Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Belgium
MOST SUITED AS Historically a cattle driver, nowadays guard dog, defence dog, and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder height is 62 - 68cm (241/2 - 261/2in) for dogs and 59 - 65cm (231/2 - 251/2in) for bitches. The ideal shoulder height is 65cm (251/2in) for dogs and 62cm (241/2in) for bitches.

COAT
The rough-haired coat is dry-textured, without a sheen. The hair, which may not be too long, has light whirls but is not curly. Permitted colours are dun or grey, streaked or highlighted. Plain black is not favoured for showing but is permissible. Blonde Bouviers are not considered acceptable.

CARE REQUIRED
A Bouvier needs to be trimmed at least three times a year. Between trims remove any excess of hair inside the ears and trim hair between the pads of the feet. Do not let the hair grow too long close to the feet but trim it so that the Bouvier has nice round feet. A well groomed Bouvier sheds little hair in the home.

CHARACTER
The Bouvier des Flandres is very loyal, bonds with both its handler and family. This alert, brave, hardy, equable, and intelligent dog enjoys working, and is sensible.

TRAINING
The Bouvier requires well-balanced training which remains consistent in nature. It is impor­tant to make the dog aware, without being too hard with it, that you are and will remain the boss.
This is an intelligent breed which learns new commands relatively fast, though not quite at the tempo of a German Shepherd. Once they have learned something, they will remember it for the rest of their lives.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Bouviers are generally sociable animals and provided they have been well socialized with cats when young, they get on well with other pets, and their own kind. Children and Bouviers generally form a good combination. They regard strangers with suspicion and are very protective for the family; their loyalty is world-famous.

EXERCISE
This dog has an average demand for exercise. Take it regularly for a long walk, or let it run beside you on a cycle as a good form of exercise. During the growing stage exercise needs to be carefully regulated so that growing bones, joints and muscles are not to strenuously stressed. The dog requires all its energy to build a strong frame.