Bouvier Des Flandres - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Bouvier Des Flandres

By Author: Ricardo Lumbardo
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Bouvier des Flandres, also known as Flanders Cattle Dog, has been used as a farm dog for centuries. These muscular cattle dogs do not only drove cattle, they also pulled carts and herded sheep. This large, rugged-looking dog weighs an average between 60-90 pounds, and stands 22-28 inches in height.

Coat

The coat of this breed looks windblown and relatively disheveled with harsh, dry topcoat and a finer, softer, and denser undercoat. The beard, moustache, and eyebrows are longer than the rest of the fur, and are usually straighter. The appearance of their coat is wavy and a little bit kinky, yet never flat or straight to the body.

Black, fawn, gray, and brindle are acceptable. A little white patch on their chest is acknowledged, although parti-colored, white coloration or chocolate is considered undesirable in the show ring.

Activity

The Bouvier des Flandres is highly energetic and active breed that has average demand for exercise. They need to go out for long ...
... brisk walks on a daily basis, or running at the side of a bike. During growing stage, exercise should be regulated to walks only, so that the growing bones, joints, and muscles are not overly stressed. This breed requires all energy they have to build a sturdy and healthy frame.

Temperament

The Bouvier des Flanders are working cattle dogs that need to be even-tempered, calm, and very protective towards their herd. Bold, fearless, and courageous, this breed doesn't have the high prey drive unlike some of the large dog breeds. They are protective of their area and may tend to become more territorial or even timid if not socialized. They are known to be aloof with strangers, but if they accept the person, they can quickly adjust.

Overview

The Bouvier Des Flandres may appear intimidating, but is rather placid, gentle, and kind - although, they may come off as fearless and powerful when threatened. Adaptable to various surroundings, this breed is an ideal guard dog. Intelligent with high levels of trainability, this breed is capable of keeping you entertained.

Care

The shaggy coat of this breed requires regular brushing with bathing/dry shampooing only when necessary. The Bouvier des Flandres requires trimming thrice a year at a minimum, with removal of excess hair in the inner ear and cutting the hair between pads of the feet in between trims must be done.

Training

The Bouvier des Flanders is easy to housetrain and will typically learn the routine in a short period of time. In training this breed, bonding with the trainer is needed, with the complete understanding that the boss is the human. As a large breed, they usually do not mature mentally and physically until 2-3 years of age. So trainers should remember not to expect to have mature behaviors even though their size is large at a young age. Obedience training with lots of socialization early on is imperative for this breed. They are relatively independent and headstrong so consistency is essential.

Character

The Bouvier Des Flandres is even-tempered, playful, gentle, pleasant, and enthusiastic. This breed makes an excellent household companion. They are great with children, but must be socialized early on with other animals if they're meant to get along.

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