Farmers, butchers and cattle merchants used the dogs in their everyday work. Above all, this breed is a loyal companion that prefers to be with its people. An official breed standard was established in 1912. The early Bouvier des Flandres had a maximum height of twenty five and a half inches, and the Berger Picard had a maximum height of twenty three and half inches, it is assumed that the mating of the Berger Picard with the Matin produced the Bouvier des Flandres. Bouvier des Flandres History In French, Bouvier des Flandres means “cowherd of Flanders.” In the early days, it was known as “cattle driver or toucher de boeuf or … A lack of proper grooming can lead to serious matting. You should discuss this with your veterinarian to get recommendations for feeding schedules, amount of food, type of food, and exercise. No one is certain, but the breed may have resulted from crossing the griffon and the beauceron. The breed's beard is one of its distinctive features. If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons: There are a wide variety of dog breeds to choose from. In many ways, the story of the Bouvier des Flandres in America really began in May of 1942 with the arrival of Edmee Bowles. Much of what we know today about the origin of the Bouvier is due to the research of Louis Huyghebaert, a major canine authority of the late 1940's. Bouvier des Flandres means "cowherder or oxherder from Flanders." I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Ms Miranda Lucas (SACUL) who has given us permission to use articles and information from her own published book ‘Book of the Breed The Bouvier des Flandres’. The bouvier may appear to be calm and laid back, but the breed still requires daily exercise. The exact origin and development of the breed remains in speculation. The judge of this show expressed his opinion that the Bouviers should not be shown as they should look gruff and rustic, rather than be paraded as elegant show dogs, but eventually the efforts of Monsieur Paret bore fruit and fanciers began to take the breed seriously. If not properly socialized, this breed may become overly protective or shy. However, once again the breed's existence was endangered by World War II. The Bouvier des Flandres is the best known of the three surviving breeds, with the Bouvier des Ardennes still very rare, and Bouvier de Roulers on the verge of extinction. Some owners prefer to keep the coat trimmed short, but you will need a groomer who knows the right way to trim this dog or you will not get the appropriate look. They were used as drovers, draft animals, and protectors. The parent, the Bouvier des Flandres, originated in Flanders and was bred to be a herding and farm dog in the 1700s. In fact, it had more in common with a Matin , which was a large, smooth-coated dog. He had a Bouvier female and had seen a lovely male that lived only a few streets away. The breed also enjoyed its fair share of luck. The bouvier is a large, rugged herding dog that is intelligent and agile. This breed can get along well with children, but be aware that it may try to herd them, especially small children. The Bouvier des Flandres first became established in Great Britain in 1972, although in 1924 a female and two puppies were registered at the Kennel Club by a Captain H. P. Dick, and in 1948 a male named Jeep was also registered. You might find its natural herding instinct kicking in to herd you when you walk together. The Bouvier de Roulers, There were breeders in France, Belgium and Holland who knew how they wished the Bouvier to evolve, but inevitably there were disagreements, which were to the detriment of the breed. This is a very large dog that can be difficult to handle without good training. Poachers also used them because they were very fast-moving. Local monks are believed to be the earliest breeders of the Bouvier des Flandres. Bouvier with soldier. A fenced-in yard is beneficial, but play sessions and walks are still very important. By the early 20th century, the bouvier had grown in popularity. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home. History of the Bouvier des Flandres . found in the North of France near Ypres and Warneton. His owners moved and did not want to take him with them. Edgar Dyson, became the first operational UK Bouvier police dog. It took a long time for the results of the selective breeding to become apparent, and this was because of all the differing types which had contributed to the Bouvier. During the Middle Ages, Flemish monks began crossbreeding dogs in an effort to develop a large, strong farm dog capable of herding cattle, and even hauling equipment and turning millstones. Over the years dedicated breeders have tried to develop and improve the Bouvier, encountering the usual setbacks that arise when a breed is being established. Otherwise, your dog may develop behaviors like chewing and barking. The breed originates from Flanders in Belgium, where it was used as an all round farm dog; herding sheep and cattle, guarding and even pulling carts. Consistent and structured training along with exercise is key. Gradually the breed improved, and it became evident a very satisfactory type was developing. Country of Origin. World War I and the battlefields of Belgium nearly wiped the breed out because they were used for military purposes. Bouvier des Flandres Bouvier des Flandres Photo #1 Overview. Miss Bowles had bred the Bouvier for some ten years at her family estate near the Belgian city of Schilde when she was driven from her home by the German invasion. This litter was to be the start of the breed becoming established in Great Britain. These dogs tend to be quite expensive, especially when buying a purebred dog from an experienced breeder. He came from a poor family so a stud fee was out of the question. In addition, young bouviers may not realize their size and knock over little kids. more information Accept. In 1910 at an International Show in Brussels the breed was represented by two dogs, Rex (RSH 1766) and Nelly (RSH 1892) belonging to Monsieur Paret, the Bouvier fancier of Ghent, who is considered to have established the foundation bloodlines of the Bouviers as we see them today. Bouvier des Flandres History The Bouvier des Flandres originated in the area between France and the Netherlands. At this time, a few Bouviers were being shown in Holland, but they were known as Vlaamse Koehond, and their colour was black, grey or blonde. Professor Reul thought it would be well worth encouraging the development of the type of dog. Thus, you will need to spend some time after each exercise session cleaning your dog and your house from what it will track in. Bouvier des Flandres Origins 2013 Version. The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog breed originating in Flanders, Belgium. One of the reasons for this was that the Bouvier was used by Customs Officers and by smugglers, as it was dark in colour, very intelligent, and was able to cross the frontier without being seen. Like most herding dogs, it possesses a strong prey drive. The turn of the century was not a good time for the development of the sheep and cattle dogs, as the town people were following the fashion for large dogs following a revival in dogs being used for police work, and so the large Bouvier de Roulers was more in demand. Bouvier des Flandres means "cow herder from Flanders." History: The Bouvier des Flandres breed was well underway in the early 1900s. They imported Scottish Deerhounds and other rough-coated sighthounds to be bred to the existing regional farm dogs. The Bouvier des Flandres dog breed was originated in Flanders, Belgium. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Bouvier des Flandres Breed History In Southwest Flanders and the northern French plain, 17th century farmers and cattlemen needed a dog who could work on various areas of the farms. Those that did had heard of their reputation on the Continent, and were reluctant to even approach! USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. GENERAL APPEARANCE Margaux Bouviers - Since 1989, a home of top winning show and performance Bouviers. 7 Boys and 2 Grils. But there were fanciers who appreciated the all-round working ability of the Bouvier des Flandres. The French name of the breed means, literally ‘ Cow Herder of Flanders ‘, referring to the Flemish origin of the breed. Therefore, the breed requires a solid foundation of obedience training and strict discipline. The typical animal was an upstanding, fearless working farm dog; it was intelligent and had the strength to turn the milk churn, or to pull small carts for the bakers or milkmen. Originally, there were three kinds of Bouviers; The Bouvier d’Ardennes, THE BOUVIER DES FLANDRES IN BRITAIN. One type would predominate for a time and then another. This is a medical emergency. They are believed to have been bred from Irish wolfhounds, Scottish deerhounds, and local farm dogs. These dogs were not heavy enough, but at a show in 1903 Professor Reul saw a dog named Tom, and after much thought, he drew up a provisional Breed Standard. The bouvier des Flandres is a loyal, friendly dog that craves human companionship. Requires a high level of physical and mental stimulation. The breed originated in Belgium by the working class who were not interested in creating a show dog, but rather wanted a working dog. Bouvier Des Flandres origin Flanders is a Dutch-speaking region of Europe, located within Belgium and partly in France as well as Netherlands. Miranda and her mother were at the forefront of the Bouvier when it first came into the UK having pick of litter from the puppies welped from Una de la Thudinie of Qassaba. These dogs were the smallest Bouvier. The First World War created problems for the breed, as their territory became a battlefield. Bouviers are known for odorous flatulence. During the Second World War they were used by the Resistance movement in Holland, and they proved to be so useful that sometimes a whole street would contribute scraps of valuable food for their upkeep, so that they continue their war effort. The Bouvier des Flandres at the same period there was a large Bouvier, which took its name from the area around the French town. Bouviers have a good nose for tracking and this made them useful as police dogs; they were courageous guards in the Army and could be trained to carry messages, moving at night without being seen. The bouvier is driven and intelligent. This was a square-built dog with a massive chest, a well-chiseled head, enhanced by eyebrows and beard, carried proudly on a strong neck. Go Back The Bouvier des Flandres James R. Engel Clk to enlarge. The breed has been known best as an excellent cattle herder, which is the meaning of the French word bouvier. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to develop hereditary conditions, but some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed, including: Bouviers should be fed two meals per day with a total of 3 to 5 cups of dry dog food, with the amount determined by your dog's specific needs and activity level. So they, along with a number of other breeders in later years, can be thanked for establishing such a wonderful breed in the UK. However, she was such an excellent specimen of the breed that Mrs. Brigden retained her and imported a second female, who was carrying pups. There were only four or five dogs at first, and exhibitors had to contend with the fact that very few English judges actually recognised the breed. Establish a daily routine of walks and play in order to provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation to your bouvier. Obviously, some Bouviers may have been brought in without the owners bothering to register them, and others may have passed through in transit to other countries. Jack is a five year old Bouvier des Flandres. The Bouvier des Flandres was a relatively massive, athletic, short coupled, rough coated dog consolidated into a formal breed for police, guard and military service in the Flemish region of Belgium in the early years of the twentieth century. It had a harsh coat and was used by shepherds. Another states that it is a direct descendant of the Schnauzer. Bouviers will do best with smaller animals when they have been raised together. This may involve trips to a professional groomer. Due to these setbacks, progress was slowed, and it was not until 1965 that the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) adopted the current breed standard. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Fortunately, some survived and enthusiasts kept the breed going. The number of cattle dogs was reduced almost to extinction, and just a few survived as stretcher-bearers, messengers and gun carriage bearers to the Front Line. They are believed to have been bred from Irish wolfhounds, Scottish deerhounds, and local farm dogs. The first positive step towards importing with a view to getting the breed established were taken in 1973 when Mrs. Pauline Brigden (Qassaba) imported Tarina de la Thuninie of Qassaba from the world famous Belgian kennel of Justin Castel. One dark night when he was exercising his female, the male Bouvier appeared on the scene, and nature took its course. Many dog breeds have a history that, in many cases, spans hundreds if not thousands of years, but this is not the case with the Bouvier des Flandres. Monitor your dog's weight to ensure it does not get overweight, which will predispose it to more health conditions. Bouvier des Flandres Trainability Repetition, adequate socialization and well-met needs to vent energy all play a part in successfully training the Bouvier des Flandres. Admin monitor all posts on this group. The Bouvier Des Flandres, also referred to as the Flanders Cattle Dog or the Vlaamse Koehond, originated in Belgium and the Ter Duinen monastery monks are some of the earliest contributors to the breed. Messieurs Moermans and Paret, dog fanciers of that era, were said to be the first serious breeders of the Bouvier, but even they were not in agreement over type, and so there were continual arguments as to what should go into the Breed Standard. The Bouvier des Flandres was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948. Her name was Una de la Thudinie of Qassaba, and in March 1973 she whelped nine puppies in quarantine, by the sire Uran de la Thudinie. As the name of the breed suggests, this region is the place of origin of the Bouvier des Flandres. They are among the most intelligent types on the planet. The bouvier des Flandres originated in Belgium where it was developed as a multi-purpose farm dog during the late 19th century. The bouvier can make a wonderful pet for many kinds of households, but this breed is not for everyone. There is no definitive documentation stating how exactly the Bouvier Des Flandres was created. The tail was high-placed and carried gaily to emphasize a bold temperament. The dog stood four-square on well-boned legs, but was without heaviness in movement. Established 1977, The Bouvier Des Flandres Club of Great Britain is dedicated to the promotion and wellbeing of the breed now and for the future. He is a large dog at 80 pounds. In this area there was also a breed of dog call a Berger Picard, probably resulting from a Matin-cross. Other names of the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver), Vlaamse Koehond (flemish cow dog), Vuilbaard (dirty beard) and Flanders Cattle Dog. With these Bouvier des-Flandres we view a large & powerful dog, which is a broken looking dog. The bouvier des Flandres is a confident and powerful dog with a rough coat and a large, sturdy build. These head is somewhat longer than it's wide. Chapter One: The Bouvier de Flanders: 1; A History in Brief 1; The Earlier Life of the Bouvier 3; A Soldier of War and Beyond 5; Chapter Two: A Focus on The Modern Day Bouvier de Flanders 7; The Attractive Looking Bouvier 9; The Bouviers Personality 10; Chapter Three: The Versatile Bouvier 13; Rough and Tough Working Dogs 14; The Keen Senses and Sensibilities of the Bouvier de Flanders 16 He claims that the Flemish monasteries of the Middle Ages played a major roll in the evolution of working dogs of their region. Bouviers are reserved around visitors and strangers. Other names for the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf, Vlaamse Koehond, and Vuilbaard. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. Because the Bouvador is a modern breed, their documented history is limited. Raising this breed properly can result in a long, happy, and fulfilling companionship. In 1973, two litters were bred and Bouviers appeared in the show ring for the first time. Jenna Stregowski, RVT, has more than 20 years of experience working in veterinary medicine and has been writing about pet care for the last decade. As with any breed, if you think the bouvier des Flandres is right for you, be sure to do plenty of research before obtaining one. Cows who showed aggressions towards other dogs would be wary of the Bouvier des Flandres and were frightened to confront it. The Bouvier des Flandres is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. Today, the Bouvier des Flandres acts as a farm dog, family friend, protector, shepherd, and guide dog for the blind or hearing impaired. The French name of the breed means, literally, "Cow Herder of Flanders", referring to the Flemish origin of the breed. The following year three ‘Bouviers’ were shown in Brussels, but they resembled Briards, and no doubt there had been matings between the sheepdogs of Northern France, the Picard and the Belgian dogs. The make-up of a modern Bouvier des Flandres is thought to be a combination of, firstly, a harsh-coated sheepdog who measured twenty one and half inches to twenty three and a half inches, then the Bouvier des Flandres at twenty three and a half inches to twenty five and a half inches, and then largest of them all, the Bouvier de Roulers at twenty five and a half inches to twenty seven and a half inches. As a large breed, they are prone to bloating and stomach torsion, which can happen if they gulp down their food or eat too much at one time. 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