Bouvier des Flandres
Dogs
Bouvier des Flandres
Bouvier des Flandres |
A Bouvier des Flandres
|
Alternative names |
Flanders Cattle Dog
Vlaamse Koehond |
Country of origin |
Belgium |
Common nicknames |
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Classification and breed standards |
FCI: |
Group 1 Section 2 #191 |
|
AKC: |
Herding |
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ANKC: |
Group 5 (Working Dogs) |
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CKC: |
Group 7 - Herding Dogs |
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KC (UK): |
Working |
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NZKC: |
Working |
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UKC: |
Herding Dog Breeds |
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Not recognized by any major kennel club |
This breed of dog is
extinct |
Notes |
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The Bouvier des Flandres is a
dog breed
originating in
Flanders. They are used for general farm work including
cattle droving,
sheep herding,
cart pulling, and as
guard dogs,
police dogs,
and
security dogs, as well as being kept as pets. It can be noted that usage of
the French name (meaning, literally, "Herdsman of Flanders") is contradictory
with the Flemish origin of the breed; in Flemish, they are known as Koehond,
or cattle dog. Other names for the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf and
Vuilbaard (dirty beard).
Appearance
Their weight ranges from 80 to 125 pounds; they are powerfully built, with a
thick
double coat, which can be fawn, black, grey brindle, or "pepper and salt" in
colour.
History
The history of this dog is tied to war. During
World War
I, Bouviers were used by the French for war efforts, from getting messages
to the front to hauling equipment. By the end of the war, the Bouvier population
was severely depleted and in jeopardy of extinction. A group of dog enthusiasts
from Belgium stepped in and successfully bred the Bouviers back to healthy
numbers.
In
World War II, the Bouvier again faced extinction, but not because they were
being used in war.
Adolf
Hitler was deciding on a breed of guard dog for the
Third
Reich to use. Having heard of the Bouvier's strengths and abilities, Hitler
requested to meet this dog. When Hitler reached out his hand, the Bouvier
snapped at him, biting his hand. Hitler decreed that all Bouviers were to be
killed on sight. Again, it was the people of Belgium who successfully
re-established the breed.
With the mechanization of even rural farms, few Bouviers are used for pulling
carts or for cattle droving or sheep herding any more. Today, they serve mainly
as professional guard dogs or as family pets with guardian as a sideline, duties
for which their natural stability and good sense make them well suited.
Health
As a breed, they are not exceptionally long lived, seldom passing the age of
ten years. Their deep chest makes them one of the breeds disposed to develop the
gastric torsion,
volvulus,
and bloat
syndrome.
Famous Bouvier des Flandres
- Lucky, pet of
Ronald Reagan
External links
-
anzbouvierfriends: A group for the friendly discussion of the Bouvier
des Flandres breed of dog, particularly its breeding in Australia and New
Zealand.
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