The Bouvier des Flandres is a
herding dog breed originating in Flanders, Belgium. They were originally used
for general farm work including cattle droving, sheep herding, and cart
pulling, and nowadays as guard dogs and police dogs, as well as being kept as
pets. The French name of the breed means, literally, "Cow Herder of
Flanders", referring to the Flemish origin of the breed. Other names for
the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver), Vlaamse Koehond (Flemish cow
dog), and Vuilbaard (dirty beard).
Description
Appearance
The
Bouvier is a powerfully built, compact, rough-coated dog of rugged appearance.
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. Although the practice of cropping both ears and
tail are now mostly cosmetic, tails were originally docked to prevent injuries
caused by herding and cart-pulling. The practice of cosmetic docking is
currently opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. In the area
of origin (Flanders, Belgium) cropping was made illegal in 2006.[citation
needed] The weight of males ranges from 80 to 120 pounds or 36 to 54 kilograms,
slightly smaller for females. They are powerfully built, with a thick double
coat, which can be fawn, black, grey brindle, or "pepper and salt" in
color. Bouviers are sometimes considered non-shedding, but in fact do lose
hair, like all dogs. Most of the hair that they lose is caught within the
double coat which results in matting. They require weekly brushing and combing
to maintain the coat. In addition to weekly brushing, the coat should be
trimmed approximately every 3–5 weeks if it is to be a show dog. Trimming
requires practice to achieve the proper look.
Temperament
Bouviers
des Flandres are rational, gentle, loyal, and protective by nature. The breed's
particular blend of characteristics makes them good family pets, as well as
keen guard dogs. Unlike some animals bred for aggressive nature and power, the
Bouvier possesses sophisticated traits, such as complex control, intelligence,
and accountability.
The
Bouvier des Flandres is an obedient dog with a pleasant nature. They look
intimidating, but are actually calm and gentle. They are enthusiastic,
responsible, even-tempered, and fearless, and are excellent guard and watchdogs
that are easy to train. This breed learns commands relatively fast. However,
Bouviers get bored easily and learn best when repetition is limited.
They
require well-balanced training that remains consistent in nature. Without being
harsh, it is important to consistently make the dog aware that the owner will
remain the boss. This breed needs an experienced owner to prevent dominance and
over-protectiveness problems. These dogs poorly trained can become
inappropriately dominant towards humans. An un-socialized Bouvier can become
fearful and pose a problem when introduced to new situations in which they do
not feel comfortable.
Bouviers
should be socialized well, preferably starting at an early age, to avoid
shyness, suspiciousness, and being overly reserved with strangers (although the
breed is naturally aloof with strangers). Protection of the family when danger
is present is not something that needs to be taught, nor is it something one
can train out of them. The dog will rise to the occasion if needed. A good
family dog, the Bouvier likes, and is excellent with, children. The Bouvier is
very adaptable and goes about its business quietly and calmly. Obedience
training starts when they are young. Their behavior depends on the owner's
ability to communicate what is expected, and on the individual dominance level
of the dog. They are usually good with other dogs if they are raised with them
from puppyhood. Dominant individuals can be dog-aggressive if the owners are
not assertive and do not communicate to the dog that fighting is unwanted. Slow
to mature both in body and mind, the Bouvier does not fully mature until the
age of 2–3 years.
Activities
Bouviers
des Flandres can compete in dog agility trials, carting, obedience, dog
showmanship, Schutzhund, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and
trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Bouviers
exhibiting basic herding instincts can then be trained to compete in herding
trials.
Notable Bouviers des Flandres
Belco,
the dog that accompanied Edmee Bowles to America when she fled occupied Belgium
and who was the foundation stud of her kennel Clos du Cereberes at Belco Farm
in Pennsylvania.
Soprano
de la Thudinie, the post-war foundation stud of Justin Chastel's de la Thudinie
kennel in Belgium and the most prominent ancestor of the modern type of Bouvier
des Flandres.
Lucky,
owned by United States President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.
Patrasche,
the dog found by a boy named Nello in A Dog of Flanders, is often asserted to
be a Bouvier des Flandres.
Max
and his mate Madchen and their puppies, fictional characters featured in W.E.B.
Griffin's Presidential Agent series.
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