The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog originating in Flanders. They were originally used for general farm work including cattle droving, sheep herding, and cart pulling, Today Bouviers are used as guard dogs and police dogs, as well as being kept as pets. The French name of the breed means, literally, “Herder of Flanders”, referring to the Flemish origin of the breed. Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver) and Vuilbaard (dirty beard) are other names for the breed.
History
The monks at the Ter Duinen monastery, in Flanders, were the Bouvier’s first breeders. The Bouvier was created by breeding imports such as Irish wolfhounds with local farm dogs until a breed considered to be the predecessor of the modern Bouvier was obtained. This became a working dog able to perform tirelessly, herding and guarding cattle and even pulling cargo carts, thanks to its strength and temperament, and to withstand the local weather conditions due to its double coat. World War I, the breed, nearly disappeared altogether, due to the devastation in its region of origin. Nic de Sottegen, considered ideal type, was one of the main dogs used to revive the breed after WW I and is considered the founder of the current Bouvier des Flandres breed in Belgium. A unified Bouvier des Flandres standard was created in 1936 by a joint French-Belgian committee. However, once again the breed’s existence was endangered by World War II. Due to these setbacks, progress was slowed, and it was not until 1965 that the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) adopted the current breed standard.
Appearance
The Bouvier is a powerfully built compact rough-coated dog. It gives the impression of size and strength without clumsiness or heaviness. Perhaps its most notable feature is the impressive head which is accentuated by a heavy beard and mustache. The ears and tail of the Bouvier have been traditionally cropped, however, you now see a greater number with uncropped ears due to changes in England and Australia. They are powerfully built, with a thick double coat, which can be fawn, black, grey brindle in color. Bouviers are considered non-shedding and may be better for people with allergies, but no dog is truly hypo-allergenic.
Temperament
Bouvier des Flandres are intelligent independent thinkers, loyal, and protective in nature. The breed’s unique blend of characteristics makes them good family pets and keen guard dogs.