The Bouvier des Flandres:
A Buyers Guide To Understanding The Breed's Special Qualities

by P. Renwick

The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerful and loyal breed with pronounced protective instincts. He is an outstanding companion and guard but ownership of a Bouvier des Flandres carries much greater than average legal and moral responsibilities, due to the traits possessed by this breed, its size and strength. The following is offered as a guide to prospective Bouvier des Flandres buyers who may, or may not, be aware of the special qualities possessed by this breed, both positive and negative, so that they can make a more accurate estimate of their needs in relation to the demands of Bouvier des Flandres ownership. The Bouvier is not a breed which fits into every home.

SIZE: Males range from 24.5 to 27 inches at the shoulder and 77 to 88 lbs. in weight. Females are somewhat smaller, 23 to 25.5 inches and 59.5 to 77 lbs. Animals can be found which are taller or shorter than the measurements given here; however they would not be considered typical by the breed standard.

The Bouvier des Flandres is very strong for its size. The Bouvier has been used in Europe to pull carts and retains the compact musculature desirable in a draft animal. A full-grown adult can easily knock a person down, and for this reason the breed is not recommended for the elderly or physically disabled person. Obedience training is a must because of the animal's size and strength; you must be able to maintain complete control of your animal at all times.

COLOR: Usually gray or fawn, often brindle or shaded. Black is permissable and no Color shall have preference. Light, washed out shades are undesirable.

TEMPERAMENT. Bouviers des Flandres vary from natural clowns, who are affectionate to almost anyone, to the very reserved, one-person dog. Ideall, they should be calm, but alert, companions. These dogs often follow their masters from place to place in the home, keeping a constant and sometimes obtrusive watch over their loved ones. Nervous, shy, very excitable or hyperactive animals are exhibiting traits which are undesirable in a dog the size and nature of the Bouvier des Flandres and should be avoided.

AGGRESSIVINESS. Thist trait varies with the individual to some degree although all have a strong territorial instinct and, if socialized properly as a puppy, willl defend their master's home, car and property from intruders. Bouviers have also been known to bully or bluff their owners or other family members, a trait that is most disconcerting. This problem can be prevented through early obedience training.

PROTECTION INSTINCTS. Many families have purchased a Bouvier des Flandres for this trait, only to discover later that it brings with it a considerable moral and legal responsibility. Problems can arise quickly. Strangers must never come into your yard unannounced as the dog doesn't know the difference between a burglar and your brother. Your Bouvier must be carefully schooled to accept your friends into your home but physical contact or rough-housing should be approached carefully until the dog realizes it's all in fun. People expected to be in contact with the dog while the owners are absent should be thoroughly familiar to the dog. Although they usually do not bite without provocation, even being cornered and held by one of the dogs is a very unnerving experience for metermen, gardeners or neighbors coming into the yard while the owner is absent.

TRAINING. This breed has been developed for its working ability and often blooms when given a chance to work with its master although there are occasional exceptions. It is very necessary to establish your control over the animal. Obedience training is often the easyest. and most rewarding way to do so. Your breeder should be able to provide you with guidance in the selection of a training class; however, avoid the very rough trainer. Bouviers can often be controlled using verbal reprimands and, while they occasionally require strong physical corrections, some trainers tend to be much rougher than is necessary. Physical mastery of the dog is often less important than sensitive and positive training methods, time and patience.

DISCIPLINE. The Bouvier des Flandres is a sensitive, intelligent and loyal animal and usually wants to please its owner. Occasionally, it can be quite stubborn though and requires more attention. It is imperative that discipline be consistent, fair and firm, without being overly rough. Ownership is not for the timid or very busy person who cannot, or is not, inclined to careful supervision of his/her pet.

SMALL CHILDREN IN THE HOUSE. The adaptability of the Bouvier des Flandres to small children varies with the individual animal. Many are very tolerant and loving toward toddlers while others resent the sometimes rough treatment an unknowing child can inflict. One serious problem is the size of the dog. Families have been forced to give up much beloved pets because the dog inadvertently caused injuries to small children in the family by bumping into them and knocking them down or into funiture. This bumping is a natural behavior in the Bouvier des Flandres - a legacy from the days when the breed was used to herd cattle in Europe. They will bump and "yard" young children, adults and other pets and this can he a problem if the home contains young children or elderly family members.

OTHER PETS IN THE HOME. Bouvier puppies frequently adapt well to older dogs or cats in the home. However, older Bouviers.can be more difficult to integrate into a new home with existing pets. This can also be true of bringing in a new dog after your Bouvier des Flandres has been "ruler of the roost" for some period of time.

DESTRUCTIVENESS. The Bouvier's level of destructiveness (digging, chewing, etc.) varies with the age, training, temperament and activity level of the individual. Puppies and young adults (less than three years old) are the vorst offenders. Early training, plenty of attention and obedience training with regular work-outs can help.

CLIMATE REQUIREMENSTS. The Bouvier des Flandres can tolerate cool temperatures better than excessive heat. The dogs should never be left outside in direct sun during the summer. Heat stroke comes on very quickly in dogs with a dark coat.

SHOW QUALITY. This term is often misunderstood and misused. It can mean something as simple as a puppy with no disqualifying faults at the time of sale. Breeders vary on the amounth of experience they've had with grading litters - their abwty to critically evaluate their own stock and their understanding of what the term "show quality" means. The serious buyer looking for a potential winner of breeding stock should spend some time going to dog shows and talking to exhibitors, as well as learning the standard for the breed. Serious or disqualifying faults to avoid include: cryptorehid or monorehid pups, those with undershot bites, missing teeth, light eyes, hip dysplasia and unstable temperainent. Overshot bites (upper jaw extends well beyond lawer jaw) can correct as a pup matures; however, buying an overshot puppy must be approached with some caution and a written agreement with the breeder is advisable in the event the jaw does not correct itself. All lines carry one or more of these traits, and your breeder should be able to give you a candid description of what is in your animal's genetic background .

PET QUALITY. Many times breeders will offer animals with major faults (bad bites, large white spots on the chest or belly, several missing teeth, and so forth) for a much lower price. These animals are not for breeding because these are genetic faults and the conscientious breeder will require, that the animal be spayed, neutered or vasectomized before releasing the A.K.C. registration papers, if the surgery hasn't been done prior to the sale. These Bouviers make good companions and often these faults are not detectable to any but the most experienced eyes. Temperaments run the natural gamut, but neutering or spaying does not affect the territoriality or protectiveness of the dogs and they make excellent family pets. They must never be bred.

HIP DYSPLASIA. This is a problem in most breeds of large dogs. It is a development disease in which there is a malformation of the hip joint(s), often causing the animal pain as it ages. Puppies should be bought only after careful investigation of the hip status of the parents and, if possible, the grandparents.

SELECTION OF YOUR PUPPY. Having thoroughly acquainted yourself with the standard for the breed, carefully evaluated several breeders, hopefully seen a number of puppies and adults, and satisfied that the breeding of the puppies you are looking at fits your needs, you are ready to select your puppy. Begin by observing the behavior of the dam (and sire, if possible). Ideally, the dam will be calm and steady, possibly even curious or friendly towards you. If she is reserved, that is also quite acceptable by Bouvier des Flandres standards. But the openly hostile female which does not respond to her owner's reassurances, or a shrinking, cowardly or shy bitch is undesirable. The temperament of the sire is important, too; it is best to observe both parents if possible. Puppies should be playful, inquisitive and trusting of humans. They should submit to gentle handling and respond to their environment