About Bouvier’s | Bouvier des Flanders Rescue Centre South Africa | BDFRSA

About the Breed

Sonja — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:15:48 +0000

They don’t build ’em like this anymore. Burly and barrel-chested, the tousle-coated dog of Flandres is from a time and place where a dog had to work like ‘ well, a dog. These smart and steady all-purpose workers make excellent watchdogs.

Standing as high as 69.85 cm, with heavy bone and powerful muscles beneath a weatherproof coat, and an impressive head accented by beard and moustache, Bouviers can do anything that needs doing in a barnyard or pasture except milk the cows. And yet, Bouviers are more than just farm equipment. Their sterling character, huge heart, and keen intelligence endear them to dog lovers the world over. The Bouvier work ethic must be accommodated, and happily, the breed’s versatility allows them to do myriad tasks. Bouviers are excellent watchdogs and guardians, and eager participants in dog sports, especially herding trials. These strong-willed dogs do best with owners who can devote ample time and space to a top-of-the-line working dog.

Bouvier des Flandres

Sonja — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 06:40:09 +0000

The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog breed originating in Flanders, Belgium. They were originally used for general farm work including cattle droving, sheep herding, and cart pulling, and nowadays as guard dogs and police dogs, as well as being kept as pets. The French name of the breed means, literally, “Cow Herder of Flanders”, referring to the Flemish origin of the breed. Other names for the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver), Vlaamse Koehond (Flemish cow dog), and Vuilbaard (dirty beard). The monks at the Ter Duinen monastery were among the earliest known dog breeders in Flanders. The Bouviers bred by them are recorded as having been bred from imports such as Irish wolfhounds and Scottish deerhounds with local farm dogs until a breed considered to be the predecessor of the modern Bouvier des Flandres was obtained. This became a working dog able to perform tirelessly, herding and guarding cattle and even pulling cargo carts, thanks to its strength and temperament, and to withstand the local weather conditions due to its thick coat. The breed’s practical use became antiquated after the invention of the automobile when cattle were more practically transported by trucks. Historically, the ear cropping and tail docking could have been done for practical reasons, avoiding accidental amputations in the course of work, or to indicate the dog was working stock and not a pet subject to taxation. Bouvier des Flandres closeup Up until the early 20th century, the breed was not completely defined, with three variants: Paret, Moerman or Roeselare, and Briard. The conflict between the proponents of these three variants held the breed’s development back. In 1912 and 1913, several local kennel clubs recognized standards for Bouviers; however they usually had different standards for the Roeselare and other variants. World War I nearly caused the breed to disappear, due to the devastation that came over its region of origin and the fact that the dogs were used for military purposes. Indeed, Nic, a male trained as a trench dog who served during the war and was a perennial winner at dog shows after the war, is considered to be the founder of the early Bouvier des Flandres breed. A unified Bouvier des Flandres standard was created in 1936 by a joint French-Belgian committee. However, World War II again endangered the breed’s existence. Due to these setbacks, progress was slowed, and it was not until 1965 that the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard, as agreed to by several minor kennel clubs, was adopted. Appearance The Bouvier is a powerfully built, compact, rough-coated dog of rugged appearance. It gives the impression of size and strength without clumsiness or heaviness. Perhaps its most notable feature is the impressive head which is accentuated by a heavy beard and moustache. Although the practice of cropping both ears and tail are now mostly cosmetic, tails were originally docked to prevent injuries caused by herding and cart-pulling. The practise of cosmetic docking is currently opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association.[4] In the area of origin (Flanders, Belgium) cropping was made illegal in 2006.[citation needed] The weight of males ranges from 80 to 120 pounds or 36 to 54 kilograms, slightly smaller for females.[citation needed] They are powerfully built, with a thick double coat, which can be fawn, black, grey brindle, or “pepper and salt” in colour. Bouviers are sometimes considered non-shedding, but in fact do lose hair, like all dogs. Most of the hair that they lose is caught within the double coat which results in matting. They require weekly brushing and combing to maintain the coat. In addition to weekly brushing, the coat should be trimmed approximately every 3–5 weeks if it is to be a show dog. Trimming requires practise to achieve the proper look. Temperament Bouviers des Flandres are rational, gentle, loyal, and protective by nature. The breed’s particular blend of characteristics makes them good family pets, as well as keen guard dogs. Unlike some animals bred for aggressive nature and power, the Bouvier possesses sophisticated traits, such as complex control, intelligence, and accountability. The Bouvier des Flandres is an obedient dog with a pleasant nature. They look intimidating but are actually calm and gentle. They are enthusiastic, responsible, even-tempered, and fearless, and are excellent guards and watchdogs that are easy to train. This breed learns commands relatively fast. However, Bouviers get bored easily and learn best when repetition is limited. They require well-balanced training that remains consistent in nature. Without being harsh, it is important to consistently make the dog aware that the owner will remain the boss. This breed needs an experienced owner to prevent dominance and over-protectiveness problems. These dogs poorly trained can become inappropriately dominant towards humans. An un-socialized Bouvier can become fearful and pose a problem when introduced to new situations in which they do not feel comfortable. Bouviers should be socialized well, preferably starting at an early age, to avoid shyness, suspiciousness, and being overly reserved with strangers (although the breed is naturally aloof with strangers). Protection of the family when danger is present is not something that needs to be taught, nor is it something one can train out of them. The dog will rise to the occasion if needed. 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. Obedience training starts when they are young. Their behavior depends on the owner’s ability to communicate what is expected, and on the individual dominance level of the dog. They are usually good with other dogs if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Dominant individuals can be dog-aggressive if the owners are not assertive and do not communicate to the dog that fighting is unwanted. Slow to mature both in body and mind, the Bouvier does not fully mature until the age of 2–3 years. Activities Bouviers des Flandres can compete in dog agility trials, carting, obedience, dog showmanship, Schutzhund, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Bouviers exhibiting basic herding instincts can then be trained to compete in herding trials

All About The Breed

Sonja — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 09:50:46 +0000

HISTORY OF THE BOUVIER DES FLANDRES BREED

The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog breed originating in Flanders. They were originally used for general farm work including cattle droving, sheep herding, and cart pulling, and nowadays as guard dogs and police dogs, as well as being kept as pets. The French name of the breed means, literally, “Cow Herder of Flanders”, referring to the Flemish origin of the breed. Other names for the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf(cattle driver), Vlaamse Koehond (Flemish cow dog), and Vuilbaard (dirty beard).

Taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouvier_des_Flandres

If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes.
Only then will you realise you precious you are to me….BORIS 2013

THE BOUVIER COMES IN A VARIETY OF COLORS
FAWN, BLACK AND BRINDLE

FAWN COLOR

THE BRINDLE BOUVIER

IN SOME COUNTRIES BOUVIERS MAY HAVE CROPPED EARS AND TAILS. IN SOUTH AFRICA THIS PRACTICE IS AGAINST THE LAW. BELOW BOUVIER WITH NATURAL EARS AND TAIL

Bouvier Personality:
Serious and thoughtful, the Bouvier des Flanders is a dignified family companion who is built for athletics, but would much rather nap indoors by the fireplace. Rowdy and rambunctious as puppies,as adults Bouviers mellow into dignified and sober housemates. They love to be with people and are happiest when completely surrounded by their “flock” of humans. Their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs,and they are patient with children. Activity Requirements:
This gentle giant requires a lot of vigorous activity throughout the day. As Bouviers move from adolescence to adulthood,they will become a bit lethargic and will often need to be told when it’s time to exercise,but keeping their activity levels high is very important to their health and mental well being,even if they need to be coaxed into it.This breed,despite their large size, is well-suited for an apartment or condominium, so long as they are exercised daily. If Bouvier Des Flandres aren’t exercised enough they can become destructive,and an apartment would be mincemeat in the mouth of a bored Bouvier. A house with a large fenced-in yard for running is great,but as the Bouvier gets older,he may appreciate long walks more so than romping in the grass.
Training a Bouvier requires a strong,confident,consistent leader,and are generally not suited for the first time or passive dog owner.. This breed likes to be in charge,and will quickly take over a household if there is not a clear chain of command. Training requires lots of positive reinforcement and treat rewards; harsh discipline can lead to stubbornness and avoidance behaviors.

With proper leadership,Bouviers will excel in basic obedience. They are highly intelligent dogs and to keep their minds active should move on to advanced obedience,tricks or agility training.
Behavioral Traits: When Bouviers are young,they can be quite a handful. They grow quickly and are prone to lots of jumping and running. As they get older,they usually grow out of this. They become less overly affectionate the older they get,but they show their affinity for their people in other ways,like curling around a loved one’s feet when it’s time to relax for the evening.

The modern Bouvier can revert to its herding roots and try to herd children, bicycles and cars. They are prone to chasing,so they should always be kept on a leash,or in a fenced yard. This herding nature also makes them protective of their family and territory,and this can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviors toward new people and animals. Early socialization can teach a Bouvier that house guests mean no harm.

Source :Petwave

THE BLACK BOUVIER

SILVER GRAY BOUVIER