Bouvier des Flandres
Temperament:
Balanced, affectionate and characterized by protective behavior, this is how the Bouvier des Flandres presents itself. A working dog with characteristic robustness, intelligence and a dose of self-confidence.
Calm, docile and attentive, he is just perfect for people with dog sense. As a watchdog and family dog, he consequently takes his position in the human pack. Courageous and sometimes stubborn, he wants to be educated consistently.
Characteristics
The Bouvier des Flandres belongs to group 1 of the (herding and driving dogs) and section 2, of the driving dogs. The working dog with a sense of family. A full-grown male, brings after all a stately ideal weight, from 25 to 40 kg on the scales. This continues in his height of 62 to 68 cm.
The bitches, on the other hand, with a size of 59 to 65 cm, are somewhat smaller. In addition, also slimmer and that shows the scales with 27 to 35 kg. With this breed you should be firm.
The brindle coat is luxuriant and emerges in the colors black cloudy or gray to the. Dense, coarse, long and weatherproof, a coat that can withstand any weather. The Bouvier des Flandres thus always carries its waterproof protective coat.
Accordingly, its appearance is also of a powerful nature. He conveys not only strength, but also the certain impression that is in him. As a result, the Bouvier des Flandres is not an off-the-peg dog, it represents a speciality. Broad and muscular, the loins also stand out. Which go into the crest and continue straight in the back line.
From this comes the high set tail, which in the past was still docked along with ears. But these times are long gone. So you get a nature boy, as he lives and lives and that provided with a thick skull.
For his massive head is emphasized by the chin and moustache. Visually, he equals the body as well as the energetic expression. Just a muscleman, with powerful expression and limbs.
The character is gentle but also determined. The big giant radiates loyalty, attention and calmness. If you want a family dog with a protective instinct, you are absolutely right with him. Also large children, he is a patient play partner, who lets the prudence prevail. But for small children because of its size, rather unsuitable.
My home is my Castle and that is guarded according to the situation. A gentleman of the old school with a suspicious mind. Because he is extremely skeptical and unapproachable towards strangers.
Especially the Dutch breeding line shows an increased willingness to defend. Coming from German breeding, the Bouvier des Flandres seems rather reserved and shy. You should take this into account before purchasing, for which line you decide.
A careful education is a prerequisite. In addition, the French Belgian Flandres needs an optimal attitude after kind of the breed. Accordingly, his strength, as well as his joy of movement, must be used purposefully. In the train dog sport he would not be so badly kept.
In general, dogs always belong to be exercised according to their characteristics. And that's what the Bouvier des Flandres wants with you.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
Nutrition is the measure of health and well-being. It should be balanced, fresh and full of nutrients. Species-appropriate is the appropriate word for this. Because only a healthy diet also builds up a healthy intestinal flora. Therefore, nutrition is the be-all and end-all, and it already begins in the womb.
The Bouvier des Flandres is a nature boy and so he not only wants to be kept, but also fed. What could be more natural than to barf him? This is the biologically species-appropriate raw feeding.
Deal with it sufficiently in advance. Industrial food such as dry and wet food meals, are practical variants. They are easy and quick to feed. The golden mean would be recommended.
To the strong dog with endurance potential, barfing would be just perfect. The most important ingredients are meat, offal and bones. Vegetables and fruit should also not be missing.
To avoid health problems that are reflected in the musculoskeletal system and obesity, it is necessary to pay attention to the composition and amount of food. Often the dogs tend to the problems that know only the industrial food.
Get good advice beforehand from the breeder or veterinarian and the ways of today's feeding recommendations. Because a healthy food prevents diseases and tartar.
Likewise, begging from the table is prohibited and not intended for the dog's stomach. Even if the look leaves a slightly starving impression. Stay strong and offer him his food. This is neither spiced, nor hot and thus he is not prone to stomach aches and diarrhea.
Feeding is not a book with seven seals, it just wants to be understood and put on the right track. Then your dog will show a better coat quality, more vitality and a long life. All this makes a good food.
Health & Care
The coat of the Bouvier des Flandres is somewhat high-maintenance. Therefore, it must be brushed, combed and also trimmed at regular short intervals. This is not only for the sense of beauty, because you do not want to be ashamed with him. No it serves the fur care itself. Felting can quickly arise.
This is not enough, skin redness, itching and vermin such as eventually parasites appear. Therefore, it is a must to take care of the dog's coat. But here you will be supported by some tools such as brushing, combing and flea comb.
A hairy thing and yet the Bouvier del Flandres not particularly hard. Therefore, take 2 to 3 times a week a good 2 hours. If you want to let him appear well-groomed and sovereign, a professional trimming is announced every 2 to 2 months.
Your dog should get to know the care itself from puppyhood. Because what a little dog doesn't learn, a little dog never learns. In any case, such action without prior knowledge of the dog and due to its strength and size, more than difficult.
The Bouvier des Flandres also wears a beard that often turns out to be a dirty beard. Here, a hand must be applied. If the beard is botched by an improper cut, the regrowth takes a good year.
The coat care thus protects skin and hair, from vermin, matting and musty odors. Because they can arise with this fur faster than thought.
Suitable accessories
Actually, each dog breed needs its accessories. It starts with certain collars and ends with the food bowl. The Bouvier del Flandres claims as a result, the comb, a brush, King Coat, scissors and an ear cleaning. Who would like to dare to the trimming itself, should be advised manufacturer-fairly. That not enough a tear-resistant leash, collar and what the dog's heart still so everything desires. Always pay attention to an appealing quality.
The Bouvier del Flandres is a big dog, so let the food bowls and water bowl grow with it. Get a food rack that grows with your dog from puppyhood. This prevents heartburn and posture problems.
The accessories will certainly be expanded over time. Depending on which activities are in the foreground. In addition, you should have an emergency first-aid kit for your dog. A veterinarian is here the contact number 1, because unexpected often comes and you are then best prepared for it.
Origin & History
Its name reveals its origin and its use at the same time. The Bouvier des Flandres originates from the French as well as Belgian regions of Flandres. He was used there not only as a faithful companion, he was mainly used for driving cattle and oxen.
The farmers also benefited from his protective instinct, which was felt by both wolves and bears. He thus led the herds and protected them with his courage, endurance and strength. A bodyguard on four paws, if you will.
The Flemish Cattle Dog or also known as Vlaamse Koehond is already considered special. Even if the breeding was not only about the beauty. The most robust, vital and rough representatives of the breed were selected.
Thus, he could withstand the most adverse living conditions. The Bouvier des Flandres owes its excellent characteristics to these ingenious breeding traits. An excellent character with a robust touch.
However, it almost became extinct during the First World War. Through a backcrossing, he was virtually brought back to life. Probably he has to owe this to the Berger Picard. The FCI standard was thus determined in 1922. After that, a continuous improvement of the breed was determined.
A long way that found its way into German breeding circles in the 1970s. Since then, the Bouvier des Flandres, is also popular and known in our countries. A charmer on four paws with a great protective instinct, is waiting here for you.
