General Appearance
The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerfully built, compact, short-coupled, rough-coated
dog of notably rugged appearance. He gives the impression of great strength
without any sign of heaviness or clumsiness in his overall makeup. He is agile,
spirited and bold, yet his serene, well behaved disposition denotes his steady,
resolute and fearless character. His gaze is alert and brilliant, depicting
his intelligence, vigor and daring. By nature he is an equable dog. His origin
is that of a cattle herder and general farmer's helper, including cart pulling.
He is an ideal farm dog. His harsh coat protects him in all weather, enabling
him to perform the most arduous tasks. He has been used as an ambulance and
messenger dog. Modern times find him as a watch and guard dog as well as a
family friend, guardian and protector. His physical and mental characteristics
and deportment, coupled with his olfactory abilities, his intelligence and
initiative enable him to also perform as a tracking dog and a guide dog for
the blind. The following description is that of the ideal Bouvier des Flandres.
Any deviation from this is to be penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Owning
The Bouvier des Flandres has long been prized for his remarkable abilities
as an all purpose farm dog. Cattle driver, messenger, guardian, and protector,
the Bouvier is a versatile dog. He has a rough harsh tousled coat that requires
regular brushing to help keep shedding to a minimum. The Bouvier is a natural
guard dog, but he is not an attack dog. He is a tolerant dog who enjoys the
company of children.
Characteristics
The height as measured at the withers: Dogs, from 24½ to 27½ inches; bitches,
from 23½ to 26½ inches. In each sex, the ideal height is the median of the
two limits, i.e., 26 inches for a dog and 25 inches for a bitch. Proportion--The
length from the point of the shoulder to the tip of the buttocks is equal
to the height from the ground to the highest point of the withers. A long-lined,
rangy dog should be faulted. Substance--Powerfully built, strong boned, well
muscled, without any sign of heaviness or clumsiness.
Temperament
The Bouvier is an equable dog, steady, resolute and fearless. Viciousness
or shyness is undesirable.
Did You Know
A standard of the Bouvier type was not adopted until 1912. That was accomplished
by a Frenchman, Mr. Fontaine, vice-president of the Club St. Hubert du Nord.
The Bouvier was recognized by the AKC in 1929, and admitted to the stud book
in 1931. The American Bouvier des Flandres Club was established in 1963.
