| Bouvier
Des Flandres Details
Height: Height at withers: 62-68
cm for males (24 ½ to 27 ins)
59-65 cm for females (22 to 25 ½ ins)
Weight:
Approx 35-40 kg for males (77 to 88 lbs)
27-35 kg for females (60 to 77 lbs)
Colour:
Coat is usually grey, brindle or overlaid with black. A completely
uniform black is also accepted without being favoured. Light coloured,
so-called washed-out coats are not acceptable. A white star on the
chest is tolerated.
Coat:
Very abundant, the outercoat forming with the dense undercoat
a protective layer perfectly adapted to the sudden climatic changes
in this breed's native land. The hair must be coarse to the touch,
dry and matt, neither too long nor too short (about 6 cm), slightly
tousled but never woolly or curly.
General
Appearance: Large sized body, rough, strong and compact.
They have a rugged appearance with beards, moustaches, and bushy
eyebrows. They give the impression of power, having strongly muscled
limbs, but do not give any signs of clumsiness. They have an abundant,
harsh coat which is unkempt-looking. Their movement is free and
easy but, at the same time, powerful and driving.
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Dog
Facts
Price:
$
Temperament:
Calm, thoughtful character of a sensible, but fearless dog.
Characteristics:
used as a herding dog, as a draught dog and as a churning dog. The
modernisation of farm equipment has affected these first tasks and
nowadays the Bouvier des Flandres is above all used as a guard dog
for the estate and the farm, as a defence and police dog. Its physical
and behavioural aptitudes, its great qualities of scent, initiative
and intelligence warrant its use as a tracking dog, a messenger
dog and a gamekeeper's dog.
Lifespan:
9 - 15 years
Can be expected to live 11 or 12 years.
Recommended
for: Active people & families.
Be Aware
# Can be suspicious of strangers.
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The exact origins of this breed
the Bouvier Des Flandres are unknown but from the 1600's
all dogs working with cattle were called 'bouviers' (bovine herder)
and each region throughout the area had its own name and type. These
dogs were prized as drovers and guardians. During World War 1 the
Bouviers served as messengers and ambulance dogs. Both France and
Belgium claim origin of the Flandres dog.
They are a very adaptable and even-tempered dog. They make sensible
and calm family companions. They are easy to train and have strong
herding instincts in them.
Grooming-
This breed has an abundant, coarse outer coat that should be kept
at about 1 1/2 to 2 inches 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 particles. It is important to ensure the undercoat
is kept matt-free for the comfort of the dog. The outer coat should
be stripped at least twice a year during their moulting seasons.
Exercise-
As puppies, Bouviers will get enough exercise running about their
own gardens. Once adults, they are very adaptable to family circumstances,
but should be given at least a good walk per day.
Health-
This breed is generally sound but some can suffer from hip dysplasia
and eye problems.
For Diet and other general dog health information Health/Nutrition
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