Introduction to Bouviers des Flandres
The bouvier des Flandres dog breed is hardworking and known for being a wonderful watchdog. Its name means “cowherd from Flanders” and originates from the Flanders region of Belgium and the French northern plain. This sturdy and robust dog has a big head, beard, mustache, and intelligent mind. They’re lovable, versatile dogs on the farm or at home as family companions.
Is the bouvier des Flandres the best dog in your household and lifestyle? We cover every little thing you have to know concerning the bouvier des Flandres on this Healthy Paws breed guide.
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Size of Bouviers des Flandres
When fully grown, a bouvier des Flandres male stands 24.5 to 27.5 inches tall, and an adult female is 23.5 to 26.5 inches tall. These dogs weigh between 70 and 110 kilos, with males on the heavier end of the size. They are mostly done growing by age one but may gain a bit more weight of their second yr of life.
Here’s how big you’ll be able to expect your bouvier des Flandres to get because the dog grows from puppyhood to maturity:
| Weight Chart | 3 months | 6 months | 9-12 months | 24 months |
| Male bouviers des Flandres | 40 – 50 lbs. | 70 – 80 lbs. | 95 – 110 lbs. | 95 – 120 lbs. |
| Female bouviers des Flandres | 35 – 45 lbs. | 65 – 75 lbs. | 80 – 90 lbs. | 80 – 100 lbs. |
Characteristics of Bouviers des Flandres
Some of a very powerful things to find out about bouvier des Flandres dogs are that they need lots of exercise, are easy to coach, and are rugged adventurers. These dogs have strong personalities and are confident and fearless. They’re natural athletes but in addition affectionate and love hanging out indoors with their favorite people.
You also needs to know that these dogs have a protective nature, could be stubborn, aren’t one of the best for first-time or timid dog owners, and are prone to track dirt through the home.
As you get to know a bouvier des Flandres’ personality, here’s what you’ll be able to expect based on the breed characteristics:
| Breed Characteristic | Level (High, Medium, Low) |
| Affectionate with People | Medium |
| Good with Kids | Medium |
| Good with Pets | Medium |
| Need for Exercise | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence Level | High |
| Able to Be Trained | High |
| Amount of Barking | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of Bouviers des Flandres
In the native language, the bouvier des Flandres has been known as dirty beard, cow dog, and cattle driver. The history of the dog dates back to Medieval times in what’s now Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. Belgium and France each claim the dog as a breed native to their countries. Bouviers des Flandres were used to maneuver cattle, herd livestock, guard, function watchdogs, and pull carts.
The dogs’ homeland was largely destroyed during World War I, however the Belgian army kept the breed alive. Bouviers des Flandres served as courageous war dogs, police K-9s, and guide dogs for individuals who were blind. Fanciers of the breed formed the American Bouvier des Flandres Club in 1963.
Bouviers des Flandres Standard Information
The breed standard for the bouvier des Flandres describes the best dog and characteristics by which dogs are judged at shows. For example, the overall appearance of the dog includes having a robust construct, rugged appearance, harsh double coat, and excellent tracking and guiding ability.
Here is an summary of the breed standard information for bouvier des Flandres:
Head:
- Impressive in scale
- Beard and mustache
- Bold and alert expression
- Dark brown eyes
- Ears are high and alert
- Skull is flat and barely less wide than long
- Muzzle is broad and strong
- Incisor teeth meet in a scissors bite
Neck, Topline, Body:
- Strong and muscular neck
- Back is brief, broad, and well-muscled
- Chest is broad
- Ribs are deep and well-sprung
- Tail ought to be docked, leaving two or three vertebrae
Forequarters:
- Strong-boned, straight, and muscular
- Shoulders are long and muscular
- Elbows are near the body and parallel
- Pasterns are short and barely sloped
- Feet are rounded and compact with strong, black nails and thick, tough pads
Hindquarters:
- Firm and well-muscled
- Legs are moderately long
- Thighs are wide and muscular
- Dewclaws ought to be removed
- Feet are similar to within the front
Coat:
- Tousled double coat that may withstand inclement weather
- Outer hairs are rough and harsh
- Inner hairs are effective, soft, and dense
- Coat could also be trimmed barely to accent the body
- Mustache and beard are very thick
- Eyebrows have erect hairs that accentuate the attention shape
Color:
- Fawn to black, from salt and pepper to gray and brindle
- Small white star on the chest is allowable
Gait:
- Free, daring, and proud movement
- Tend to single-track at a quick trot
- The back stays flat and firm in a trot
Caring for Bouviers des Flandres
Bouvier des Flandres dogs are energetic and do best with energetic pet parents and families who love being outdoors. They are gentle giants with strong personalities and desire a job to do.
Here are some general suggestions for taking one of the best care of a bouvier des Flandres:
Best Living Environments:
- Homes with large backyards
- Active families that enjoy being outside
- Families with older kids
- Families without small pets, as a consequence of high prey drive
Type of Exercise:
- 60 to 90 minutes of exercise day by day
- Hikes with members of the family
- Time running around outside in a fenced backyard
- Swimming in a lake
Mental Enrichment:
- Agility courses
- Tug of war
- Frisbee games
Training Strategies:
- Socialize at an early age to attenuate overprotective tendencies
- Practice leash training to curb strong herding instincts
- Potty training and basic commands come easily
- Use a combination of positive reinforcement and firm corrections
- Mix up training activities to stop boredom
Grooming Tips:
- Can be time-consuming to groom often
- Brush not less than once weekly to stop mats and tangles
- Slicker brushes and metal de-matting combs do well
- Bathe not less than once a month
- Trim nails after baths
- Clean ears weekly
- Brush teeth day by day
Photos courtesy of the AKC
Common Health Problems of Bouviers des Flandres
The average life expectancy of a bouviers des Flandres is 10 to 12 years. But you might help your dog live a protracted, joyful, and healthy life by maintaining with regular vet visits and making the vital investment of pet insurance to assist pay costly vet bills.
These are among the most typical health issues that arise with bouvier des Flandres:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cancer
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Ectropion (eyelid rolling out or sagging)
- Entropion (eyelid rolling inward)
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Megaesophagus
- Liver shunt
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis (heart abnormality)
- Addison’s disease (adrenal gland condition)
Diet and Nutrition for Bouviers des Flandres
It’s vital to pay close attention to your bouviers des Flanders’ weight loss program because these dogs are liable to bloat and obesity. They need sufficient physical activity to keep up a healthy weight and require three to 5 cups of pet food day by day when fully grown. Feed a high-quality, veterinarian-recommended, large breed pet food, and you’re your dog in keeping with the manufacturer’s recommendations (using a measuring cup). Your dog’s day by day weight loss program ought to be divided into morning and evening meals. Also, limit the variety of treats you give your bouviers des Flanders to stop overeating and obesity-related health conditions.
Photos courtesy of the AKC
Where to Adopt or Purchase Bouviers des Flandres
The American Bouvier des Flanders Club is the national breed club for these dogs and a resource for locating a good breeder. The American Bouvier Rescue League offers adoption opportunities for the breed to search out bouviers loving homes. You may additionally consider asking your local pet shelters if any bouviers or mixed bouvier breed dogs can be found for fostering or adoption near you.
Related Breeds
If you might be drawn to the bouviers des Flandres due to its size, characteristics, and temperament, then you definately may additionally be involved in similar and related dog breeds, similar to these:
Pet Insurance for Bouviers des Flandres
To help take one of the best care of your bouviers des Flanders, Healthy Paws offers dog insurance with no maximum annual or lifetime payouts. Our straightforward and reasonably priced pet insurance plan covers recent accidents, injuries, cancer, emergency care, breed-specific conditions, genetic and hereditary conditions, and alternative care. With flexible premium and deductible options, plus no enrollment or administrative fees, we take the guesswork out of paying for expensive veterinary bills when your bouviers des Flanders is having a foul day.
Please contact us at 855-898-8991 if you have got any questions on how pet insurance works, or request your bouviers des Flanders pet insurance quote on our website today!