The Bouvier (literally translated to mean cattle herder) is a dog from
the Flanders region of Belgium. Originally used to herd cattle, pull carts
and generally serve as farmers helpers, the breed almost became extinct
when the Flandres region was devastated during World War I. The few dogs
that survived the war enabled the breed to be reestablished. He was recognized
by the American Kennel Club in 1929. He is now used for herding as well
as police, defense, army work and as guide dogs for the blind.
The Bouvier is a powerfully built dog that is compact and gives the impression
of great strength. He is steady, resolute, fearless and loyal. He is intelligent
and lively but also can be calm and sensible. He is gentle with family and
children. Because of his size and energy, exercise and a large enclosed
area in which he can run freely are advisable.
The skull of the Bouvier is slightly longer than wide. The skull and muzzle,
when seen from the side, are on a parallel plane with little definition
between the two. The eyes are oval and a dark brown color. The ears, which
may be cropped, are placed high and alert. The inner corner of the ear is
in line with the outer corner of the eye. The muzzle is broad and strong
with tight fitting lips, powerful jaws, and a scissors bite. The nose is
large and black with flared nostrils. The neck is strong and muscular. The
back is powerful, broad and short with a level topline. The chest extends
to or just below the elbow. The tail is docked, set high and carried upright
when the dog is in motion. The legs are strong boned, well muscled and straight.
The coat is a double coat with a dense mass of fine hair covered by a harsh,
dull outer coat. The outer coat is about 2 1/2 inches long and has a tousled,
not curly, appearance. The coat is very thick on the muzzle creating a heavy
mustache and rough beard. The eyebrows consist of erect hair is that accentuate
the shape of the eyes. The coat color ranges from fawn to black, including
salt and pepper, gray or brindle. There may also be a small white star marking
on the chest. Average height is between 23 and 27 inches. Average weight
is between 60 and 90 pounds.
christieann@iwon.com of New Jersey writes:
The sweetest companion and protector.
We have owned our Bouvier for three and a half years now, and I have
never known a sweeter, more lovable, "protect-you-to-the-death"
dog. She was a "cast-off" at age one and a half years old, when
we got her, but she has recovered from that excellently, and has showered
us with love and affection ever since. She is adorable with our cats, loving
them and playing with them p; they trust her so completely, she is so
gentle. She is gracious with our other three dogs, two of which are Dobermans,
and she can even get the Dobes to play with her outside. As a watchdog,
she is so great, and nothing gets passed her. As gentle as she is with all
of us, she is equally determined to guard us all with everything she has.
We LOVE our Bouvier, no question! Grooming is my only challenge with her,
but with perseverence, and some trips to a professional groomer, we get
it all under control!