<C>Height:</C> 24 1/2 to 27 1/2 inches (male); 23 1/2 to 26 1/2 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 90 to 110 pounds (male); 75 to 95 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> 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 Flanders, the breed was almost completely killed off. 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, family companion and as a tracking dog. This breed has also been used as a guide for the blind.
<b>Description:</> The Bouvier is a powerful, impressive dog with a massive and heavily coated head. The thick beard and shaggy eyebrows give the dog a very distinctive appearance. The slightly tapered muzzle is strong and broad. The oval, dark brown eyes have a bold, alert expression. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Body length 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 chest is broad and deep. The dog has a double coat. The rough, shaggy-looking outer coat is harsh and dry to the touch. It is lined with a dense undercoat. The coat protects the dog in all types of inclement weather. The coat colors are primarily black or black-brindle and gray or gray-brindle. Fawn is allowable. A white star is permitted on the chest. The tail is docked and the ears may be cropped to a point, though some breeders now leave them natural.
<b>Notes:</> The shaggy coat requires a lot of attention. Can be nippy in an attempt to herd people. Very hardy, but prone to hip dysplasia. Purchase only from OFA stock. The Bouvier is slow-maturing in both body and mind. Full maturity is generally not reached until the dog is 2-3 years old. Belgian lines tends to be somewhat smaller and lighter than Dutch bloodlines.
<b>Personality:</> A brave guard with a pleasant nature. Looks intimidating, but is actually calm and gentle. Steady and fearless. Should be socialized well at an early age to avoid over- protectiveness and shyness. A good family dog, the Bouvier likes children. Loyal, enthusiastic and responsible. Needs an experienced owner to prevent dominance problems. Obedience train early. Behavior with other animals depends on individual temperament and character. Be careful with non-canine pets. Dominant individuals can be dog-aggressive.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Skilled trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Docking:</C> Both ears and tail are customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Needs lots of exercise.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with a large yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, carting, agility, competitive obedience, and Schutzhund.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> BOUVIER DES FLANDRES
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
