Bouvier des Flandres
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bouvier des Flandres | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Alternative names | ||
| Flanders Cattle Dog Vlaamse Koehond |
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| Country of origin | ||
| Belgium | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| FCI: | Group 1 Section 2 #191 | Stds |
| AKC: | Herding | Stds |
| ANKC: | Group 5 (Working Dogs) | Stds |
| CKC: | Group 7 - Herding Dogs | Stds |
| KC (UK): | Working | Stds |
| NZKC: | Working | Stds |
| UKC: | Herding Dog | Stds |
The Bouvier des Flandres is a dog breed originating in Flanders. They are used for general farm work including cattle droving, sheep herding, cart pulling, and as guard dogs, police dogs, and security dogs, as well as being kept as pets. It can be noted that usage of the French name (meaning, literally, "Herdsman of Flanders") is contradictory with the Flemish origin of the breed; in Flemish, they are known as Koehond, or cattle dog. Other names for the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver) and Vuilbaard (dirty beard).
Bouvier des Flandres are rational, gentle, loyal, and protective in nature. The breeds unique blend of characteristics makes them ideal family pets, as well as keen guard dogs. Unlike many animals bred for basic aggressive nature and power, the Bouvier des Flandres possess sophisticated traits, such as complex control, intelligence, and accountability. A rare inherent quality of the breed is its ability to recognize between aggressive and non-aggressive behavior and re-act accordingly.[1]
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[edit] Appearance
The Bouvier is a powerfully built compact rough coated dog of rugged appearance. He gives the impression of size and strength without clumsiness or heaviness. Perhaps his most notable feature is his impressive head which is accentuated by a heavy beard and mustache. The ears of the bouvier may be cropped or left "natural" this can change their appearance considerably. Their weight ranges from 80 to 100 pounds or 36 to 45 kilograms; they are powerfully built, with a thick double coat, which can be fawn, black, grey brindle, or "pepper and salt" in color. Bouviers are sometimes considered non-shedding, but in fact do lose a small amount of hair. 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 must be trimmed by either the owner or a groomer approximately every 6-8 weeks, this trimming takes some skill to achieve the proper look.
[edit] History
The Bouviers origin is that of a cattle herder and general farmer's helper. He makes an ideal farm dog. His harsh double coat protects him in all weather, enabling him to perform the most difficult tasks. His history is also tied to war. During World War I, Bouviers were used by the French for war efforts, from getting messages to the front to hauling equipment as well as an ambulance dog. By the end of the war, the Bouvier population was severely depleted and in jeopardy of extinction. A group of dog enthusiasts from Belgium stepped in and successfully bred the Bouviers back to healthy numbers.
In World War II, the Bouvier again faced extinction, but not because they were being used in war. Adolf Hitler was deciding on a breed of guard dog for the Third Reich to use. Having heard of the Bouvier's strengths and abilities, Hitler requested to meet this dog. When Hitler reached out his hand, the Bouvier snapped at him, biting his hand. Hitler decreed that all Bouviers were to be killed on sight. Again, it was the people of Belgium who successfully re-established the breed.The breed came to the United States in the late l920's as a result of the efforts of fanciers after the Bouvier suffered terrible losses during the war. Today, Bouviers still serve in various jobs - as devoted companions, therapy dogs for patients in hospitals and nursing homes, working dogs on farms, police dogs, and assistance dogs.[citation needed]
With the mechanization of even rural farms, few Bouviers are used for pulling carts or for cattle droving or sheep herding any more. Today, they serve mainly as professional guard dogs or as family pets with guardian as a sideline, duties for which their natural stability and good sense make them well suited.
[edit] Health
As a breed, they are not exceptionally long lived, seldom passing the age of twelve years. Their deep chest can make them one of the breeds disposed to develop the volvulus and bloat syndrome.
There are other serious health issues that can affect the Bouvier as well. One good resource is titled Bouvier Health Matters
[edit] Famous Bouvier des Flandres
- Lucky, pet of Ronald Reagan
- Patrache, a fictional Bouvier des Flandres found by a boy named Nello in A Dog of Flanders
[edit] References
- ^ 'Jeannie Bastian'. The Dog of Flandres Field. Accessed January 05, 2007.
[edit] External links
- Breed clubs, associations, and societies
- Information
- Bouvier des Flandres Resources: +/- 1,000 page non-commercial repository of all things Bouvier, including topics on Health, Training, Gooming, History, Sports, Work, Art, Stories, Rescue, Links, Books, Photos, Internet Groups.
- The Bouvier is not for everyone. Please read the following articles as part of your research.
