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The Bouvier des Flandres, also known as the Flemish Cattle Dog or Vlaamse Koehund, is a Belgian herding dog. It used to herd cows and horses, but today, the "Bouv" is a loyal guard and family dog with a balanced character. However, its long, rough fur does mean a higher amount of care is needed by its owners.
With a coarse, weather-resistant coat and calm, stoic nature, the Bouvier des Flandres was bred to drive and protect livestock. Today, this brave and intelligent herding dog makes a devoted companion for experienced families
Appearance of the Bouvier des Flandres: A Dog with a Beard
The Bouvier des Flandres is a large, sturdy dog with a compact build. It has a stocky and robust appearance, without looking clumsy.
Males have a height at the withers between 62 and 68 centimetres, while females range between 59 and 65 centimetres. Their weight spans from 27 to 40 kilograms.
When is a Bouvier des Flandres fully grown?
This breed belongs to the late bloomers. Only around the age of three years is the Bouvier des Flandres physically and mentally adult. Characteristic to the “Bouv” is its full beard on the chin and the moustache on the upper lip.
In its Belgian homeland, these features have affectionately earned it the nickname “Vuilbaard”, which translates to “Dirty Beard”.
Long, Rough and Dark Coat
The long coat of the Flemish Cattle Dog feels brittle, rough and dry. It comes in grey, black variegated or brindle colours. A deep black fur and a white star on the chest are tolerated. According to the breed standard, lighter fur colours are not desired.
The ears of the Vlaamse Koehund are naturally medium-length and hang down. Its tail is set relatively high. Both used to be commonly docked, which is now prohibited in many countries.
Character: Is the Bouvier des Flandres a Good Family Dog?
The Bouvier des Flandres belongs to the group of herding and cattle dogs. Its original job was to drive and guard large animals such as horses and cows. This is also hinted at in its Dutch name Vlaamse Koehund, meaning Flemish Cow Dog.
To confidently carry out its role as a working dog, the Flemish Cattle Dog developed a calm, balanced, and sometimes almost stoic temperament. Being a protector of cow and horse herds, the dog also needs to make independent decisions, hence it is intelligent, brave – and sometimes stubborn.
Exemplary Police and Guard Dog
Its breed-specific traits make the Bouvier des Flandres an excellent protection and police dog. Additionally, due to its intelligence and fine sense of smell, it is often used as a loyal guard dog and as a tracking dog.
The sturdy canine is also an excellent family pet. The patient “Bouv” usually gets along well with children and accepts other dogs and pets if properly socialised.
The Bouvier des Flandres, also known as the Flemish Cow Dog, was originally bred to guard and drive herds of cows and horses—traits still evident in its calm, brave, and independent character
Living & Training: Experienced Dog Handlers Preferred
A large dog like the Vlaamse Koehund, with a strong protective instinct, should be allowed to live in arural setting. In a house or larger flat with a garden, the Bouvier des Flandres has ample space and can function as a guard dog.
The adventurous, eager-to-learn canine needs to be physically and mentally challenged. In addition to daily walks, it yearns for a task to accomplish – such as being trained as a tracking dog.
The Bouvier des Flandres in Draft Dog Sport
Dog sports, particularly draft dog sports, are also ideal for engaging the Bouvier des Flandres in a species-appropriate manner. Historically, the breed was used to move heavy butter barrels. As a so-called tow dog, it also used to pull boats over the water from the shore.
The breed’s ability to move heavy loads remains: these strong animals can pull eight times their own body weight. Agility or obedience are also excellent to keep the intelligent, athletic Bouvier des Flandres busy.
Consistency and Patience in Dog Training
Some dog experience is necessary to train a Flemish Cattle Dog. This dog tends to form a strong bond with its owner, but due to its breed-specific independence, it doesn’t submit as easily as other canines.
Working with it requires patience, consistency and empathy. It’s crucial to make the Bouvier des Flandres recallable early on through training to avoid the risk of it taking off on a walk.
Care: Daily Brushing is Essential
The Bouvier des Flandres’ long, lush coat needs careful attention. It should be trimmed to a length of approx. six centimetres. The coat must be thoroughly brushed daily.
Special attention should be given to your pet’s beard and moustache to remove any food remnants from the “Dirty Beard”. Particularly during the moulting period, it is also essential to free the dense undercoat from knots and tangles.
The Bouvier des Flandres Hardly Sheds
Furthermore, occasionally check your dog’s paws and carefully trim any hair knots between the pads. The droopy ears of the Flemish Cattle Dog are prone to inflammations and must be checked often as well.
Worth noting: Although coat care is a bit more demanding for this breed, it hardly sheds and develops very little dog-like odour when maintained regularly.
Nutrition & Health: A Hardy Breed with a Few Weaknesses
A large, robust dog like the Bouvier des Flandres needs a mineral and vitamin-rich diet. It should be divided into several small portions throughout the day to prevent the life-threatening risk of gastric torsion.
Many dogs of this breed are also enthusiastic about biologically species-appropriate raw feeding, known as Barf. Anyone considering this particular feeding method should first familiarise themselves with the precise ingredients of the meals and seek advice from a veterinarian if in doubt.
Common Health Issues for Bouvs
Like many other large breeds, the Flemish Cattle Dog is prone to hip dysplasia, a congenital malformation of the hip joint leading to painful mobility restrictions. Eye problems such as cataracts are also possible.
Overall, however, the Bouvier des Flandres is considered an original, relatively hardy breed.
From puppyhood, Bouviers require consistent training to counteract their independent nature
How Long Does a Bouvier des Flandres Live?
Animals from reputable breeding and living in species-appropriate conditions can reach an age of up to 15 years.
History of the Breed: Originating from Belgium
The heritage of the Bouvier des Flandres is reflected in its name. “Les Flandres” is the French term for the region of Flanders in Belgium. There, the stout, bold canine was formerly used as a cattle driver, even fending off wolves and bears.
The breed likely descends from the Molossers that the Spaniards brought to Flanders during the Dutch War of Independence in the 16th century. Over time, these evolved into the sturdy, resilient Flemish Cattle Dog, who courageously and tirelessly protected large livestock.
Nearly Extinct, But Saved
In 1910, the breed was officially recognised. After nearly going extinct during World War I, uniform breed standards were established in 1922. The breed was subsequently saved through selective breeding programmes.
Purchase: Buying a Bouvier des Flandres from a Breeder
Although the breed has some admirers, it isn’t particularly fashionable, hence it’s not very common. As a result, the Bouvier des Flandres is rarely found in animal shelters.
How Much Does a Flemish Cattle Dog from a Breeder Cost?
Those wishing to purchase a puppy of this breed should therefore visit a breeder. For a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder, dog lovers should expect to pay £1,000 or more.
It’s worth noting that animals from Dutch protection dog breeding lines are often very wary of strangers. They alert when an unfamiliar person enters the property and prepare to defend. In lines from other countries, mistrust towards strangers often manifests as timidity.
Conclusion: A Charming Companion for Families
Those who can provide an appropriate home with plenty of exercise and challenging activities will find a loyal four-legged friend in the Bouvier des Flandres. Its gentleness, friendliness, and intelligence make the former farm and herding dog a charming companion for active families.
At a Glance: Bouvier des Flandres
Quick Facts:
The Bouvier des Flandres is a strong, compact herding dog that primarily guarded horses and cows in the past. Its calm nature also makes it a faithful companion for families.
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