Bouvier des Flandres
Temperament:
The Bouvier des Flandres is a balanced, affectionate dog with a pronounced protective behavior. It is a working dog with characteristic robustness, intelligence and a portion of self-confidence. Calm, docile and attentive, he is the ideal companion for people with dog sense. As a guard and family dog, he takes his place in the human pack. Courageous and sometimes stubborn, he wants to be trained consistently.
Nutrition is the key to health and well-being. It is therefore important that the food consists of high-quality ingredients and is balanced. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Do not feed with leftovers or from the table. Even if your Bouvier des Flandres begs. Stay consistent.
You can give treats between meals or as a reward during training. However, you should subtract them from the main food so that he doesn't get fat.
Characteristics
The Bouvier des Flandres belongs to Group 1 (herding and driving dogs) and Section 2 (driving dogs). It is a working dog with a sense of family. An adult male reaches a stately ideal weight of 25 to 40 kg. This is reflected in his height of 62 to 68 cm.
The females, on the other hand, are somewhat smaller with a height of 59 to 65 cm. They are also slimmer, which the scales indicate at 27 to 35 kg.
The brindle coat is luxuriant and comes in the colors black-cloudy or gray. The coat is dense, rough, long and weather-resistant. The Bouvier des Flandres therefore always carries its waterproof protective coat with it.
Its appearance is correspondingly powerful. He not only conveys strength, but also that certain something that is inside him. The Bouvier des Flandres is therefore not an off-the-peg dog, but a specialty. The loin is broad and muscular. They merge into the croup and continue straight into the topline.
This is the origin of the high-set tail, which used to be docked along with the ears. But those days are long gone. The result is a true nature boy.
Its massive head is emphasized by the chin and moustache. Visually, it matches the body and the energetic expression. A muscular package with a powerful expression and limbs.
His nature is gentle, but also determined. This large giant radiates loyalty, attentiveness and calm.
So if you are looking for a family dog with a protective instinct, this is the dog for you. He is also a patient play partner for older children, exercising the necessary caution. Due to its size, it is rather unsuitable for small children.
My home is my castle and it is guarded accordingly. A gentleman of the old school with a suspicious disposition. He is extremely skeptical and distant towards strangers.
The Dutch breeding line in particular shows an increased willingness to defend itself. The Bouvier des Flandres from German breeding tends to be more reserved and shy. This should be taken into account when choosing a breeding line before purchasing.
Careful training is necessary. In addition, the Franco-Belgian Flandrian needs to be kept in the best possible way for the breed. His strength and his joy of movement must be specifically encouraged. He would be well suited to the sport of pulling.
In general, dogs should always be exercised according to their characteristics. And that's what the Bouvier des Flandres wants from you too.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
Nutrition is the key to health and well-being. It is therefore important that the food consists of high-quality ingredients and is balanced. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Do not feed with leftovers or from the table. Even if your Bouvier des Flandres begs. Stay consistent.
You can give treats between meals or as a reward during training. However, you should subtract them from the main food so that he doesn't get fat.
Health & Care
The coat of the Bouvier des Flandres is somewhat high-maintenance. It therefore needs to be brushed, combed and trimmed regularly and at short intervals. This prevents matting.
The Bouvier del Flandres does not shed very much. So take a good 2 hours 2-3 times a week. If you want him to appear well-groomed and confident, a professional trim is required every 2 to 3 months.
The claws should be trimmed regularly.
The Bouvier des Flandres has a beard that often turns out to be a dirty beard. This needs to be taken care of. If the beard is disfigured by improper trimming, it takes a good year for it to grow back.
Ears, eyes and teeth must be cleaned regularly. You can use 1TP1 ear and eye cleaner or a damp cloth for the ears and eyes. Dog toothpaste and a toothbrush are recommended for teeth care. Occasional air-dried snacks such as rumen, scalp or a bone also support dental health.
You should start grooming as early as possible in puppyhood so that your dog can get used to it.
Suitable accessories
Every breed of dog needs its own accessories. This starts with certain collars and ends with the food bowl. The Bouvier del Flandres, for example, needs a comb, a brush, a king coat, scissors and an ear cleaning brush.
If you want to try trimming your dog yourself, you should seek advice from the manufacturer. A tear-resistant lead, a collar and everything else a dog's heart desires. Always pay attention to quality.
The accessories will certainly be expanded over time. Depending on which activities are in the foreground. Also stock up on an emergency first-aid kit for your dog. The vet is the first port of call here.
Origin & History
Its name reveals both its origin and its use. The Bouvier des Flandres originates from the French and Belgian part of Flanders. There it was not only used as a loyal companion, but was also used to drive cattle and oxen.
The farmers also benefited from his protective instinct, which was felt by both wolves and bears. He led the herds and protected them with courage, endurance and strength. A bodyguard on four paws, so to speak.
The Flemish Shepherd Dog, also known as the Vlaamse Koehond, is a very special breed. Even though the breed was not only bred for beauty. The most robust, vital and roughest representatives of the breed were selected.
This enabled it to withstand the most adverse living conditions. The Bouvier des Flandres owes its outstanding characteristics to these ingenious breeding traits. It has an excellent character and is robust.
It almost died out during the First World War. It was virtually revived through backcrossing. It probably owes this to the Berger Picard. The FCI standard was established in 1922. After that, a continuous improvement of the breed was established.
A long journey that also found its expression in German breeding circles in the 1970s. Since then, the Bouvier des Flandres has also been popular and well-known in Germany. A charmer on four paws with a great protective instinct.
