You may have just seen them in the Warner Brothers' movie, A Dog of Flanders, in dog shows, or being walked by their proud owners in the park or on the street. With their fabulous coats and distinctive profile, Bouviers certainly command attention wherever they go. Their owners will tell you of the joys of owning a Bouv - that they're good guardians, great with kids, and non-shedding, and that they are extremely intelligent and have real character. With some exceptions, these claims are true. But the Bouvier is also aloof and strong-willed, huge and often intimidating, slops water all over every time it takes a drink, requires significant grooming, may kill your cat, and is more expensive to maintain in terms of feeding and vetting than smaller breeds. Still interested?
The following information has been assembled to help you decide whether the Bouvier des Flandres is the right breed for you. It includes history and characteristics of the breed, the negatives of the Bouv, and the cost factor. If, after reading that, you are convinced that the Bouvier is right for you, you may continue on to learn how to find a breeder, questions to ask, what to look for when you visit a kennel, and some Bouvier resources and contacts. Finally, please take the time to read about the benefits of finding your new dog through the American Bouvier Rescue League. There are innumerable advantages to opening your home and your heart to an adult dog whose owner, for a variety of reasons, can no longer keep their pet. We hope that you will give this option serious consideration.
The Bouvier des Flandres (literally, Cow Dog of Flanders) originated in northern Europe as a working farm dog which managed stock and protected farms. During World War I, Bouviers were used to carry supplies to the front lines, deliver messages, detect the living-wounded on battlefields, and do military tracking. Because of the dangers of war and the intensive fighting in Belgium during WWII, along with the decline in farming, the Bouvier nearly disappeared. Thanks to a few people dedicated to the breed, the Bouvier des Flandres (which is pronounced boo-vee-ay day flahndr) was saved as a breed. In 1963 the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was formed and the breed became established officially in North America. Today, in addition to being a companion dog, it is used in police, search-and-rescue, handicapped assistance, drug detection, stock herding, and guard work. The typical Bouvier weighs 65 to 100 pounds and is 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall at the withers. It is a square, powerfully built dog, rugged and formidable in appearance. Tails are usually docked (at about 3 days of age) and ears cropped (at 7 weeks), although Bouvs with natural ears and tails are also seen. The harsh double coat protects the dog in all types of inclement weather. Cold weather and snow delight them; they tend to suffer in heat. Colours are gray, black, brindle, and, less commonly, fawn. The usual life span is 10 to 12 years. The breed is vulnerable to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and bloat. Recently a heart problem, subaortic stenosis (SAS), has been identified in some lines. Bloat and SAS can be fatal. Canine eye diseases, including glaucoma, are also concerns. Adult Bouviers are serene, laid-back dogs with stable temperaments and strong guarding and herding instincts. They tend to protect by using their sheer muscular strength and most often will knock down or corner an intruder rather than bite them. Those coming from working lines can be very intense, high-energy dogs which require especially committed trainers as owners. The usual Bouv attitude is sober and thoughtful, reserved and dignified. They are cooperative, if a bit stubborn and strong-willed. They are very intelligent, and once they have learned something they tend to retain it. Your relationship is likely to be one of mellowness, depth, and subtlety. Calm and self-possessed indoors, outside the Bouv will exhibit surprising energy, speed and agility, including herding and prey behaviour. When enthusiastic they're likely to leave the ground as though on springs, which can endanger those of frail build, nerve, or character. Many but not all Bouviers are gentle and tolerant with children, often herding them about the house. However, children MUST be taught how to behave with them or serious problems can occur with a dog of this temperament and size, including bites and extreme possessiveness. While appearing aloof and detached, the Bouv becomes deeply devoted to its family. Human companionship is very important to them and they don't like to be left alone. If you are thinking it would be nice to have a dog to guard your property and intend to leave it in a fenced yard or chained up for this purpose, this breed is not for you. A Bouvier's need for human companionship coupled with its assertiveness will turn what might be a sweet dog into a miserable and possibly dangerous animal. Some people who have dog allergies do not react to the Bouvier; others do. If this is one of the reasons you are thinking of the Bouvier, be sure to check your own reaction to the breed first.
It is truly a shaggy dog. The long beard collects water like a sponge, can mat, and can smell. A drink of water is likely to leave a sopping wet trail across your floors and rugs. The amount of dirt, mud, snow and debris that a Bouv can track into your house is phenomenal. The Bouvier requires a considerable amount of grooming. The undercoat must be combed out at least weekly. Without it, the coat mats severely. It is customary to clip the head, ears, and rear and to do some scissoring on the coat and paws every 5 or 6 weeks. Training is not optional with a breed that is this large, strong, and independent of mind. Because of the temperament, you also need to be committed to continued work with the Bouvier to maintain performance, even the most simple "sits", "stays" and "downs". The Bouvier needs an owner committed to a bonded relationship. To become a good companion, the Bouvier also needs early socialisation with managed exposure to a variety of experiences and environments. It does not like to be left alone and needs human attention every day. Unlike some of the more energetic breeds, the Bouvier won't exercise itself. While it adapts to apartment living and doesn't need huge amounts of exercise, it should have long walks twice a day. If you cannot provide this, get a more active house dog or one that will fetch balls. Bouvs tend to be aloof. They don't wear their hearts on their sleeves as many breeds do. Many people prefer a dog that shows its affection more outwardly. Many Bouviers have high prey drive and may pursue cats, squirrels, and other small mammals - even birds. Some live peacefully with other animals, others do not; some are best friends with cats; others kill them. A well-bred Bouvier is not aggressive but is assertive when challenged. Its size and air of calm appraisal can be intimidating.
If you have decided that the Bouvier is the breed for you, your next step is to find the right source and the right dog for you. How can you, the prospective buyer, tell the "backyard breeder" from "commercial breeder" from the "reputable" breeder? How can you distinguish a healthy pup from an unhealthy one? How can you decide which puppy will fit in best with your life and family? Or would it make better sense to adopt a Bouvier through Rescue, or to purchase an adult from a breeder? Finding the right breeder and the right dog can take weeks, months or even years. Good breeders often have a waiting list for future litters. You may decide to drive or fly some distance to get your Bouvier. Whatever it takes, your dog will be a member of your family for ten or more years so it is worth the time and effort to make sure this is the right breed, the right breeder, and the right dog for you. It is almost impossible when you see a pup of any breed not to go "Awwwwwww..." because all puppies look adorable. Before you even go to look at a puppy, DO YOUR RESEARCH!
