Meet the Bouvier Des Flandres
Protective, Gentle and Loyal
The Bouvier de Flanders originates from Flanders, and is a herding dog breed. They are presently used as guard dogs and police dogs but originally they worked as farm dogs. This breed would work on the farm herding sheep, cattle droving and cart pulling.
The Bouvier's first breeders were monks at the Ter Duinen monastery in Flanders. They were created by breeding Irish wolfhounds and local farm dogs.
The breed almost completely disappeared during World War I due to the use of the dogs in the military. And once again they became endangered during World War II.
Description and Care
The Bouvier de Flanders have a thick coat and cropped ears and tail. Their coat is actually a double coat which can be fawn, black, grey brindle or salt and pepper. When the Bouvier's shed their hair, it gets caught in their double coat, which causes matting. Therefore, this breed needs weekly brushing and trimming every 3 to 5 weeks. They are a powerfully built dog and the males weigh an average of 100 to 120 pounds and the females weigh a little bit less.
The Bouvier makes an excellent family pet and guard dog. They are protective, gentle and loyal. This dog is excellent with children. The Bouvier looks intimidating but are very calm and possess control and intelligence. They are also easy to train and the key is consistency.
American Bouvier de Flandres Club
If you are interested in adopting a Bouvier de Flanders, take a look at the American Bouvier de Flandres Club website. They offer a free publication full of information on the breed called Beginner's Guide to the Bouvier des Flandres.
The American Bouvier de Flandres Club does not recommend individual breeders, but it does supply a Breeder Referral List on its website.
The American Bouvier Rescue League
The American Bouvier Rescue League is the rescue arm of the American Bouvier des Flandres Club. The League coordinates with breed clubs, breeders and fanciers, creating a rescue network to help in the rescue of purebred Bouvier des Flandres. They are a volunteer organization that finds responsible loving homes for unwanted Bouviers. Most of the Bouviers that are abandoned are due to owners dying or getting sick, families moving or people buying the breed without the proper research.
If you are planning to add a Bouvier to your family, consider an adult rescue. They all have been evaluated for temperament, examined by a veterinarian and have had spay or neuter surgery. The American Bouvier Rescue League website includes an adoption application.
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Published by Ana Blanco
36 year old Mom who works full time. Born in Portugal and has lived in the US for almost 30 years. Married with 1 daughter. We also have 3 dogs and 3 cats. View profile
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- The Bouvier's first breeders were monks at the Ter Duinen monastery in Flanders.
- The Bouvier makes an excellent family pet and guard dog.
- If you are planning to add a Bouvier to your family, consider an adult rescue.