Bouvier des Flandres are purebred dogs that make wonderful family dogs. They are great working, herding, and farm dogs. These gentle giants make great pets.
If you've seen the movie, "A Dog of Flanders," then you know what a Bouvier Des Flandres is. These dogs are frequently referred to as the "gentle giants" of the dog world. They originated in Flanders, as their name suggests.
Bouviers des Flandres are sometimes referred to in Belgium, as the "babysitters." This is due to their love and devotion to children. When a Bouvier bonds with someone, it's for life!
Bouviers have been used for sheepherding, military work, as cattle herders, and as seeing eye dogs. They have been used to pull carts. They were used to pull ambulance gurneys during war time. They have an impressive background as dependable willing helpers.
Males range anywhere from 24 1/2 inches to 27 1/2 inches at the withers. Females range from 23 1/2 inches to 26 1/2 inches at the withers. Males may weigh well over 70 pounds. Females will weigh only slightly less than their male counterparts.
The general appearance of these dogs conveys the great strength and sturdiness that marks this breed. But don't let their appearance fool you, these are not full time outside dogs. Bouviers crave, no, they NEED human companionship. Be prepared to have a pet that is as comfortable inside the house as he/she is outside.
Bouviers have even, stable temperments. They are protective by nature, but are not true attack dogs. Bouviers are natural guard dogs. They instinctively protect family members.
Bouviers do need to be trained. You can do this yourself, or seek professional help. However, since they are such large intelligent animals, they need to be challenged and made aware of their status within your family. A Bouvier needs to know who the alpha in his/her pack is. Fortunately, they adapt well to obedience training and generally want to please their masters.
We have owned a Bouvier named Kosmos Kramer for over four years now. He is our son's best friend. These gentle giants seem to not only love and tolerate children well, but instinctively desire to protect children. When a neighborhood dog enters our yard, our Bouvier immediately places himself between the intruder and our son. We didn't train him to do this, it's just his nature.
Bouviers do require some special care. They shed very little, but what they do shed can get stuck between the layers of their hair and cause matting. They need brushing, at least once a week. We shave our Bouvier with our own dog clippers at the start of summer. Then, we allow his hair to grow over the fall and winter months.
During these months, we just trim him about every 6-8 weeks.
Groomers charge anywhere from 50-150 dollars to groom Bouviers, so investing in your own clippers makes sense. You can pick up clippers and tips on grooming at your local pet store. The clippers will run you approximately 100 dollars, but it's well worth it.
Good Bouvier breeders are not easy to find. Be sure you contact the American Kennel Society and the Bouvier Des Flandres Club to research your breeder. Be patient. Look around. Be sure that the Bouvier you purchase is from a good blood- line. If he/she is, you will have found a companion that is sure to please. These gentle giants are a dog lover's dream come true.
