As there is no Bouvier Des Flandres club affiliated with DOGS VIctoria, please direct all enquiries to the Working Dog Club.
About Bouvier Des Flandres
Background
The Bouvier Des Flandres or "Cattle Dog of Flanders" originated in the low-lying areas of what is now Belgium and the Netherlands. It is virtually impossible to pinpoint the breeds exact origins, but it probably evolved from the hardiest and best local types of farm and country dogs selected for their working ability and natural instincts for guarding the herd, home and family. Originally used to herd cattle, pull carts laden with produce and generally serve as farmers helpers, the breed almost became extinct when the Flankers region was devastated during World War I. A few survived as ambulance bearers, and as guards and messengers for the army and resistance movement. Consequently, the Bouviers of today trace their lineage to a small and common gener pool. Modernisation of farm equipment has put a stop to the Bouviers original use as a working cattle and farm dog and nowadays the Bouvier Des Flandres serves principally as a guardian of farm and family, and in some Countries as a working service dog for Police and Defence forces.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Bouviers live up to 14 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
Bouvier Des Flandres vary from natural clowns, who are affectionate to almost everyone, to the very reserved, one-person dog. Ideally, they should be calm but alert companions that become deeply attached to their family, often following family members from place to place in the home, keeping a constant and sometimes obtrusive watch over their loved ones. The Bouvier Des Flandres testifies of intelligence, energy, and audacity in his looks. The breed has been developed for its working ability, therefore they can be stubborn and headstrong, but given strong leadership and proper training, they become a devoted family member. The Bouvier Des Flandres has a natural protectiveness by growling and barking at anyone or anything perceived to be a threat.
Compatibility with other pets
The Bouvier Des Flandres has a dominant nature and likes to be "top dog" in the household. Bouvier puppies adapt well to older dogs or cats in the home; however, older Bouviers can be more difficult to integrate into a new home with existing pets. Bringing in a new dog after your Bouvier has been ruler of the roost for some itme may lead to conflict and may happen with adult dogs of the same sex, with the same dominant instinct. This aggressive trait can and should be controlled by obedience training of the offender.
Care Requirements
The Bouvier Des Flandres is a "double" coated dog. It has an outer coat of rough and harsh hair and an undercoat of fine and close hairs. The shaggy coat of the Bouvier requires a great deal of maintenance to ensure that the lose hairs are not retained by the undercoat. The coat needs to be combed for a minimum of 30 minutes per week to prevent matting occurring. Because of his laid back, often lazy, disposition, the Bouvier will not give himself enough exercise. In order to keep him healthy, the Bouvier requires a minimum of 30 minutes exercise per day if kept in suburbia.
Please Take Note
The Bouvier Des Flandres is a powerfully built dog that gives the impression of great strength. If he had grown up respecting you and your rules, then all his physical and mental strength will work for you. If he has grown up without rules, he will make his own which will often be in opposition to your needs and desires. It is vitally important that the Bouvier is socialised from an early age both with humans and other animals and the he receive basic obedience training.
Ideal Owner/s
The Bouvier Des Flandres makes an excellent companion, but the owners of this breed need to be able to accept a dog with an independent nature - one that has the determination to finish whatever he starts. Due to his size, the Bouvier Des Flandres makes an excellent companion, but the owners of this breed need to be able to accept a dog with an independent nature - one that has the determination to finish whatever he starts. Due to his size, the Bouvier does require exercise and a high level of activity. Ownership is recommended for those people who can accomodate these requirements. A legacy from the days when the breed was used to herd cattle is the Bouviers tendency to "bump" and "yard" young children adults and other pets and this can be a problem if your house contains young children or elderly family members. Some breeders recommend waiting until children are at least school age or older, before introducing a Bouvier Des Flandres into the home.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Bouvier Des Flandres and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
