Bouvier Des Flandres Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bouvier Des Flandres?

The Bouvier des Flandres is a type of herding dog breed that comes from Flanders, Belgium. They were initially used for general farm work, such as cattle droving, guarding, and pulling carts.

It is believed that Bouviers have been bred from Scottish deerhounds, Irish wolfhounds, and local farm dogs. They were used as protectors, draft animals, and drovers.

The French word "Bouvier" actually means cattle herder, and this working dog particularly excelled in that area. Nicknames for the breed include cattle driver, cow dog, and dirty beard.

By the early 20th century, the popularity of this dog had grown considerably. However, WWI and Belgium's battlefields nearly wiped the breed out. Thankfully, some survived, and dog lovers repopulated the breed.

In the late 1920s, this dog arrived in the United States, with the American Kennel Club recognizing it in 1929.

Who are Bouvier Des Flandres dogs best for?

A Bouvier can make a great family pet, so long as you have the time and energy to provide it with the physical stimulation it needs. Dog sports and daily walks are a must.

If you have another dog in your home, a Bouvier can live comfortably with it so long as they have been raised together. Bouviers can often become aggressive toward other dogs they don't know.

A Bouvier des Flandres dog is also better suited to families with older children. As a Bouvier is active and big in size as an adult dog, accidents can happen. Older children tend to have the patience and extra energy that is required for a tracking dog like this.

How much grooming does a Bouvier Des Flandres need?

You will be pleased to know that this rough-coated dog is only a low to moderate shredder. They do tend to shed throughout the entire year, but it is not bad to the point of being unbearable. It is advisable to regularly brush their outer coat to lower the amount of shedding. This is a lot of work though, so these dogs are more high maintenance than a lot of other dogs.

Do Bouvier Des Flandres bark much?

It is not uncommon for a Bouvier to bark at other animals - we'd class this dog as a moderate barker. If your dog is barking all of the time, it is important to get to the bottom of this.

It could be that your dog is attention-seeking or being territorial, and you may want to consider obedience training. However, it could be that he is bored, lonely, stressed, or worried, so do keep this in mind.

Do Bouvier Des Flandres bite?

A good family dog, a Bouvier has a very low chance of biting someone. The main reasons why this type of dog would bite are; being provoked, herding instinct, excitement, pain, or protection.

If a Bouvier were to bite you, the force would be classed as ordinary, i.e. between 200 and 400 PSI. This is an average rating. However, it is critical to make sure you do not anger this type of dog, especially if it is not fully trained yet, as it has significant jaw strength.

With a bit of training, though, they are good companions and tend to be very calm.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bouvier Des Flandres?

When looking for a dog to add to your family, it is important to consider their temperament and nature to ensure they are going to be the right fit. Although Bouviers des Flandres may be big in size, they are known for being docile, calm, and having a pleasant nature.

Some Bouviers can be aggressive toward other dogs. However, if your Bouvier is raised with another dog, he or she should be able to get along well with them.

It is easy to train a Bouvier. A lot of people say that once this breed has been taught, it will never forget a command. On the flip side, these dogs are slow to mature both mentally and physically. They are not considered to be fully grown until they reach the age of two or three years old.

While they may not be natural guard dogs, the Bouvier makes an outstanding watchdog and is incredibly loyal.

What is the weight & size of a Bouvier Des Flandres?

This is an impressive, large dog, which can weigh as much as 43 kilograms. Plus, they tend to grow up to 68 centimetres in height.

How much training does a Bouvier Des Flandres need?

The fact that this breed makes a good police dog tells you that Bouviers are good learners. The best age to begin training your dog is when they turn eight weeks old. Once they have reached this age, they are going to be able to understand the gestures and commands you make.

At the start of training, take it slow and be very calm. Don't forget that you're presenting the dog with a completely new routine, so they may be unwilling to perform the task at first.

For first-time owners, defining a task to a Bouvier can be quite challenging. These breeds need consistent, strong, and confident leaders. Constant motivation and positive reinforcements are helpful.

As Bouviers tend to have their own mindset, positive reinforcement encourages the dog and owner to have an upbeat attitude while training. Giving them treats, encouraging, and praising constantly helps this breed to get motivated.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bouvier Des Flandres?

As is the case with any breed of dog, there are a few health issues that tend to be more prevalent amongst Bouviers, so you do need to keep this in mind.

Bouviers are prone to a number of minor health issues, including glaucoma, sub-aortic stenosis (SAS), canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and elbow dysplasia.

Make sure you ask the breeder about the medical history of the dog's parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Carefully think about whether or not to purchase a puppy if some of the diseases we have discussed are in the family line.

What is the lifespan of a Bouvier Des Flandres?

Lifespan: 10 -12 years 

How much should you feed a Bouvier Des Flandres?

You definitely need to be careful when feeding your dog, as Bouviers are known for piling on the pounds. So, make sure that your dog's diet is made up of biologically appropriate protein, vegetables, ground bones, and healthy fats. This sort of dog food will ensure they get all of the minerals and vitamins that are required for optimal performance and health.

What is the price of a Bouvier Des Flandres in Australia?

You will typically pay between $1,500 and $2,000 for a Bouvier des Flandres. However, prices can differ considerably from breeder to breeder. Your location in Australia can also play a role in terms of prices so do keep this in mind as well.