Bouvier des Flandres
Belgian Cattle Dog, Flanders Cattle Dog, Vlaamse Koehond
The Bouvier des Flandres is one of at least five bouviers that were once found throughout Belgium. These dogs were developed to drive cattle in an age before modern transportation. This task could be as simple as moving herds from one field to another or driving them several miles to the market. Three of the other bouviers are extinct, the Bouvier des Moerman, Bouvier des Paret, and Bouvier des Roulers. The only other surviving bouvier is the lesser known Bouvier des Ardennes.
Throughout the centuries the Bouvier des Flandres has proved to be a versatile breed. They are adept at secondary tasks such as carting and property guards. During the World Wars, they were used as watchdogs, guardians, and messengers. They continue this tradition today by serving as police and military dogs in Europe.
The name Bouvier des Flandres translates to either “Cattle Dog of the Flandres” or “Droving Dog of the Flandres”. It is one of few breeds that officially has two countries of origin according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), Belgium and France.
Bouvier des Flandres Standards
- 26-39"
- 80-135 lbs
- large drover
- ears may or may not be cropped
- tail is traditionally docked where legal
- tousled, harsh, double-coat
- black
- brindle
- fawn
- grey
- salt and pepper
History of the Bouvier des Flandres
It is unknown how long the Bouvier des Flandres and its ‘cousins’ have existed in Belgium. Bouviers appear in written records as early as the 1600s and most were established by the 1800s. As with the other bouviers, the ancestry of the Bouvier des Flandres is undocumented and disputed by experts. Indeed, even its country of origin cannot be agreed upon. The country dispute is created due to the Flanders region itself. Today it lies primarily within Belgium but has smaller pockets of land in both France and the Netherlands. Historically, the area has been controlled by other countries such as Spain and Austria.
It is just as unclear how the Bouvier des Flandres was developed, or what breeds lie within its ancestry. There are many theories regarding their origin. Perhaps the breed descends from German Schnauzers or is the result of a Beauceron and French griffon cross. Some experts argue they are descended from Irish Wolfhounds and/or Scottish Deerhounds. Due to the location of Flanders and the Bouvier des Flandres being present for centuries any or all these breeds may have been used at one point or another.
Since bouviers were bred for their working ability, there were once many regional varieties of a similar type. Before both World Wars, five breeds were recognized as being their own distinct variety. These were the Bouvier des Ardennes, Bouvier des Flandres, Bouvier des Moerman, Bouvier des Roulers, and Bouvier des Paret.
During WWI dogs through Europe suffered, their numbers decimated due to the violence. The Bouvier des Flandres had an advantage over the other bouviers, finding work as a military dog. While many dogs perished during the war, it proved its worth and remained in the public’s interest after the conflict. That interest grew outside Belgium and this helped increase their numbers. The American Kennel Club adopted a standard and provided full recognition before World War II, which helped secure its future. The Bouvier des Flandres served again in World War II and after they numbered less than 100 in Europe. It was in the United States that the restoration of the Bouvier des Flandres took place, and in time dogs were imported back into their homeland.
Today the Bouvier des Flandres is still used as a working dog in Europe. It is not heavily popular in the United States but has a following there. A Bouvier des Flandres once called the White House home during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. However, it was not suited for the life and lived out its years on the family ranch. Worldwide its numbers remain strong and fanciers enjoy the breed as a companion, show, and sport dog.
It is just as unclear how the Bouvier des Flandres was developed, or what breeds lie within its ancestry. There are many theories regarding their origin. Perhaps the breed descends from German Schnauzers or is the result of a Beauceron and French griffon cross. Some experts argue they are descended from Irish Wolfhounds and/or Scottish Deerhounds. Due to the location of Flanders and the Bouvier des Flandres being present for centuries any or all these breeds may have been used at one point or another.
Since bouviers were bred for their working ability, there were once many regional varieties of a similar type. Before both World Wars, five breeds were recognized as being their own distinct variety. These were the Bouvier des Ardennes, Bouvier des Flandres, Bouvier des Moerman, Bouvier des Roulers, and Bouvier des Paret.
During WWI dogs through Europe suffered, their numbers decimated due to the violence. The Bouvier des Flandres had an advantage over the other bouviers, finding work as a military dog. While many dogs perished during the war, it proved its worth and remained in the public’s interest after the conflict. That interest grew outside Belgium and this helped increase their numbers. The American Kennel Club adopted a standard and provided full recognition before World War II, which helped secure its future. The Bouvier des Flandres served again in World War II and after they numbered less than 100 in Europe. It was in the United States that the restoration of the Bouvier des Flandres took place, and in time dogs were imported back into their homeland.
Today the Bouvier des Flandres is still used as a working dog in Europe. It is not heavily popular in the United States but has a following there. A Bouvier des Flandres once called the White House home during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. However, it was not suited for the life and lived out its years on the family ranch. Worldwide its numbers remain strong and fanciers enjoy the breed as a companion, show, and sport dog.
Is the Bouvier des Flandres Right for You?
- may have difficulties with other dogs
- highly alert, makes a good watchdog
- can adapt to apartment life
- adjusts well to cold climates
- requires regular brushing
- has a moderate activity level
- lives 11-12 years
- prone to hip dysplasia
- may develop eye issues