Bouvier des Flandres 101

Name: Bouvier des Flandres

Personality: As the American Bouvier des Flandres Club puts it, this Belgian breed is "agile, alert and intelligent, with character of great spirit and fearlessness; yet, he is serene in disposition, and has an even temperament." The Dog Breed Info Center adds that a Bouvier "may look intimidating, but is actually pleasant-natured and gentle," and, perhaps most impressively, "this dog's loyalty is world-famous."

Grooming: Though it's a long-haired breed, "the unique qualities of the Bouvier coat keep shedding problems to a minimum," says the American Bouvier des Flandres Club. "The longer, harsh guard hairs of the outercoat tend to keep the shedding undercoat from falling to the floor or being deposited on furniture or clothes. Instead, the dead hairs become matted in the coat if a weekly procedure of grooming is not observed." Translation: Brush your Bouvier once a week and you'll be fine, although Dog Breed Info Center recommends additional wet or dry shampooing as needed, a professional trim at least three times a year, and "between trims, remove and excess hair inside the ears and trim hair between the pads of the feet."

Common Health Issues: According to a 2004 survey sponsored by the Bouvier Health Foundation, the health problem most commonly reported by Bouvier owners was cancer, followed by a number of irritating but not life-threatening conditions: sebaceous cysts, hot spots, arthritis, hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.


Training Tips: "Obedience is a Bouvier must!" exclaims the American Bouvier des Flandres Club, but luckily the Bouvier requires no special training or prolonged obedience work in order to develop into a well-behaved pup. "This breed learns commands relatively fast," says the Dog Breed Info Center, "though not as fast as, for example, the German shepherd." Start socialization, crate training and positive reinforcement in puppyhood.

Best Owner/Animal Match: "He thrives on plenty of room to work and exercise, but he is not an 'outdoor dog,'" says the American Bouvier des Flandres Club. "He must live with his loving people -- his 'flock,' his 'pack.'" A Bouvier is well suited to be a farm dog, a guide dog and a watchdog. Some Bouvier owners also report that allergy sufferers are not afflicted around this breed.

What Bouvier des Flandres Owners Say: "Sweet, but too freaking big!" says Paw Nation Facebook pal Leighanne Gayle of Savannah, Ga.

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