Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a hardy dog that is capable of many tasks. Its name translates as the "Cow Herder of Flandres,"� but it also excels at agility, obedience, and other competitions. History This dog originated in the Flandres region of Belgium. Farmers developed the breed not for its pedigree, but for its usefulness in the field. They were created by crossing Irish Wolfhounds with local herd dogs. Bouviers were used to herd cattle, as the name suggests. Butchers and cattle merchants soon adopted the dog as their favorite breed, too. Because they were being bred to work, not all Bouviers looked the same at first; it wasn't until much later that the breed achieved a uniform look. However, though size, color, and weight may have differed a bit, all of these dogs looked related enough to have the same breed name. The Bouvier was also given nicknames such as Koehon (cow dog), Vuilbaard (dirty beard), and Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver). When World War I came around, these dogs were almost wiped out because they were used in trench battles. One survivor named Nic became the father of the breed as we know it today. After the war, he was used in shows and as a stud dog with the few remaining females, which is why most Bouvier lineages now trace back to him. Appearance The first thing that prospective dog owners notice about the Bouvier des Flandres is its rugged appearance. They have a compact body that is well muscled and covered with a double-layered coat. This coat has a fine, dense undercoat and a harsh, rough outer coat. Hairs are often around 2.5 inches long. While hair isn't straight, wavy, or curly, it is often described as having a "tousled"� texture. They also have a mustache and beard on their muzzles. This coat can be black, fawn, or almost any shade in between except gray, chocolate brown, and brindle. Small white markings on the chest aren't unusual, though a solid white Bouvier des Flandres is not desired. Under the coat, the body has sturdy bones and powerful muscles. The head is often large, though it is in proportion to the body. Bouvier des Flandres typically have a bold expression, accented by oval, dark brown eyes and triangular ears. This dog's chest is broad, the ribs are deep, and the tail is usually docked. At the withers, males usually measure between 24.5 and 27.5 inches; females typically measure between 23.5 and 26.5 inches. Average weight is between 100 and 120 pounds. Temperament Bouvier des Flandres are often fearless and brave, which is why they were so popular in the First World War. They work great as watchdogs and guardians. However, they are friendly enough to be a great family pet. They are rarely shy or vicious. It should be noted that these dogs can take up to three years to mature, so they will behave like puppies for a long time. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Bouvier des Flandres is between 10 and 12 years. Hip dysplasia and cataracts are common health problems, though this dog is typically very healthy. However, this breed has a very high pain tolerance, so it's not always easy to determine whether or not something is bothering these dogs. Pet Care These dogs are best suited for suburban or rural areas, rather than urban ones. This is because they do need a moderate amount of exercise, and a large yard will help achieve this. Bouvier des Flandres can be calm inside, but they will romp around outside. Grooming is necessary at least once a week. The fur easily becomes matted otherwise. Obedience training should begin early, and so should socialization. While these aren't aggressive dogs, they must be supervised around other animals and children; socialization can make them more accustomed to dealing with a baby's tugs on their tail and another animal's playfulness. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love this dog for its protective nature and its ability to be a working dog. They also love their Bouvier des Flandres for its generally calm and gentle nature and for its loyality. Is this the right dog for you? If you like the look of a large, shaggy dog, then this may be the right breed for you. The Bouvier des Flandres is imposing enough to deter intruders but loving enough to make a great family pet. This breed is also easily trainable, meaning they make great competitors. They can learn how to do agility, obedience competitions, and herding trials, among other things. Interaction with this breed is thus very fun and fulfilling. Under normal circumstances, they are very levelheaded and have and even tempers. They are also quiet indoors, provided they get enough exercise outside. However, there are some problems with this breed that can be a deterrent for potential owners. For starters, due to its size, this dog takes up a lot of space. Since they take several years to grow out of the puppy stage, they may be rowdy and hard to handle. They need regular exercise or they will be destructive indoors instead of calm; this is a side effect of letting out their pent-up energy. When socialized properly, they are very gentle, but an under-socialized Bouvier des Flandres can be aggressive, especially toward other animals. Owners must use a firm hand when disciplining and training, because this breed has a strong will and can be stubborn. Plus, leash walking may be a difficult process because they love to chase moving objects. As for cleanliness, this dog will track in dirt trapped in its thick fur. This means that a lot of time must be dedicated to grooming. They are also known to be flatulent and to develop odors if their fur isn't regularly cleaned. These problems are somewhat typical of larger dogs, so owners looking for this size pet should be prepared to handle them. If you feel unable to control such a massive dog, there are plenty of other breeds for you. However, if you have the patience and confidence to raise this pet, it will turn out to be a good companion. Once trained, these dogs are very pleasant, which is why they are favored members of many households.

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