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Herding breeds: Bouvier des Flandres
Origin
The Bouvier des Flandres (pronounced (Boovay duh Flawn-druh) originated in Belgium during the 19th century. Originally bred by the butchers, cattlemen and farmers of southwest Flanders and the northern hills of France as a cattle dog, the Bouviers had no uniform weight, size or color. They did however have enough similar characteristics to be called Bouviers. There were three different names used for them at the time: They were "Vuilbaard" meaning dirty beard, "koehond" meaning cow dog, and "toucher de boeuf" or "pic" meaning cattle driver. In 1912, a standard for the Bouvier was adopted.
World War I almost destroyed the breed, as the areas where it was largely bred and where its popularity was rising were devastated. Veterinarian Captain Barbry owned a Bouvier named Ch. Nic de Sottegem, and it was his offspring that revived the breed. In 1926, some of his progeny were brought together in Ghent, and a more complete standard was drawn up from these dogs.
The AKC recognized the Bouvier in 1929, and Americans began importing the dogs until World War II. After the war, the interest revived, and in 1963 the American Bouvier Des Flanders Club was established.
Since the Bouvier was bred to be a working dog, in Belgium a Bouvier cannot earn the title of champion unless he has first won a prize in a work competition as a police, defense, or army dog.
General description
Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
Weight: 65-110 pounds
Color: From fawn to black, passing through salt and pepper, gray and brindle. A small white star on the chest is allowed. No one color is to be favored.
Grooming requirements
He has a rough, harsh, tousled coat that requires regular daily brushing to help keep shedding and matting to a minimum. He will also require periodic clipping, hand stripping and regular bathing. Nail trimming and ear cleaning are also among the general grooming requirements. If you are going to show your Bouvier, then hand stripping is definitely a necessity as a clipped dog has a softer coat. If you are not going to show the dog, then you would most likely prefer to have their backs clipped as the process is quicker, less expensive, and easier on the dog. You will need a slicker brush and a metal comb to properly brush this breed. Food and debris commonly find their way into, but not out of the beard of the Bouvier. You will need to brush his beard daily to keep him from acquiring a matted and smelly beard. The legs need to be brushed more frequently in the winter because of the snow that will be caught in them and cause matting to occur. Be mindful of this when taking your Bouvier for romps in the snow. Once the dog comes back in, he will need a quick brushing to insure this matting does not occur.
Health considerations
This breed is prone to hip dysplasia and bloat.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Bouvier is a large breed both mentally and physically. There are some dogs who are just as large but don't use their body to manipulate their environment. The Bouvier uses its strength and smarts to push their will on their owners. Properly trained they can be quite fun to be around. They stay playful until the later stages of their life. When training the Bouvier you must work with the dog, not against the dog. You must maintain your dominance throughout the dog's life. The Bouvier des Flandres thrives on an active lifestyle, and requires room to move plus plenty of exercise in order to keep him happy. Early training and socializing is highly recommended.
Uses
Although his vocation remained primarily that of a cattle herder, he proved so versatile that he was utilized as a cart-puller, sheep-herder and general farmer's helper. During the First World War, he was also used as an ambulance and messenger dog. In modern times he is mainly a companion dog. However, the Bouvier today also excels in herding, guarding, tracking, police work.
Web links
AKC Bouvier des Flandres page
American Bouvier des Flandres Club
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