Bouvier des Flandres
Quick Facts:
- AKC recognized in 1931
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Size: Large
- Energy: High
- Recommended Crate Size: 48" dog crate*
Return to the main Dog Crate Sizes Breed Chart.
Table of contents
Introduction
The Bouvier des Flandres dogs were bred as herding dogs in Flanders, Belgium. These dogs are also known as Toucher de Boeuf which means 'cattle driver' and Vuilbaard which means 'dirty beard'. The farmers relied on them to drive cattle, herd sheep, and pull carts. Bouviers are now kept as guard dogs, police dogs, or usual pets.
Breed
The American Kennel Club formally recognized the Bouvier des Flandres in 1931.
These high energy dogs are known as hardworking and intelligent.
You can count on their obedience, loyalty, and agility.
Although they are affectionate with their family, Bouviers are not for novice dog owners since they require mental stimulation and training so they can learn that “the alpha-dog” is their owners, and not them. Unsocialized Bouviers can possess fear and display undesirable behavior when they encounter new situations with which they feel uncomfortable.
Appearance
Bouviers can weigh from 70 to 110 pounds and grow up to 23 to 27 inches in height.
Their tails were originally docked to avoid any injuries due to their jobs herding and pulling the carts.
With their mustache and heavy beard, they look very aggressive but actually, they are calm dogs and generally well-behaved.
They have a double coat with 15 colors and 3 markings recognized by AKC but only 5 colors and no markings are considered standard. These colors are black, brindle, fawn, gray brindle, and salt & pepper.
Nutrition
It is recommended to provide feed formulated to 70-110 pounds sized breeds. It is highly recommended to discuss your dog’s feed with your veterinarian and/or breeder in order to determinethe size and frequency of meals in order to ensure a healthy, long life. It is also important to ensure that clean, fresh water is always available.
Grooming
Although they are considered as non-shedding dogs, every dog in the world sheds to some extent. Most of the hair they shedded is trapped within their outer coat which causes matting as a result. So, weekly combing and brushing is recommended to maintain their coat and trimming once a month is necessary to make them look their best.
Wash their beard and mustache as appropriate after meals.
Check their ears to make sure there is no debris, wax, or dirt to avoid health problems.
Brush their teeth at least twice a week.
Exercise
Daily exercise of between 40-60 minutes per day is recommended. As working dogs, they are easily trained so consider providing it to them. Their high energy makes them like to be busy doing jobs, so keep them busy at home.
They easily get bored with repetitive exercise so vary their exercise routines with walking, playing at the park, running, chasing the ball. Giving them chewable toys is recommended.
Pet Crate Size
Pet Crates Direct recommends 48" dog crate* for most adult Bouvier des Flanders dogs.
Return to the main Dog Crate Sizes Breed Chart.
* Links for crate sizes will bring you to the most appropriate Amazon page.
