Bouvier des Flandres

Size
Large to Giant (27Kg +)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Weekly
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Frequent
Barking preference
Watchdog barking
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

The monks at the Ter Duinen monastery in Flanders were among the earliest known breeders of Flanders. The Bouviers bred by them are recorded as having been bred from imports such as Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds with local farm dogs, until a breed considered to be the predecessor of the modern Bouvier des Flandres was obtained. This became a working dog able to perform tirelessly, herding and guarding cattle and even pulling cargo carts, thanks to its strength and temperament, and to withstand the local weather conditions due to its thick coat. 2. 3.

Bouvier des Flandres roughly translates as “cowherd of flanders.” In the breed’s formative years, it was called “vuilbaard” (“dirty beard”, “koehond” (“cow dog”) and “toucher de boeuf of pic” (“cattle driver”) – apt descriptions of this majestic herder. 4.

In medieval times, when the Bouvier was first conceived, Flanders was a principality encompassing parts of modern-day France, Belgium and The Netherlands. (To this day, both France and Belgium claim the Bouvier as a native breed). As the breed’s many early names suggest, moving cattle was the Bouvier’s primary occupation. But the thrifty farmers of France and the Low Countries preferred owning one versatile dog instead of a team of specialists, so Bouviers earned their keep as herders, watch dogs, guardians and cart-pullers. 4.

By the turn of the 20th century, Bouviers were attracting the attention of international dog fanciers far from the farms and pastures of Flanders. A Belgian breed club was formed and French and Belgian experts drew up a written standard. With the outbreak of World War 1, however, the Bouvier’s bucolic homeland became a nightmarish battlefield, where the region’s farmers were displaced and their dogs lost or destroyed. 4.

The Belgian Army was responsible for keeping the breed alive, and Bouviers distinguished themselves as courageous and resourceful dogs of war. In peacetime, Bouviers burnished their resume as European police K-9s and guide dogs for the blind. 4.

Nowadays, the Bouvier des Flandres is above all used as a guard dog for the estate and the farm, and as a defence and police dog. Its physical and behavioural aptitudes, its great qualities of scent, initiative and intelligence warrant its use as a tracking dog, a messenger dog and a gamekeeper’s dog. 1.

Temperament

The Bouvier des Flandres has the calm, thoughtful character of a sensible, but fearless dog. Its lively look indicates intelligence, energy and audacity. 1.

Bouviers should be socialised well, preferably starting at an early age, to avoid shyness, suspiciousness, and being overly reserved with strangers (although the breed is naturally aloof with strangers). Protection of the family when danger is present is not something that needs to be taught, nor is it something one can train out of them. The dog will rise to the occasion if needed. 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. Obedience training starts when they are young. Their behaviour depends on the owner’s ability to communicate what is expected, and on the individual dominance level of the dog. They are usually good with other dogs if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Slow to mature both in body and mind, the Bouvier does not fully mature until the age of 2–3 years. 2.

Sizes: Height at withers: 62-68 cm for males; 59-65 cm for females.
For both sexes the ideal size is the middle range, ie 65cm for males, 62 cm for females. 1.

Weight: Approximately 35-40 kg for males; 27-35 kg for females. 1.

Photo 3607600 Waldemar Dabrowski . Dreamstime.com

Appearance

The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerfully built, compact, short-coupled, rough coated dog of notably rugged appearance. He gives the impression of great strength without any sign of heaviness or clumsiness in his overall makeup. He is agile, spirited and bold, yet his serene, well behaved disposition denotes his steady, resolute and fearless character. His gaze is alert and brilliant, depicting his intelligence, vigour and daring. By nature he is an equable dog. 4.

The coat is very abundant, the outercoat forming with the dense undercoat a protective layer perfectly adapted to the sudden climatic changes in this breed’s native land. The hair must be coarse to the touch, dry and matt, neither too long nor too short (about 6 cm), slightly tousled but never woolly or curly. Shorter on the head and very short on the outside of the ears. The undercoat is padding made up of fine dense hair, which grows beneath the outer coat and together with the topcoat it forms a waterproof covering. 1.

Colours are usually grey, brindle or overlaid with black. A completely uniform black is also accepted without being favoured. Light coloured, so-called washed-out coats are not acceptable. A white star on the chest is tolerated.1.

Sizes: 62-68 cm for males, 59-65 cm for females. For both sexes the ideal size is the middle range, ie 65cm for males, 62 cm for females.1.

Photo 54580151 Pieter Snijder. Dreamstime

Submitted by Poppy Maclean. Badger Photography

Suitability

Their sterling character, huge heart, and keen intelligence endear them to dog lovers the world over. Bouviers are excellent watchdogs and guardians, and eager participants in dog sports, especially herding trials. 4.

The Bouvier is happiest when he has a job to do, whether that job is babysitting, herding, obedience, or guard dog or rescue work. A bored Bouvier can be a very destructive one. Bouviers are easily trained to do almost any type of dog sport or activity, and they usually excel at it. They have a strong prey drive, so should be well socialised from the start. They are consummate showmen and enjoy working or competing with their owner at their side. They are an excellent fit for an active household with an owner who hikes or jogs or even bikes.

The Bouvier needs a large, enclosed exercise area where he can romp and play, preferably with other dogs or kids who will keep him in good condition both mentally and physically. Heavy exercise should be limited while he is a growing puppy.

The Bouvier’s coat needs brushing once or twice a week. A good slicker brush or pin brush and large comb will work for this. The beard may need cleaning at the same time, and the dog’s toenails should be trimmed every week or two. 4.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Bouvier des Flandres you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Bouvier des Flandres and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au
Wikipedia.org
Pollet, Robert (2003). Bouvier Des Flandres. Editorial Hispano-Europea.
American Kennel Club

Image: Shutterstock.com

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 02 Jul 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Sub-brachymorphic. Short and compact body, strong and well-muscled limbs. The Bouvier des Flandres gives the impression of power, but without clumsiness. The Bouvier des Flandres is to be judged in its natural stance, without physical contact with the handler. Important proportions: " Length of body from the point of shoulder to point of buttock should be approximately equal to the height at withers. " Proportions of length of skull to length of muzzle are 3 as to 2.

Characteristics

Originally the Bouvier des Flandres was used as a herding dog, as a draught dog and as a churning dog. The modernisation of farm equipment has affected these first tasks and nowadays the Bouvier des Flandres is above all used as a guard dog for the estate and the farm, as a defence and police dog. Its physical and behavioural aptitudes, its great qualities of scent, initiative and intelligence warrant its use as a tracking dog, a messenger dog and a gamekeeper's dog.

Temperament

The Bouvier des Flandres has the calm, thoughtful character of a sensible, but fearless dog. Its lively look indicates intelligence, energy and audacity. It is essential that the Bouvier des Flandres should retain its aptitude for work. Any change which could harm this must be penalised.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	The head has a massive appearance, still more accentuated by the beard and moustache. It is in proportion to the body and stature. Its clean-cut lines are obvious to the touch.Skull: Well developed and flat, slightly less broad than long. Toplines of skull and muzzle are parallel. Frontal groove hardly denoted.Stop: Only slightly pronounced, more apparent than real, due to upstanding eyebrows.Muzzle: Broad, powerful, well-boned, straight in its upper line, narrowing towards the nose, but never becoming pointed. Its length should be shorter than the skull by 2 to 3. Circumference measured just below the eyes should be approximately equal to length of head.Nose: Nose continues the muzzle in a line, which is slightly convex towards its end. It must be well-developed, rounded at the sides and always black in colour. Wide open nostrils.Lips: Well fitting and strongly pigmented.Cheeks: Flat and clean, zygomatic arches are not very protruding.Jaws: Jaws must be powerful and of equal length.
Eyes	Frank and energetic expression, neither protruding nor sunken. They should be slightly oval in shape, set horizontally. Colour should be as dark as possible in relation to coat. Light and wild looking eyes should be strongly penalised. Lids black without the slightest indication of unpigmented areas. Haw should never be visible
Ears	Set high, above eye level, flaps falling vertically. The fold must not stand higher than the top of the skull. Shape and carriage: Semi long, forming an equilateral triangular, slightly rounded at the tip, lying flat against the cheeks, except the slight lift-up at the top of the ear set, neither folded or nor curled, in proportion with head size, covered with very short hair.
Mouth	Teeth are strong, healthy, white and evenly set. Scissor or pincer bite. Dentition must be complete.
Neck	Should spring cleanly from the shoulders and is carried sufficiently upright. Strong, well muscled, widening gradually towards the shoulders. Length slightly shorter than the length of the head. Nape powerful and slightly arched. No dewlap.
Forequarters	The front legs have strong bone and are well muscled. They are perfectly straight and parallel when seen from the front.Shoulders: Relatively long, muscled, without being heavy and moderately oblique. The shoulder blade and humerus are approximately of the same length.Upper arm: Moderately obliqueElbows: Close to the body and parallel. Elbows that turn in or out in a natural stance or on the move are considered a fault.Forearm: Whether seen in profile or from the front, they must be perfectly straight, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. They must be well muscled and with good bone. Wrist (carpus): Exactly in line with the forearm. Only the pisiform bone juts out at the back of the wrist. Strong bone.Front pasterns (metacarpus): Strong bone, quite short, sloping forward very slightly.
Body	Powerful, close-coupled and short.Chest: Broad and well let down as far as the level of the elbows, but not cylindrical. The first ribs are slightly arched, the others rounded and well-sloped to the rear, giving the desired length of chest. Flat ribs are to be severely penalised. The distance from the point of the breastbone (manubrium) to the last rib must be considerable, about 7/10 of the height at the withers.Topline: Upper line of back and loins horizontal and tight and firm.Withers: Slightly raised.Back: Short, broad, muscled and well supported, with no sign of weakness, yet remaining flexible.Loins: Short, broad and well muscled. Must be flexible, with no sign of weakness.Croup: Must follow as closely as possible the horizontal line of the back and blend imperceptibly into the curve of the buttocks. Broad but not excessively so in males, more developed in bitches. A croup which falls away or a goose rump is a serious fault.Underline: The underside of the chest rises very slightly towards the belly, which is only slightly tucked up. Flanks must be short, especially in males.
Hindquarters	Strong, with pronounced muscle, upright and perfectly parallel when seen from the rear. Must move in the same planes as the front legs.Upper thighs: Broad, well muscled and parallel in direction to the median plane of the body. Femur must be neither too straight nor too sloping. Buttocks well let down, trousered and firm. Stifle: Set approximately on an imaginary straight line from the highest point of the hip (iliac crest) perpendicular to the ground.Lower thighs: Moderately long, well muscled, neither too straight nor too sloping.Hocks: Rather close to the ground, broad and tight. Seen from behind they should be straight and perfectly parallel when standing. On the move they should turn neither in nor out.Rear pasterns (metatarsus): Strong and lean, rather cylindrical and perpendicular to the ground when the dog is in a natural standing position. No dewclaws.
Feet	The forefeet are short, round and compact, neither toeing in nor toeing out. The toes should be tight and arched, with strong and dark nails. Thick and hard pads. The hind feet are round and solid, toes tight and arched, with strong black nails and thick hard pads.
Tail	Docked: Set relatively high the tail must continue the line of the backbone. The tail must be docked in the first week of birth leaving two [2] or three [3] vertebrae.Undocked: Set relatively high the tail must continue the line of the backbone.Tailless: Dogs born tailless, should not be penalised on that ground.
Gait/Movement	The whole of the Bouvier des Flandres must be harmoniously proportioned to ensure free, true and proud movement. Walking and trotting are the normal gaits, although one does encounter amblers. At a normal trot the Bouvier des Flandres covers its traces i.e. covers the front pad marks with the rear.
Coat	The coat is very abundant, the outercoat forming with the dense undercoat a protective layer perfectly adapted to the sudden climatic changes in this breed's native land. The hair must be coarse to the touch, dry and matt, neither too long nor too short (about 6 cm), slightly tousled but never woolly or curly. Shorter on the head and very short on the outside of the ears. The inner part of the ear flap is protected by medium long hair. The upper lip carries a moustache and the chin a full beard giving the forbidding expression so typical of this breed. The eyebrows consist of raised hairs, accentuating the shape of the superciliary ridges without ever veiling the eyes. The coat is particularly harsh and rasping on the upper part of the back. It shortens very slightly on the limbs but remains harsh. A flat coat should be avoided because it lacks undercoat. The undercoat is padding made up of fine dense hair, which grows beneath the outer coat and together with the topcoat it forms a waterproof covering.
Colour	The Bouvier des Flandres coat is usually grey, brindle or overlaid with black. A completely uniform black is also accepted without being favoured. Light coloured, so-called washed-out coats are not acceptable. A white star on the chest is tolerated.
Size	Height at withers:62-68 cm for males (24 ½ to 26 3/4 ins)59-65 cm for females (23 1/4 to 25 ½ ins)For both sexes the ideal size is the middle range, ie 65cm for males, 62 cm for females.Weight:Approx 35-40 kg for males (77 to 88 lbs)27-35 kg for females (60 to 77 lbs)

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.SERIOUS FAULTSTimidness.Molossoid appearance, too heavy a dog.Body obviously too long (slight tolerance for females) or too light.Too massive a head, marked stop, pronounced frontal groove, very prominent zygomatic arches.Domed skull, narrow skull, very prominent occipital crest, important lack of parallelism between the toplines of the skull and muzzle.Muzzle too long.Pinched nose.Loose, thick or overlapping lips.Wry jaw; malocclusion.Small, unhealthy or poorly set teeth.Light eyes, bulging eyes or untypical expression.Ears which are curled or folded.Cylindrical neck, dewlap.Very sagging or very arched back.Very faulty stance, obviously cramped stance.Sickle hocks.Silky coat, lack of undercoat, puffed up coat, shiny coat, overgroomed.Lack of head furnishings.Simultaneous faults in pigmentation (nose, lips, and eyelids).DISQUALIFYING FAULTSOverly shy or dangerously aggressive dog.Obvious lack of type.Unpigmented nose of any colour other than black.Pointed muzzle.Pronounced over or undershot bite.Any missing teeth other than one P1.Wall eyes or wild expression.Entropion, ectropion, unpigmented eyelids.Coat chocolate brown, white, pepper and salt, washed out colour and any other pale fawn going from light to red, even with black overlay.Height at withers outside the range of the standard.