Bouvier des Flandres
AKA: Flanders Cattle Dog, Vlaamse Koehend
Description: The Bouvier des Flandres is a massive and heavily-coated dog that has a thick beard and mustache. It also has shaggy eyebrows that add to its distinctive appearance. It has a black nose, dark brown oval-shaped eyes, and teeth that form a scissors bite. Its ears stand erect, triangular in shape, and may be cropped.
The Bouvier des Flandres has a proportionately square body. It has a broad and deep chest, and the tail is docked. The legs are muscular, with the front legs perfectly straight.
Dynamics: The Bouvier des Flanders is a gentle-mannered and calm dog. It is obedient and can be trained easily. It is intelligent enough to learn commands quickly, but the training has to be consistent, balanced, and firm. The Bouvier also needs to be clear on who the master is to avoid dominance problems.
The Bouvier is excellent with children, and can get along well with other household pets is socialized at an early age. Socialization is important to prevent over-protectiveness or shyness in the breed. The Bouvier is sometimes suspicious and reserved with strangers. But generally, it is a lively, enthusiastic, and responsible dog.
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: males 75-90 lbs (34-41 kg), females 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg)
Height: males 23-28 inches (58-71 cm), females 22-27 inches (56-69 cm)
Color: The coat of the Bouvier des Flandres comes in black, fawn, blonde, gray, or brindle. Some may have a white marking on the chest.
Country of Origin: The Bouvier des Flandres comes from Belgium, where it was bred from a cross between the Griffon and the Beauceron.
Activities: The Bouvier des Flandres has an average demand for exercise. A daily walk and exercises would be sufficient for it to remain healthy and active. The Bouvier des Flandres is currently used as a watchdog and guard dog as well as a tracking dog. It is also being used as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue, police work, military work, carting, competitions, and schutzhund.
Grooming: The Bouvier des Flandres’ coat requires some attention when it comes to grooming. The coat has to be brushed regularly. Bathe or dry shampoo only when needed. Excess hair inside the ears and between the pads of the feet should be removed or trimmed. The coat needs to be trimmed at least three times a year.
Other Info: The Bouvier des Flandres has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. It is a healthy breed and is accustomed to harsh conditions. It is still prone to some health conditions though, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. The Bouvier des Flandres will do well in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised.
Tags: animal, belgium, bouvier des flandres, breed, cattle, dog, flanders, herding, pet