Herding Group

Breed History: This breed is also known as koe hond (cow dog), toucheur de boeuf (cattle drover), and vuilbaard (dirty beard). They were developed in the Flanders area of Belgium as a cattle dog, used for both herding and driving. It is believed to be descended from Continental herding breeds, suchas the schnauzer. Its use was antiquated when the automobile was invented and cattle began being transported by truck; however, breed fanciers worked to save the breed. Although it is no longer used for herding or driving, it has worked as a police and military dog, guide dog, and search and rescue dog. The breed was first intorduced to the U.S. in the 1930s.

Breed Description: This is a large, powerful, squarely built, compact dog with a large head. The flat skull is long and broad with a broad muzzle. It has oval, brown eyes; a large, black nose; and small ears that are cropped erect or naturally drop. The neck is muscular and chest broad. The Bouvier des Flandres is naturally tailless or the tail is docked to about four inches long and set high. The double coat has a fine, dense undercoat and rough, tousled outer coat with a thick mustache, beard, and eyebrows with erect hairs. The coat is short on the skull and upper part of the back. It may be fawn, gray, brindle, salt and pepper, or black.. which is most common. Some have a small, white star on the chest. Bouviers are 23.5 to 27.5 inches high and weigh 65 to 100 pounds.

Temperament: This is a versatile dog that is even-tempered and gentle. It is protective but capable of determining real from imagined threats. It is both courageous and intelligent and does fine with children.

Energy Level: HIGH

Notes: The best owners for this breed are active, dog-experienced owners in a rural or suburban home. They require a fenced yard, grooming, positive training, and socialization.

Health Concerns: Autoimmune disorders, cancer, glaucoma, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and subaortic stenosis.