Is a Bouvier Des Flanders Right for You?
Bouvier des Flandres dogs are considered to be one of the most versatile dog breeds in the world. They are known for their strength, obedience, and intelligence. This breed is also recognized for its unique appearance and coat.
The Bouvier des Flandres dog breed
is named after the French-speaking area where it was developed, the province of Flanders in Belgium. Bouvier Des Flandres means the “Cow Herder of Flanders” in French.
The exact origins of the breed are somewhat unclear
but it is believed to have developed in the late 19th century as a working dog on farms and in cattle markets in both Belgium and northern France. These dogs were valued for their strength, intelligence, and versatility. Local farm dogs were bred with imported Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds to produce a strong, intelligent breed that was used for herding livestock, pulling carts, and even serving as guard dogs
The Bouvier des Flandres were used
in WW1 as military and medical dogs, performing various tasks such as carrying messages, pulling wounded soldiers on carts, and even serving as guard dogs. Despite their invaluable service, the breed faced a bleak future after the war, with fewer than two dozen dogs left. However, thanks to the dedication and passion of breed enthusiasts in Europe, the Bouvier des Flandres was saved from extinction.
Bouvier des Flandres are extremely good
with children, making them good family dogs if you have little ones in your household. They are patient and gentle with kids, playing well with them even when the children are young and are known to have an excellent temperament.
Bouvier des Flandres were first brought
to North America by a man named John P. Travis in the 1920s. He loved their looks and temperament, and did a lot to promote them as working dogs and family pets. They were recognized in the United States by the American Kennel Club in 1931.
Growing Up Bouvier des Flandres!
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In this Same Research
the Bouvier des Flandres rank 117 out of 124 dog breeds in aggression towards their owners. Essentially, this means they are VERY unlikely to growl, bear teeth or snap at their owners when they are approached while eating, stared at, stepped over etc.
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In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Bouvier des Flandres ranks 29th out of over 130 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 15-25 repetitions and obey the first command over 70% of the time. This puts them in the “above average intelligence category”. In contrast, the lest intelligent breeds will require 80-100 repetitions to learn and follow the same commands while the brightest dogs require 5 or less!
The Bouvier des Flandres is a very healthy
breed that lives for about 12-14 years on average. They are not prone to any major health problems that would put them at risk, and their strong and capable physique allows them to remain active even as they become older dogs. However, there are two potential health conditions that may arise:
Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG)
Bloat and Obesity
Hip Dysplasia and/or Elbow Dysplasia
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Quick Facts About the Bouvier Des Flandres Infographic
Facts About the Bouvier Des Flandres-Final Thoughts
Bouvier des Flandres are unique dogs that possess a combination of intelligence, loyalty, and a protective nature. Their powerful build and double coat make them well-suited for various climates and outdoor activities. Obedience training and early socialization are crucial for these intelligent dogs to thrive and become well-rounded companions. Bouvier are headstrong and require confident leadership, they may be better suited for experienced owners. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their beautiful, shaggy coat and dense undercoat. Providing mental stimulation through activities such as puzzle toys or interactive games is essential to keep these pups engaged and happy and dog sports such as farm and herding trials go a long way in keeping this breed from becoming bored. With proper training, positive reinforcement, and socialization, Bouvier des Flandres can be an excellent choice for families seeking a capable and devoted companion.
