Bouvier Des Flandres

The origins of the Bouvier des Flandres can be traced all the way to Belgium. It was bred as a herding dog to work in farms pulling carts and herding cattle. Its ancestry is unknown, but it is believed to be from the early sheepdogs such as the Dutch griffon and the barbet.

In World War II, the Bouvier almost went extinct as it was utilised as a service dog, messenger, sentry, and search dog for ammunition and mines. The Bouvier was brought to the United States in the 1920s. The AKC recognised the Bouvier des Flandres as a breed in 1929 and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club formed in 1963.

Today, the Bouvier des Flandres is a popular choice as a family pet because of its magnificent looks and gentle nature.

The Bouvier is a powerful and solid dog that stands 56–71 centimetres tall at the withers and weighs 60–80 pounds. It has a rough coat that completes its rugged appearance. It has a lifespan of ten to twelve years. Its double coat can withstand extreme temperatures and comes in a variety of colours such as fawn, black, and grey brindle or so-called ‘pepper and salt.’ Its most distinct feature is its head that is accentuated by a heavy beard and moustache. The Bouvier is alert with a gaze showing intelligence and bravery.

Grooming a Bouvier des Flandres is a bit challenging since its dense coat is high-maintenance. It has loose hairs that usually get caught in its coat, which results in matting. Weekly brushing and combing are needed to keep it tidy and clean. In addition, the coat must be trimmed every three to five weeks especially if it is to be a show dog. If you're not confident to trim your Bouvier, go to a professional groomer. The Bouvier has strong nails that must be trimmed to avoid overgrowth, which may lead to splitting or cracking. Don't forget to clean the ears to avoid wax build-up or debris getting stuck that might cause an infection. For oral health, make sure to brush its teeth on a regular basis.

The Bouvier is protective and is quick to alert owners when there are new people around. These characteristics make the Bouvier a great watchdog. It might be a bit aloof with strangers, but not to the point of exhibiting aggressive behaviour.

The Bouvier is great for first-time owners because it is an eager-to-please dog breed, making it easy to train. It has no trouble getting along with children and other animals especially if they've been associated since young. Although it is good with children, supervision is still necessary since its large size can easily knock over small ones.

Like any other dog, the Bouvier needs to socialise early to ensure that it can navigate any environment without trouble.

A typical serving for an adult Bouvier des Flandres is three to five cups of high-quality dog food daily that is divided into two meals to avoid bloating. Don't count too much in online references as they are simply guides. Check with a veterinarian to determine the type of food, the amount, and frequency when it comes to feeding your Bouvier.

As a rough guide, here is the typical calorie needs of an adult Bouvier, weighing 70 pounds, per day:

• Senior and less active: up to 1,500 calories daily
• Typical adult: up to 1,670 calories daily
• Physically active/working dog: up to 1,880 calories daily

One thing to remember in feeding a Bouvier puppy is to choose food that will not hasten its growth, or it may develop skeletal issues. Highly recommended is a superior, holistic, grain-free dog food that has real meat (e.g., lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, or bison). Steer clear from food with cheap fillers, sweeteners, and artificial flavours. Another crucial nutritional requirement is taurine for a healthy heart, and calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones.

The Bouvier is a healthy dog, but it is also predisposed to health issues. These include bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, lymph sarcoma, and cataracts.

The Bouvier is a large dog with a need for open spaces to roam around. It needs regular exercise, enough to let off steam or expel energy. If not adequately exercised, the Bouvier may develop behavioural problems such as chewing or disobedience.

Only a few Bouvier Des Flanders puppies are registered with the Kennel Club so you may be put on a waiting list before you can bring home a puppy. Because this dog breed is rare, expect to pay anywhere from £500 to £800 for a well-bred Bouvier Des Flanders puppy from a KC-registered breeder.

On top of the purchase price, you will need to spend about £200 for essential items like leashes, collars, crates, beds, food and water bowls, toys, and grooming products. If you factor in regular health checks, vaccinations, boosters, and health-related expenses, you may have to spend more than £1,000 a year. This does not include special procedures to treat other health conditions. Getting pet insurance will add a monthly expense of £30 for basic cover or £70 for lifetime cover.