![Bouvier des Flandres Dog Breed](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium_440x440/public/2022-07/Bouvier-des-Flandres.jpg?itok=RFDSasPx)
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 |
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.