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.
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.
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.