Bouvier des Flandres
Other names: Belgian Cattle Dog, Flanders Cattle Dog, Vlaamse Koehond

The Bouvier des Flandres was first bred to be a working farm dog, to herd cattle, for guarding duties and pulling the farm carts. While this intelligent and hard-working canine is certainly capable of this harsh employment, he is also very suited to agility and obedience trials. However, the role that he seems to prefer is as a family companion pet.
Key facts about the Bouvier des Flandres
Origins and history
Although his exact heritage isn’t documented, it is thought that the Bouvier descended from the Barbet, the Dutch Griffon and early Sheepdogs. During both World Wars this breed was utilised as a service dog, to locate mines and ammunition, and also as a sentry and messenger. The Breed of Bouvier des Flandres was first recognised in 1912 in Europe.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
Section
Section 2 : Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
Physical characteristics of the Bouvier des Flandres
Adult size
Female : Between 23 and 26 in
Male : Between 24 and 27 in
Weight
Female : Between 60 and 77 lb
Male : Between 77 and 88 lb
Coat colour
Black, Black and Brindle, Brindle /Light/Dark/Grey/Dark Grey, Blonde, Fawn
Type of coat
The Bouvier des Flandres boasts a double thickness coat. The outer coat is quite shaggy looking whereas the undercoat is very dense and closer grained.
Eye colour
Dark brown eyes, oval shaped.
Description
This powerful dog breed has been used to herd cattle in both Belgium and France. He has a rather rugged, forbidding look with his beard, moustache and impressive bushy eyebrows, yet actually he is a very kind and gentle dog. A well-developed head and a well-boned muzzle make up this dog’s features. The breed boasts a very strong jaw shape and triangle-shaped ears set high on his head. The breed’s front legs are straight and very powerful.
Good to know
The Bouvier des Flandres, or Flanders Cattle Dog, evolved from the hardiest, working country and farm dogs. In more recent years, the modernisation of farm machinery has brought an end to the need to use the Bouvier as a working dog. More recently, he is employed as a service canine for the Defence and Police forces, or as a security guard dog.