**The Bouvier des Flandres: a herding and driving dog with an eventful history!
Discover the fascinating world of the Bouvier des Flandres, a dog with personality! This robust and loyal four-legged friend, which belongs to group 7 of the FCI’s herding and driving dogs, has more to offer than you might think at first glance. Its roots go back deep into Belgian and French breeding history, and its name, Bouvier des Flandres, simply means “Flemish ox herder or driver”. With an impressive shoulder height of 59 to 68 cm and a weight of 27 to 40 kg, he cuts a fine figure, and not just on the outside.
The Bouviers des Flandres have an eventful past as herders and guard dogs that drove cattle and horses in groups or individually. From loaded carts over land to small boats on the water, they pulled everything that was put in front of them. Breeding fell into oblivion until 1912, when the breed standard was established and systematic breeding began.
Bouvier des Flandres Characteristics and Standards
- FCI Standard No. 191
- Withers Height:
- Male: 62–68 cm
- Female: 59–65 cm
- Weight:
- Male: 35–40 kg
- Female: 27–35 kg
- Excellent Guard and Protection Dog
- Distrustful and Sometimes Stubborn
- Highly Vigilant, Reserved to Rejecting Towards Strangers
- Life Expectancy: 10 Years and Above
- Versatile Roles as a Protection, Military, Guard, Tracking, and Guide Dog
Note: The Bouvier des Flandres exhibits distinct characteristics and meets specific standards as outlined by the FCI. From size measurements to temperament traits and versatile roles, this list encapsulates key features of this remarkable breed.
However, the high point came during the First World War, when these dogs proved to be true heroes. As ambulance and registration dogs, they fought for their owners, but also for their breed. In the midst of war and destruction, many Bouviers des Flandres were threatened with extinction, including the Bouvier de Roulers, the Bouvier de Moerman and the Bouvier de Paret. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Flemish breeders and in particular the legendary stud dog “Nic de Sittengem”, they have survived.
Today, these dogs are true all-rounders. Whether as guard dogs, military dogs, watchdogs, sniffer dogs or guide dogs for the blind, the Bouvier des Flandres has many talents in its repertoire. In North America, he demonstrates his skills in protection and subordination tests, while in the FCI area he must first pass a working test before he is allowed to take part in beauty contests.
Bouvier des Flandres are independent, sometimes uncompromising workers. Their ability to keep a stubborn animal under control with impressive strength shows determination and assertiveness.
Anyone wishing to take a Bouvier des Flandres into their family should be aware that this breed needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With consistent but loving training, it will become a loyal and affectionate companion that can be a perfect watchdog and a faithful friend for the whole family.
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