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Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a Belgian drover's dog — the name means cattle herder of Flanders — used to move cattle, pull carts and turn butter churns, and later as a messenger dog in the First World War, which nearly destroyed the breed.

It stands 59 to 68 centimetres, weighs 27 to 50 kilograms and lives ten to twelve years, with a rough, dense double coat, a heavy beard and eyebrows. It is calm, steady and self-assured, protective of its household, and strong enough that training is not optional. The coat is a genuine expense, and the breed's most serious health issues are worth knowing before buying.

Origin
Flanders, Belgium; a cattle drover's dog
Size
59–68 cm; 27–50 kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Rough dense double coat with beard and eyebrows
Temperament
Calm, steady, protective; needs firm consistent handling
Health
Glaucoma, laryngeal paralysis, hip dysplasia, bloat

2 bouvier des flandres photos, newest first

  • Ivy II, a bouvier des flandres

    Ivy II

    Ivy II was promoted to wedding planner facing a runaway bouquet; unfortunately, a single enormous sock appears without explanation.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Ivy II, a bouvier des flandres

    Ivy II

    Ivy II pretending the mud was not their idea.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a bouvier des flandres

Glaucoma occurs in the breed and is an emergency: a painful, suddenly cloudy or red eye with a dilated pupil can destroy vision within hours. Know the signs.

Laryngeal paralysis also appears, usually in older dogs — noisy breathing, a changed bark, exercise intolerance and overheating. It is treatable surgically.

The coat needs brushing several times a week to the skin and professional grooming every couple of months. The beard needs cleaning after meals and after drinking.

Deep chest means bloat risk; learn the signs.

They are protective and powerful. Early socialisation and consistent training from an owner comfortable with a strong dog. Ask for hip scores and eye testing.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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