BBS Breed Spotlight: Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouiver des Flandres is a very misleading dog. With a very up class name, the Bouvier des Flandres has very humble beginnings on Belgian farms. (One Bouvier, Lucky, even made it to the White Hosue as Ronald Reagan’s dog.) A formidable looking dog, the Bouvier is a gentle and sweet soul. Find out more about this dog by reading the BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight on the Bouvier des Flandres.
History & Background: Bouviers were first bred by monks in Flanders, which is an area of Belgium. These dogs were first bred by monks and other farmers for cattle droving, sheep herding and cart pulling. Watchdog duties were given to the Bouvier as well. Throughout the years, this dog has had many names. The French name of Bouvier des Flandres literally translates “Cow Herder of Flanders” but also called “koehond" (meaning cow dog), "Vuilbaard" (meaning dirty beard) and "toucheur de boeuf" (meaning cattle driver). It’s thought Bouviers get their look from the breeding of Irish wolfhounds and Scottish deerhounds with local farm dogs.
Since this dog was always meant to fulfill the function of a working dog, no breed standard was ever readily sought after. However, in the early 20th century fanciers began noticing this dog and soon after the Bouvier appeared at the International Dog Show in Brussels. After this, Bouviers saw an uptick in popularity. It wasn’t long after WWI began and even though this dog was used a messenger, the breed almost died out. The same was true for WWII, yet by that time the AKC had recognized the breed and Bouviers had been shipped to America from Europe. By the 1960s Bouviers were thriving once more and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was founded in 1963.
Height: Males 23 to 28 inches; Females 22–27 inches
Weight: Males 80 to 120 pounds; Females 60 to 80 pounds
Coat: Bouviers sport a weather fast coat made up of a hard and course outer coat and a soft and dense undercoat. This dog's coat was made to withstand just about anything. The coat should have a disheveled look without being curly. Hair on the ears is rough and Bouviers should have a thick mustache and beard. Read more
