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Powerful and compact, the Bouvier des Flandres has a rugged and somewhat unkempt appearance, with a long, rough, matt coat, heavy eyebrows, beard and moustache. Under the incredibly thick coat there is a muscular dog with a short-coupled powerful build.
Bouvier des Flandres are relatively hardy dogs, but can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Laryngeal paralysis¹ which is a condition where nerve damage develops in the vocal chord which can lead to problems breathing.
- Sub-aortic stenosis² which is a narrowing of one of the blood vessels lead from the heart and can result in heart failure.²
- Glaucoma which is a painful condition where the pressure in the eye builds up.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹A. E. Ridyard et al, 'Spontaneous laryngeal paralysis in four white‐coated German shepherd dogs', June 2008, Journal of Small Animal Practice
²M. R. O'Grady et al, 'Canine congenital aortic stenosis: A review of the literature and commentary', 1989, The Canadian Veterinary Journal
The Bouvier can appear forbidding, serious and unamused, but to their friends and family they have an unflappable, amiable nature, and are affectionate and loving. With strangers they are inclined to be reserved and suspicious but should never be aggressive. Calm and sensible as adults, the Bouvier has the temperament and trainability to perform a variety of tasks and they have been used as police dogs and guide dogs as well as their original farm dog duties.
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 2/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 1/5 |
The Bouvier des Flandres has a rather uncertain history, as many working types do, being selected and bred for working ability rather than appearance. Belgium and France had a number of similar working breeds including the Bouvier des Ardennes, the Bouvier de Roulers and the Bouvier des Flandres, however these were very much types rather than recognisable breeds with any kind of written breed standard. It is thought that the Bouvier de Flandres was developed from Barbets, Brabanters, Schnauzers, Griffons and Beaucerons, although it is likely other breeds were involved too.
It was not until 1910 that the Bouvier first appeared in the show ring, and this fearless cattle herding, cart pulling, milk churn turning farm dog became known outside the rural areas of Belgium and France.
The Bouvier struggled during the two World Wars as many European dog breeds did, and it wasn’t until 1973 that the breed was fully recognised by the Kennel Club and appeared in the UK show ring.
The Bouvier is a dog for the rural dweller – ideal owners will be experienced, fit and active, child-free or have older teenagers, and a large secure garden. Bouviers are not keen on strangers, either human or canine, so you’ll need to be happy to manage this tendency for the life of the dog. Some grooming skills will be required.
As puppies, exercise should be carefully controlled, as this is going to be a relatively heavy adult. Once fully grown the Bouvier will require two hours minimum of daily walking and running exercise, with training, puzzle solving and games on top. Used to working all day, the Bouvier who does not get sufficient mental and physical exercise will be unhappy, and certainly won’t be a joy to live with either!
As a big dog with a protective nature, this is a breed better suited to a larger home and rural or suburban location as they are likely to find busy, urban environments over stimulating and stressful. Whilst the Bouvier does not shed, they need frequent grooming to prevent matting and this will take time and space. A secure garden is vital, as is access to a variety of safe walking routes and secure spaces for off lead fun.
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Bouvier is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.
This breed has an abundant, coarse outer coat that should be kept at about 6cm long. The undercoat is close and dense. Bouviers should be groomed at least three times a week with particular attention being paid to their beards and moustaches to ensure they are kept free of food. It is important to ensure the undercoat is kept mat-free for the comfort of the dog. The outer coat should be stripped at least twice a year during their moulting seasons.
The Bouvier des Flandres is a very trainable dog, as long as you take the time to build a bond with them and be kind, fair and consistent. They have worked as cattle and sheep herders, pulled carts, guided the blind and assisted police, so its fair to say they are a versatile and intelligent breed.
This is a dog who will enjoy some form of training most days, as an activity in its own right rather than just a means to an end, and they won’t appreciate being left alone or separated from their family for long. Easily capable of a variety of dog sports though possibly a little large and heavy to really excel in some, the Bouvier could be a fun companion for someone who wants to have a go at a selection of canine activities. Work hard on early socialisation to other animals and children, and install a solid recall as the Bouvier may take some persuasion to return and stop herding up stray people!
For the family with time and space, the Bouvier can make an excellent companion, however keep in mind the grooming requirements are high and a full brush through can take an hour every other day. Like many herding/droving breeds, the Bouvier can be distressed by members of their social group splitting up. With smaller children the temptation to round them up and keep them together may be too strong to resist. Small children generally don’t enjoy being rounded up so this may be a dog for the family with older children or teenagers.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
