Working Dogs

Bouvier Des Flandres – The Large Belgian Cattle Herder

Bouvier Des Flandres – The Large Belgian Cattle Herder

Bouvier Des Flandres – Belgian Working Dog Breed

Image: Tatyana Kuznetsova/Shutterstock

Name Bouvier Des Flandres
Size Large
Grooming Moderate
Training Medium
Exercise 1 - 2 hour a day
Origins Belgium

The Flemish Working Dog

The Bouvier Des Flandres the Flemish Cattle Dog

Quick Overview

Name:                                                                                  Bouvier des Flandres, Flanders Cattle Dog

Size:                                                                                       Up to 27 inches tall

Weight:                                                                                Up to 88 lbs in weight

Grooming:                                                                          Needs a daily brush

Training:                                                                               Moderate to easy

Exercise:                                                                              Reasonably energetic, 2 hours a day minimum

Temperament:                                                                 Independent yet caring and attentive

Lifespan:                                                                              10-12 years usually

Origins:                                                                                 Flanders which is in Belgium

Breed Type:                                                                        Working Dog

A Little Bouvier Des Flandres History

The Bouvier breed was recorded as being pets to the monks at Ter Duinen in Belgium. It is believed that they were bred from a whole bunch of imported breeds, some of which were the Irish Wolfhound and the Deerhound. They were used throughout the monk’s history as guarding dogs, herders of cattle, and general help-around-the-monastery workers.

Later, the breed would be adapted somewhat by the cropping of their ears and tails. This was done to avoid accidental amputation and keep the dogs safe. By then they were farm working dogs, capable of being ratters or of herding the largest cows. Up until the beginning of the 20th century, the Bouvier was at war with itself in terms of breeders. There were three different variations of the Bouvier, and nobody could agree on the breed standard. To this day, some local kennel club breed descriptions vary in detail regarding which strand of the breed they use. One is the Moerman, another the Briard, and a third the Paret.

Back when the breed was first developed, it is worth remembering that Flanders was part of France and of the Netherlands. The whole region shares cultural links with each of the countries, so you may hear that the Bouvier des Flandres is a French or Dutch dog – but it comes from Belgium officially.

The Bouvier des Flandres breed was officially defined just before the First World War when it was then bombed into near oblivion. It took dedicated breeder’s programs through various clubs to reconstruct the breed into what we know it as today. This near- extinction helped refine that breed standard into one communal form of dog, which we know and love today.

Bouvier-Des-Flandres

They are now more likely to be household pets than working dogs.
Image: Tatyana Kuznetsova

The Best Facts About this Breed

We like to put together the best things about each breed here at Five Minutes Spare, to give new puppy owners some ammunition for guests. Without further ado, then, let’s delve into our favourite things about the Bouvier des Flandres:

  • Their name translates to ‘cow herder of Flanders’ and that was their original purpose.
  • They have several names, including ‘cattle driver’ and ‘Flemish cow dog’.
  • There is a dedicated club to the Bouvier des Flandres, regardless of what country you live in. The British one is here.
  • They have a place in the AKC, the UKKC, and the UKC, as well as multiple other local kennel clubs around the world… some of which have slightly different breed standards.
  • The Bouvier is a multi-tasking dog. Farmers in Flanders decided to train the one animal for multiple purposes, rather than employing a separate pastoral guardian, herding dog, and ratter about the farm.

So if you are the proud owner of a brand new Bouvier des Flandres puppy, you are one of a long tradition of gifted owners. If you want a dog that’s going to be eager to help you out at home, this breed is an excellent start.

Are they Easy to Groom?

Sort of. Their hair doesn’t tend to cast that much but it does need regular brushing. Every other day will be enough to stop their hair from matting. Matting is uncomfortable for the dog and bruises them when it is shaved, so do be careful.

On top of the grooming, they are going to need their nails clipped whenever they get too long. Otherwise, the dewclaw at the back might in grow, requiring medical help. Ensure you are brushing their teeth every few days too, and you will save yourself some vet bills as they age.

What About Training?

They are not the easiest dogs to train, but once the instructions are in there you might never be able to get them out. They are slightly on the stubborn side but remember they would have had to be independent when guarding cattle in the fields. Socialise them from the outset and make sure you take them through obedience training to get the best out of your dog.

Do Bouvier Des Flandres Need Lots of Exercise?

Image: C. Hamilton/Shutterstock.com

At one time, they would have bounded around the fields of Belgium all day long, so you have to be prepared for that level of energy. If you want to keep them happy one to two hours will do, but if you want to tire them out so they are not boisterous at night give them more than two hours of exercise a day. These dogs are best suited to be working dogs, so if you can keep them with you throughout the day, which is great bonding time and suits their personality.

What About Health Issues?

They are a reasonably ancient breed, so you do need to take health into account. Still given this they are reasonably healthy. Look out for hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and skin issues or allergies. We recommend any new puppy gets health insurance.

Where Can I Buy A Bouvier des Flandres?

You can buy a puppy of your very own from your nearest kennel club, who will have a list of registered stud dogs in your country. This is the safest way to buy a new Bouvier des Flandres puppy without risking buying from a puppy farmer. These breeders will breed a bitch to death, only concerned with how much money the dog can make them. If you come across a puppy farm, be sure to report them to the relevant animal charity in your area, who will prosecute.

If you can’t find a breeder, try going to your local animal shelters too. The slightly stubborn nature of this working dog can put people off and see them have to be re-homed.

Got Five Minutes Left?

If this isn’t the ideal breed for you then feel free to head over to our dog directory, here at Five Minutes Spare. We have numerous breeds of different shapes and sizes, all of which are desperate to meet your needs… and find a new home!

 

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