Bouvier des Flandres

While not overly difficult to train, training needs to be firm and consistant. Once a command is learned, it is rarely forgotten. But his stubborn and dominant nature can be a problem. Passive resistance is common, and aggression is possible when threatened or annoyed. For this reason training cannot be overbearing. Remember the Bouvier des Flandres can be defiant. Spoiling can encourage dominant, controlling and nippy behavior and overbearing training can elicit fear biting. An experienced owner is best for this breed.

Trained properly, the Bouvier des Flandres makes an excellent family pet that is excellent, tolerant and even enjoys children. But he must be socialized from an early age or he can become over protective. Unless socialized properly he may be intolerant of visiting children, especially if there is a lot of running around, roughhousing and chasing.

The same holds true for other pets. If socialized at an early age they can get along well with other dogs, but they do have a high prey drive so non-canine pets may be a problem. That prey drive also tends to make him likely to chase cars, joggers and bikes.

A fenced yard is important for this breed because he needs daily exercise. But he should not be jogged with over long distances because of his heavy structure. The Bouvier also matures slowly both physically and mentally. It may take up to 3 years before he is fully developed. During this growing period he cannot be exercised too strenuously or it may stress his bones and muscles.

The origin of this breed is up for debate. He was developed in Belgium in the 19th century, although the breeds involved are unknown. Known as the Belgian Cattle Dog, he was originally used for herding, herd guarding and cart pulling. He as also been used for tracking by police and military, and was almost killed off to extinction because of his extensive use in World War I.

The Bouvier des Flandres stands between 23.5 and 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 65 and 95 pounds. His body is large, powerful and thick boned and his tail is docked. His shedding coat is weather resistant, shaggy and somewhat harsh with a soft undercoat. He has a beard, mustache and bushy eyebrows. His coat needs almost daily brushing to prevent matting and should be clipped every several months. The color varies from black to salt and pepper to gray, brindle, or fawn.

This is a fairly healthy and hardy breed and rarely becomes ill. Some are susceptible to hip dysplasia, bloat or eye problems. The Bouvier is known to be able to tolerate a lot of pain, sometimes to the point where it is difficult for a vet to tell where the dog may be hurting.

They generally live 10-12 years and have an average litter size of 8 pups.

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