Bouvier des Flandres
A powerful, bearded Flemish farm dog: calm, steady and protective, with a rugged coat that needs trimming.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 62–68 cm · Females 59–65 cm
- Weight
- Males 35–40 kg · Females 27–35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- 60–120 min a day
- Grooming
- Regular trips to a groomer
- Coat
- Rough, Double coat, medium
- Colours
- Fawn, Brindle, Black, Grey
- Bred for
- Herding, Guarding, Draught work, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Belgium
- FCI
- Group 1, no. 191 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 4/5 – High |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 5/5 – Very high |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 4/5 – High |
| Drooling | 2/5 – Low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a steady, protective large dog
- can budget for regular grooming
- have experience with working breeds
Think twice if you …
- want a low-maintenance coat
- live in a hot climate
- are looking for a small or mid-sized dog
Care
Temperament
Bouviers are calm, loyal and confident. They are naturally protective and reserved with strangers. They are steady and thoughtful rather than flighty.
Exercise
An hour or more of daily exercise suits most adults. Tracking, obedience, herding, carting and protection sports are good outlets.
Grooming
Brush the rough coat a couple of times a week and have it trimmed every couple of months. Shedding is low, but the beard collects food and water.
Training
Intelligent and willing but strong-minded. Consistent, reward-based training and early socialisation are important.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, some eye conditions and laryngeal problems are known in the breed. Breeding dogs are usually hip and elbow screened, so ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
- Thyroid
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Bouvier des Flandres comes from the farms of Flanders, on both sides of the Belgian-French border, where it drove cattle, pulled carts and guarded farmyards. The First World War nearly wiped the breed out, and it was rebuilt from a few surviving dogs.
Bouviers are strong, compact and composed. They are devoted to their family and naturally protective, but usually calm rather than excitable. They mature slowly, need consistent training and daily exercise, and have a rough coat that requires regular grooming and trimming. They suit owners who want a steady, capable large dog.
Did you know?
A Belgian army dog named Nic, who survived the First World War, became an important foundation sire of the modern breed.