BOUVIER DES FLANDRES
Breed Group: Herding
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 59.69 - 69.85 cms (23.5 - 27.5 in)
Average Weight: 29.48 - 49.89 kgs (65 - 110 lbs)
Coat Length: Depends on grooming
Life Span: 10 - 12 years
Colours: Fawn, black, gray, brindle, chocolate brown, and white. A small white star on the chin or chest can be seen.
HISTORY
Originally developed in the region of Flandres (Belgium), this versatile farm dog does a little bit of everything. As its name implies, they were known for herding cows in addition to pulling milk wagons and guarding the farm and the farmer. They were used during the World Wars to pull canons, relay messages, and guard. These wartime jobs turned into civilian jobs with the police however, they are still used occasionally in the military. They are aloof with strangers but very bonded to their family members. Often thought of as stubborn, these dogs were bred for independent thinking. You often have to be creative to ensure you convince them to align their ideas with your own.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.Ā® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.Ā
KnowingĀ theĀ sort of 'job' a breed wasĀ createdĀ for can offer valuable insights into the type of lifeĀ dogs of thatĀ breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as anĀ indication of breed tendencies ā not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BOUVIER DES FLANDRES
- They are fantastic with your family
- They are goofy, steadfast, loyal, and always want to be with you without being on top of you
- If you have allergies, they are a low-shedding breed
- If you appreciate a dog that is neutral around other people, this breed might be for you
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- If you do not enjoy grooming or paying for grooming, you will not enjoy this breed
- If your house has a constant flood of people coming into the house and you do not enjoy being alerted to this
- If you want to take your dog to a dog park, this breed may not be for you. They tend to be referred to as the 'fun police'
- If you want your dog to love everyone, this is not the breed for you
YOUR BOUVIER DES FLANDRES PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Get your puppy used to grooming early on as it will be something you need to do often during their lifetime. Focus on early training, especially leash manners as you will soon have a very powerful, very intimidating adult on your hands. Bouviers are generally aloof with strangers and there's no need to try to force them into being social butterflies. You just need to encourage neutral behavior with strangers including positive handling experiences.
Ā
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Herding your children
- Pulling on the leash
- Destructive behavior if bored
- Separation anxiety
- Outsmarting confinement
- Dislike or distrust of strangers
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- They are good with families, but you can expect typical herding dog behavior problems if the dog isn't given good opportunities to express those needs
- They need exercise and containment. They can live happily in cities with active owners who meet their needs
- They can cope with being crated, but they prefer to freely roam the house to do their job
UPBRINGING
Proper socialization is key. This isn't about the quantity of things exposed to it as it is about quality for a Bouvier. Good-natured adult dogs and dog-savvy adults and children will expose your young Bouvier to the right kind of positive experiences with people outside the family. Negative experiences can be powerful and create lifelong aversions.
LIFESTYLE
Bouviers are an active breed that enjoy daily walks, but they tend to have a good off switch. When they are not training, working, or exercising they will happily patrol the house and lay on the couch all day. If you live in the city or with close neighbors, be prepared for them to be alert barkers which might annoy your neighbors.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
Bouviers love and need a job, but their needs will vary depending on the breeder. Some Bouviers will be happy to patrol the house and property and some will require more specific jobs like dog sports. Bouviers have been successful in every dog sport including carting, rally, herding, agility, FASTCAT, scent work, dock diving, tracking, obedience, and bite sports.
EDUCATION
Bouviers are independent thinkers and without a handler that will be their teammate they will happily take charge themselves and you might not like their decisions. They are smart and willing to learn but have been called stubborn because they generally do not enjoy repetition - if you do not have a relationship with them they might ignore you entirely. Basic obedience training is a must during puppyhood and adolescence.
