Origin: Belgium

In the late nineteenth century, a program of selective breeding, that would eventually produce the dog we know today as the BOUVIER, was begun in the farming regions of Belgium. Documentation of his ancestry is cloudy, but his beginnings are loosely attributed to a type of sheepdog (berger), the Dutch griffon, and the barbet, or water dog.

By 1910, specific interest in this tousled-coated herder and protector grew as far as the cattle areas near the River Lys Valley. At that time, Bouviers were being used as drovers, draft animals, activators for churning mills, and farm and family protectors. Common characteristics were bobtails, cropped ears, a harsh tousled coat, and perfect instincts for guarding his flock, home and family. In those days, tails and ears were routinely shortened because they were easy targets for farm predators.

The first "standard" for the Bouvier des Flandres was developed in 1912. Then, during W.W.I (and later, W.W.II), as the home territory of the Bouvier des Flandres became a battlefield, their numbers were drastically cut � almost to extinction. Those who stayed worked as ambulance litter-pullers and military tracking aides. Only a few escaped to other countries.

Those who survived, some taken to France and the Netherlands, became part of discriminating breeding programs for a particular type. The Club National Belge du Bouvier des Flandres, formed in Gent early in 1922, formulated specific qualities of type for future breeding.

The Bouvier came to America in the late 1920's, and now extends throughout the US and Canada.

The legacy of the Bouvier has produced many admirable qualities in this breed. He is a square, powerfully built dog, rugged and formidable in appearance. His harsh double coat protects him in all types of weather; his keen sense of smell and watchful gaze make him a most suitable farm dog. (He thrives on plenty of room to work and exercise, but he is not an "outdoor dog"; he must live with his loving people -- his "flock," his "pack".)

He is agile, alert and intelligent, with character of great spirit and fearlessness; yet, he is serene in disposition, and has an even temperament.

The average size of a Bouvier male is about 26" at the withers (25" for a female), with approximate weight span of 70-110 pounds. Coloring ranges from black to gray, some are silver, salt & pepper, a few are fawn.

Today, the Bouvier des Flandres acts as farm dog, family friend and protector, shepherd, and guide dog for the blind or hearing impaired. His intelligence, sense of threat discrimination and keen scent qualifies many Bouviers to excel in police work, tracking and drug detection.

Owning a Bouvier, like many dogs, requires patience, love, a lot of grooming, a willingness to exercise the dog and pay for regular health care, a desire to have a companion who follows you around the house keeping an eye on you, and a commitment to complete at least one set of good obedience classes.