at an early age to avoid over-protectiveness and shyness. A good family dog, the Bouvier likes, and is excellent with, children. The Bouvier is very adaptable and goes about its business quietly and calmly. This dog's loyalty is world famous. Unlike some of the slower maturing breeds, the Bouvier has the mental capibility to be Obedience trained at an early age. As a general rule the Bouvier is well balanced with other animals however, behavior with other animals depends on individual dog's temperament and character. Provided they are properly socialized at an early age, chances are very good they will get along well with cats and other pets, but be sure that the dog you will be obtaining has been raised with non-canine pets. The Bouvier is usually good with other dogs if it is raised with them from puppyhood. Dominant individual Bouviers can be dog-aggressive with other dog-aggressive dogs that show a threat. The Bouvier is slow to mature both in body and mind, but this does not effect his ability to learn through proper training and guidance. The Bouvier normally does not fully mature until the dog reaches the age of 2 to 3 years. The Bouvier can be suspicious and reserved with strangers and very protective of their family.

Physical Description of the Bouvier:

Security-K9.com Bouvier des Flandres Docked and Cropped - Stacked out

The Bouvier is a powerful, impressive dog with a massive and heavily-coated head with a beard and mustache. The Bouvier's thick beard and shaggy eyebrows give the dog a very distinctive appearance. The Bouvier's slightly tapered muzzle is strong and broad. The Bouvier has oval, dark brown eyes have a bold, affectionate and lively expression. The Bouvier's nose is black. The Bouvier's teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Body length of the Bouvier from point of shoulder to the tip of the rump should be approximately equal to the height of the dog from the withers to the ground, giving the dog a square profile. The Bouvier's front legs are muscular and perfectly straight. The chest is broad and deep. The Bouvier breed has a naturally double coat. The rough, shaggy-looking outer coat is harsh and dry to the touch. This steel-wool hair comes in Black, Fawn, Gray, or Brindle. It is lined with a dense undercoat. The AKC allows a white marking on the chest. The coat protects the Bouvier in all types of inclement weather. The Bouvier's ears are triangular and erect when Cropped, and fold down in the middle when Natural or not cropped. The tail is normally Docked, however leaving the tail Natural is becoming more popular and the ears may be cropped to a point, though some breeders prefer to leave them Natural. Leaving the Bouvier Natural is becoming more popular due to the fact that Docking and Cropping is now illegal in most European countries. Belgian bloodlines tend to be somewhat smaller and lighter than Dutch bloodlines. The Bouvier is a compact working dog with a very good disposition.

The Bouvier's Height, Weight

Height: Dogs (Males) 23-28 inches (58-71 cm.) Bitches (Females) 22-27 inches (56-69 cm.)

Weight: Dogs (Males) 75-90 pounds (34-41 kg.) Bitches (Females) 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg.)

Health Problems of the Bouvier:

The Bouvier is a very hardy dog and is accustomed to harsh conditions and is rarely ill, however some Bouviers may suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts. The Bouvier has a very high pain threshold. The Bouvier can take a lot of contact with the cattle's legs without feeling it. This also makes them fearless in Protection situations. This does not make them a veterinarian's favorite patient, as it is extremely difficult to tell where the dog is hurting by manipulating the legs and/or other body parts.

Living Conditions of the Bouvier:

Security-K9.com Bouvier chilling in the house

The Bouvier des Flandres will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard.

Required Exercise of the Bouvier:

The Bouvier des Flandres is an energetic and active dog that has an average demand for exercise. It will enjoy going with you for long walks or running alongside a bike. During the growing stage, exercise should be carefully regulated so that growing bones, muscles and joints are not too strenuously stressed. The Bouvier requires all its energy to build a strong, healthy frame. Agility is a very good way of helping the Bouvier to get the proper amount of exercise.

Life Expectancy of the Bouvier:

About 10-12 years.

Grooming of the Bouvier:

The Bouvier has a shaggy coat that requires a lot of attention. Brush the long coat regularly and bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The Bouvier needs to be trimmed at least three times a year. Between trims remove any excess hair inside the ears and trim hair between the pads of the feet. Do not let the hair grow too long close to the feet but trim it so that the Bouvier has nice round feet. A well-groomed Bouvier sheds very little hair in the home.

Origin of the Bouvier:

Security-K9.com Bouvier Lying in the Grass

There is no real agreement concerning the origin of this Franco-Belgian breed. It may have been formed by crossing the Griffon and the Beauceron (but this is a matter of opinion). The Bouvier des Flandres, originally a cattle herding dog, was extensively used as a rescue dog and message-carrier during World War I. As a result of his exposure during the warfare and the nearly total destruction of the city Flandres; the Bouvier was almost completely killed off. In 1923, after the war, the Bouvier was "reconstructed" from a few individuals, and a breed club was established in Belgium. Bouvier des Flandres means "cowherd from Flanders." Currently the Bouvier serves as a watchdog, guardian, protection dog, family companion and as a man tracking dog. The Bouvier has also been used as a guide for the blind and in search & rescue. The Bouvier also succeeds very well in police work, military work, carting, agility, competitive obedience and competitive protection related training.