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Feb 13 2007, 2:09 PM EST GoldenRetrieverLover

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Description

The Bouvier is a powerful, impressive dog with a massive and heavily-coated head with a beard and mustache. The thick beard and shaggy eyebrows give the dog a very distinctive appearance. The slightly tapered muzzle is strong and broad. The oval, dark brown eyes have a bold, affectionate and lively expression. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Body length from point of shoulder to the tip of the rump should be approximately equal to the height of the dog from the withers to the ground, giving the dog a square profile. The front legs are muscular and perfectly straight. The chest is broad and deep. The dog has a double coat. The rough, shaggy-looking outer coat is harsh and dry to the touch. This steel-wool hair comes in black, fawn, blonde, gray, or brindle. Solid black is not favored in the show ring, but is accepted. Blonde coats are not accepted in the show ring. The Bouvier's coat is lined with a dense undercoat. The AKC allows a white marking on the chest. The coat protects the dog in all types of inclement weather. The ears are triangular and erect. The tail is docked and the ears may be cropped to a point, though some breeders prefer to leave them natural. Docking and Cropping is illegal in some European countries. Belgians lines tend to be somewhat smaller and lighter than Dutch bloodlines.
Temperament

The Bouvier des Flandres is an obedient dog with a pleasant nature. He looks intimidating, but is actually calm and gentle. Enthusiastic, responsible, even tempered and fearless. An excellent guard and watchdog that is easy to train. This breed learns commands relatively fast, though not quite as fast as, for example the German Shepherd. They require well-balanced training which remains consistent in nature. Once they learn a command they will remember it for the rest of their life. It is important to make the dog aware, without being too hard with it, that you are and will remain the boss. This breed needs an experienced owner to prevent dominance problems. He should be socialized well at an early age to avoid over-protectiveness and shyness. A good family dog, the Bouvier likes, and is excellent with, children. The Bouvier is very adaptable and goes about its business quietly and calmly. This dog's loyalty is world famous. Obedience train this breed at an early age. Behavior with other animals depends on individual temperaments and character. Provided they are properly socialized at an early age, chances are they will get along well with cats and other pets, but be careful with non-canine pets. They are usually good with other dogs if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Dominant individuals can be dog-aggressive. Slow to mature both in body and mind. It does not fully mature until the dog reaches the age of 2-3 years. They can be suspicious and reserved with strangers and protective of their family.
Height, Weight

Height: Dogs 23-28 inches (58-71 cm.) Bitches 22-27 inches (56-69 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 75-90 pounds (34-41 kg.) Bitches 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg.)
Health Problems

These very hardy dogs are accustomed to harsh conditions and are rarely ill, however some dogs may suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts. The Bouvier has a very high pain threshold. They can take a lot of contact with the cattle's legs without feeling it. This does not make them a veterinarian's favorite patient, as they cannot tell where the dog is hurting by manipulating the legs and/or other body parts.
Living Conditions

The Bouvier des Flandres will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard.
Exercise

The Bouvier des Flandres is an energetic and active dog that has an average demand for exercise. It will enjoy going with you for long walks or running alongside a bike. During the growing stage, exercise should be carefully regulated so that growing bones, muscles and joints are not too strenuously stressed. The dog requires all its energy to build a strong, healthy frame.
Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years
Litter Size

5 - 10 puppies - Average 8
Grooming

The shaggy coat requires a lot of attention. Brush the long coat regularly and bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The Bouvier needs to be trimmed at least three times a year. Between trims remove any excess hair inside the ears and trim hair between the pads of the feet. Do not let the hair grow too long close to the feet but trim it so that the Bouvier has nice round feet. A well-groomed Bouvier sheds very little hair in the home. Some Bouvier owner have reported the Bouvier to be good for allergy sufferers.
Origin

There is no real agreement concerning the origin of this Franco-Belgian breed. It may have been formed by crossing the Griffon and the Beauceron. The Bouvier des Flandres, originally a cattle herding dog, was extensively used as a rescue dog and message-carrier during World War I. As a result of his exposure during the warfare and the nearly total destruction of Flandres; the breed was almost completely killed off. In 1923, after the war, the Bouvier was "reconstructed" from a few individuals, and a breed club was established in Belgium. Bouvier des Flandres means "cowherd from Flanders." Currently the Bouvier serves as a watchdog, guardian, family companion and as a tracking dog. This breed has also been used as a guide for the blind and in search & rescue. It will also succeed in police work, military work, carting, agility, competitive obedience and schutzhund.
Group

Herding, AKC Herding
Recognition

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR