Bouvier Des Flandres
Summary
The Bouvier des Flandres is the most famous and imposing of the Belgian cattledogs, originating from the fertile plains of Flanders in northern Belgium and northern France. It worked as an all-around farm dog on Flemish farms — driving cattle, pulling milk carts, performing guarding and assistance duties. Today it is widely used as a police, military, search and rescue dog, and excellent family dog. It earned military honors in both World Wars.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Large
- Height (male)
- 62–70 cm
- Height (female)
- 59–65 cm
- Weight (male)
- 35–54 kg
- Weight (female)
- 27–38 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Rough, harsh, dense, medium length; with very well-developed beard and mustache; soft, dense undercoat
- Common Colors
- Fawn to black, through brindle; grey salt and pepper; grey brindle
Temperament & Personality
The Bouvier des Flandres is a dog of balanced and noble temperament — courageous, determined and extremely intelligent. It is a born worker that equally excels as a family dog, with deep devotion to its group. It can be dominant and needs an owner who clearly establishes leadership. With family children it is protective and affectionate; with strangers it maintains the necessary distance.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 5400–120 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- High
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 4–6 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Cataracts
- Degenerative myopathy (breed-specific)
- Exercise-induced collapse
- Gastric torsion
- Glaucoma
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Laryngeal paralysis
- Subaortic stenosis (heart condition)
- Recommended Health Tests
- Cardiac and ophthalmological examination
- Genetic test for myopathy
- PennHIP evaluation
Compatibility
- With Children
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
