Bouviers Des Flandres
Created | Updated Sep 21, 2005
Bouviers Des Flandres
Preamble
“A Bouvier is very noble in character”. “A Bouvier is a wonderful family dog for children.” “A Bouvier is a superb watchdog with great intelligence, very easy to teach”. “A Bouvier is a stubborn, pig-headed dog”. These are a few descriptions of the dog known to its friends as a Bouv.
To any persons reading this thinking “I want a Bouv” it is suggested to first read an article, entitled “DON'T BUY A BOUVIER! By Pam Green *
Description
A very big, furry dog, looks like it can work hard, and play hard. Usually easily found, having a long stinky beard. (see vilebard-translated roughly means “stinky beard”) .
Physically a Bouv is just less than 30” at the forequarters (shoulder), with a square profile, a massive head, with a strong thick neck. Color can be almost anything except white, usually black to grey. Coat is mostly solid with a blaze of white between the forelegs. Weight can be 70-120lbs, depending on male or female.
Origin
“The Bouvier des Flandres is a protective heritage canine working breed, derived from the cattle and farm dogs of Flanders in North Western Belgium.” Jim Engel
The Dog as a breed was almost wiped out during the World Wars, due to the traits that make this dog truly "man's best friend".
There are many war stories about the Bouv, as they are so intelligent and large. They were used in many capacities, finding and retrieving wounded from the battlefield, guard and sentry duty.
Used as a sentry/attack dog they earned the name “silent killer” from the Allied soldiers.
The Axis found them to be very good for their purposes, to the point of the breed almost becoming extinct after WW2.
It was the foresight of a few people that all lovers of the breed owe a great deal to. After the war a few remaining Bouviers were selectively bred and the breed was able to survive.
Today
The best that a Bouvier is good at today is a wonderful companion, and friend.
The Bouv requires a certain type of person, not all dog lovers make good homes for Bouviers. They require grooming, and exercise daily. They like a set routine that they feel comfortable in.
The breed is very strong willed, and must be constantly reminded of whom the “boss” is. This makes for a special bond between “friends”, quality time is necessary for a Bouv, as they are a very social being.
They are a very low energy inside dog, and are content to follow you around from room to room, and settle down for a nap wherever possible. They are very content to be in the same room with you. They are very good with children, and in family settings.
This changes drastically outside, remembering that they are firstly a herding animal, with very strong protective drives. They are good swimmers, even though their paws are not webbed like a Newfoundland Dog.
A Fitting Tribute
"A mixture of strength and tenderness
He has an extraordinary balance, but is late-flowering and is only mature at the age of 2 1/2 or 3.
The Bouv requires a boss who is patient, but determined. They have to gain the trust of this stubborn dog, rough, direct, self-willed, but when he gains it he keeps it forever. He will never the less keep his stubborn and independent character.
With kids he reveals a total security and a patience of an angel. Talking to breeders, you will always hear of their contact as a child with Bouv’s. They learned them to walk, kept their biggest secrets, ...
It's this mixture of strength and tenderness, dynamism and calm, will to please and character that attracts the Bouv-lovers. Aren't you attracted by that serious strength?"
Translation by Véronique Vanderveken of the article of Gérard Sasias in Atout Chien, june 1995, p. 66-69.
Summary
If you are truly committed to your Bouv, you will never be let down. They are a rock, with unconditional love, compassion, and a very keen awareness that is a learning experience daily with this wonderful animal.
There is no better large companion animal in the world. A salute to the noble Bouvier Des Flandres.
* Pam Green (c.1992). It can be found here at http://braesideBouviers.com/dontbuy.html
Preamble
“A Bouvier is very noble in character”. “A Bouvier is a wonderful family dog for children.” “A Bouvier is a superb watchdog with great intelligence, very easy to teach”. “A Bouvier is a stubborn, pig-headed dog”. These are a few descriptions of the dog known to its friends as a Bouv.
To any persons reading this thinking “I want a Bouv” it is suggested to first read an article, entitled “DON'T BUY A BOUVIER! By Pam Green *
Description
A very big, furry dog, looks like it can work hard, and play hard. Usually easily found, having a long stinky beard. (see vilebard-translated roughly means “stinky beard”) .
Physically a Bouv is just less than 30” at the forequarters (shoulder), with a square profile, a massive head, with a strong thick neck. Color can be almost anything except white, usually black to grey. Coat is mostly solid with a blaze of white between the forelegs. Weight can be 70-120lbs, depending on male or female.
Origin
“The Bouvier des Flandres is a protective heritage canine working breed, derived from the cattle and farm dogs of Flanders in North Western Belgium.” Jim Engel
The Dog as a breed was almost wiped out during the World Wars, due to the traits that make this dog truly "man's best friend".
There are many war stories about the Bouv, as they are so intelligent and large. They were used in many capacities, finding and retrieving wounded from the battlefield, guard and sentry duty.
Used as a sentry/attack dog they earned the name “silent killer” from the Allied soldiers.
The Axis found them to be very good for their purposes, to the point of the breed almost becoming extinct after WW2.
It was the foresight of a few people that all lovers of the breed owe a great deal to. After the war a few remaining Bouviers were selectively bred and the breed was able to survive.
Today
The best that a Bouvier is good at today is a wonderful companion, and friend.
The Bouv requires a certain type of person, not all dog lovers make good homes for Bouviers. They require grooming, and exercise daily. They like a set routine that they feel comfortable in.
The breed is very strong willed, and must be constantly reminded of whom the “boss” is. This makes for a special bond between “friends”, quality time is necessary for a Bouv, as they are a very social being.
They are a very low energy inside dog, and are content to follow you around from room to room, and settle down for a nap wherever possible. They are very content to be in the same room with you. They are very good with children, and in family settings.
This changes drastically outside, remembering that they are firstly a herding animal, with very strong protective drives. They are good swimmers, even though their paws are not webbed like a Newfoundland Dog.
A Fitting Tribute
"A mixture of strength and tenderness
He has an extraordinary balance, but is late-flowering and is only mature at the age of 2 1/2 or 3.
The Bouv requires a boss who is patient, but determined. They have to gain the trust of this stubborn dog, rough, direct, self-willed, but when he gains it he keeps it forever. He will never the less keep his stubborn and independent character.
With kids he reveals a total security and a patience of an angel. Talking to breeders, you will always hear of their contact as a child with Bouv’s. They learned them to walk, kept their biggest secrets, ...
It's this mixture of strength and tenderness, dynamism and calm, will to please and character that attracts the Bouv-lovers. Aren't you attracted by that serious strength?"
Translation by Véronique Vanderveken of the article of Gérard Sasias in Atout Chien, june 1995, p. 66-69.
Summary
If you are truly committed to your Bouv, you will never be let down. They are a rock, with unconditional love, compassion, and a very keen awareness that is a learning experience daily with this wonderful animal.
There is no better large companion animal in the world. A salute to the noble Bouvier Des Flandres.
* Pam Green (c.1992). It can be found here at http://braesideBouviers.com/dontbuy.html
