About the Bouvier

The Bouvier des Flandres (literally, Cow Dog of Flanders) originated in northern Europe as a working farm dog which managed stock and protected farms. During World War I, Bouviers were used to carry supplies to the front lines, deliver messages, detect the living-wounded on battlefields, and do military tracking. Because of the dangers of war and the intensive fighting in Belgium during WWII, along with the decline in farming, the Bouvier nearly disappeared.

Thanks to a few people dedicated to the breed, the Bouvier des Flandres (pronounced boo-vee-ay day flahndr) was saved as a breed. In 1963 the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was formed and the breed became established officially in North America. Today, in addition to being a companion dog, it is used in police, search-and-rescue, handicapped assistance, drug detection, stock herding, and guard work.

The typical Bouvier weighs 65 to 100 pounds and is 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall at the withers. It is a square, powerfully-built dog, rugged and formidable in appearance. Tails are usually docked (at about 3 days of age) and ears cropped (at 7 weeks), although Bouvs with natural ears and tails are also seen. The harsh double coat protects the dog in all types of inclement weather. Cold weather and snow delight them; they tend to suffer in heat. Colors are gray, black, brindle, and, less commonly, fawn. The usual life span is 10 to 12 years. The breed is vulnerable to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and bloat. Recently a heart problem, subaortic stenosis (SAS), has been identified in some lines. Bloat and SAS can be fatal.

Adult Bouviers are serene, laid-back dogs with stable temperaments and strong guarding and herding instincts.

They tend to protect by using their sheer muscular strength and most often will knock down or corner an intruder rather than bite them. Those coming from working lines can be very intense, high-energy dogs which require especially committed trainers as owners.

The usual Bouv attitude is sober and thoughtful, reserved and dignified. They are cooperative, if a bit stubborn and strong-willed. They are very intelligent, and once they have learned something they tend to retain it.Your relationship is likely to be one of mellowness, depth, and subtlety.

Calm and self-possessed indoors, outside the Bouv will exhibit surprising energy, speed and agility, including herding and prey behavior. When enthusiastic they're likely to leave the ground as though on springs, which can endanger those of frail build, nerve, or character.

Many but not all Bouviers are gentle and tolerant with children, often herding them about the house. However, children MUST be taught how to behave with them or serious problems can occur with a dog of this temperament and size, including bites and extreme possessiveness.

While appearing aloof and detached, the Bouv becomes deeply devoted to its family. Human companionship is very important to them and they don't like to be left alone. If you are thinking it would be nice to have a dog to guard your property and intend to leave it in a fenced yard or chained up for this purpose, this breed is not for you. A Bouvier’s need for human companionship coupled with its assertiveness will turn what might be a sweet dog into a miserable and possibly dangerous animal.

Some people who have dog allergies do not react to the Bouvier; others do. If this is one of the reasons you are thinking of the Bouvier, be sure to check your own reaction to the breed first.