Thanks to his bushy eyebrows, walrus-like moustache and full beard, the Flanders Cattle Dog has a truly unique appearance. This highly protective sheepdog is also full of intelligence and independence, and is happiest when he has a job to do.
Also, the Flanders Cattle Dog was once a hard working dog that was bred to herd cattle and use his brute strength on the farm. Native to Belgium and northern France, these intelligent, thick-coated dogs almost ceased to exist during World War I, when much of their land was destroyed.
After the war, they gained in numbers and popularity, earning a reputation as a beloved family dog.
Every Flanders Bouvier Dog is protective and loyal, excels at whatever work it is assigned, and thrives on plenty of human interaction and athletic exercise.
Today, you can find the Bouvier de Flandre Argentina working as a police, rescue and guide dog. In addition, with the Flanders Pointing Dog you will always have a dog that will be happy to share with a loving family.
Where did the Flanders Mountain Dog originate?
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In the southwest of Flanders and the northern plains of France, the farmers and herdsmen of the 17th century needed a dog that could work in various areas of the farms. They needed cattle herders, protectors for their livestock and even some brute muscles to pull carts, churn butter and work in the mill.
The early breeding days of the Flanders Mountain Dog puppy are often debated. Some believe it to be a cross between a mastiff, a sheepdog and even a spaniel breed. At the time, the men who bred them did so purely for function, and paid little attention to any kind of breed standard. This created a wide variation in appearance.
Nevertheless, they exhibited enough characteristics in common to be considered the same breed. Originally, they were called by many names, including ‘Koehond’, which translates as ‘cow dog’, ‘Vuilbaard’ or ‘dirty beard’, or ‘toucheur de boeuf’ translated as cattle driver.
The term ‘Bouvier’ is a French word meaning cowboy or herdsman; and along with its region of origin, its modern name was born. During the First World War, the number of Bouvier de Flanders Price Bouvier fell as their homelands were destroyed, but one that survived, named Nic de Sottegem, appeared at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp.
His descendants can be found in almost all modern bloodlines. The Bouvier de Flanders Price was recognised by the AKC in 1931, and subsequently began to be imported into the United States. Today, the Bouvier has traded the hard agricultural work of its origins for jobs as police, military, rescue and guide dogs.
Personality of the Flanders Cattle Dog
The Flanders Bouvier in Mexico is an energetic, bold, intelligent and even tempered breed. Although independent, it is a dedicated dog that needs a lot of attention from its family.
Breeders of Bouvier de Flandes in Spain always say that they are known for their protective nature, they make wonderful watchdogs, often intimidating intruders. While Bouvier Flanders are usually good with children, they can sometimes play too rough. If socialised from the beginning, Bouvier de Flanders will get along well with other domestic animals.
While the Flanders Bouvier is easy to train, these dogs do not fully mature until two to three years of age, so training must be constant. Early socialisation is recommended to prevent them from becoming dominant and overprotective.
Good socialisation can also help to reduce the aggression of the Flanders Bouvier for adoption, specifically towards strangers and unfamiliar dogs.
This robust, muscular breed is intended for herding, which can sometimes lead to chasing animals and cars. Walks, social outings, competitive herding trials and other sports will benefit the Flanders Bouvier puppy, as will a job to do.
Maintenance of the Flanders Cattle Dog
When buying a Bouvier de Flanders you should be well aware of the maintenance of this breed of dog. The main thing is to brush the long, dense coat of your Bouvier’s coat once or twice a week with a brush and comb to prevent the hair from tangling. It is also necessary to give a Bouvier de Flanders a haircut at regular intervals.
Without regular grooming, your Bouvier can develop painful skin lesions that can lead to infections, especially in hot and humid climates. When trimming the coat, be sure to trim excess hair between the pads and inside the ears. The long beard can become soiled when eating and may need to be cleaned more frequently.
This breed sheds little hair if well groomed. Bathe only when necessary, using dry shampoo. Bouviers’ strong nails should be trimmed regularly, and ears should be checked for wax.
In addition, this is a breed that benefits from daily exercise and human interaction, as well as the chores you assign. Provide vigorous play sessions, walks and jogs, but be sure to moderate exercise during the puppy’s growth stage.
The Mountain Dog can thrive in the field as well as in a flat. Because of a predisposition to digestive upset, avoid serving table foods high in fat, sodium or artificial additives.
While your Bouvier can be active, be careful not to overfeed, as this can contribute to a variety of physical conditions.
Common Flanders Bouvier Diseases
Bouviers are susceptible to several health problems, including hip dysplasia, glaucoma, a heart condition called subaortic stenosis, cancer, laryngeal paralysis and hypothyroidism.
The Flanders Cattle Dog is also at high risk of bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands from air. This can become the most serious condition, if the stomach becomes twisted it can cut off blood flow. A dog may be fine, but if this happens it is only a matter of hours before the condition becomes fatal.
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