BOUVIER DES FLANDRES APPEARANCE:
Their weight ranges from 80 to 125 pounds; they are powerfully built and 'cobby' (i.e. relatively short head to tail), with a thick double coat, which can be fawn, black, grey brindle, or "pepper and salt" in colour.
BOUVIER DES FLANDRES
HISTORY:
The history of this dog is embedded in war. During World War I, Bouviers were used by the French for war efforts, from getting messages to the front, to hauling equipment. However, 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 stopped this. They successfully bred the Bouviers back to healthy levels.
In World War II, the Bouvier again faced extinction, but not because they were being used in war. Adolph Hitler was deciding on what breed of guard dogs to use for the Third Reich. 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. From that day, Hitler decreed that all Bouviers were to be killed on sight. Again, it was the people from 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. Their main jobs today are as professional guard dog or as family pets with guardian as a sideline, duties for which their natural stability and good sense make them well suited.
BOUVIER DES FLANDRES
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.
BOUVIER DES FLANDRES
TEMPERAMENT:
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