meet the...Bouvier des Flandres
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 10: Pastoral and Stock Dog Breeds
Sub-group 10-A: X-Large Pastoral Dogs
Origin Country France/Belgium
Weight Males: 77-100 pounds. Females: 59-85 pounds.
Height Males: 24-28 inches. Females: 23-27 inches.
Other Name(s) Belgian Cattle Dog, FlanDers Cattle Dog, Franco-Belgian Cattledog, Franco-Belgian Dog, Vlaamse Koehond
Breed Type Pure
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Origins
Both the Bouvier des Ardennes and the Bouvier des Flandres descend from the rough-coated cattle dogs found throughout northern France and Belgium. At one time, both were referred to as the Bouvier, or “cattle dog,” and the name applied to all dogs used to work cattle. Eventually, the different regions began to develop and favor their own “type,” similar to the way of Belgian Sheepdogs. It wasn’t until the latter part of the nineteenth century that cattlemen and breed enthusiasts began to selectively develop the dogs into their own breeds, with each dog being known as the cattle dog, or Bouvier, of its region. In addition to the Ardennes and Flandres, there was the Bouvier de Roulers, Bouvier de Moerman, and the Bouvier de Paret. Flandres is an area in Europe that covers parts of northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The dogs that came from this area were known as the Bouvier des Flandres.
By the early part of the twentieth century, the Bouviers had built their reputation as excellent drovers, draught dogs, and protectors of life and property. The rough-coated Bouvier des Flandres began to capture attention and gain popularity, so enthusiasts again convened to refine and distinguish the breed. While documentation is not abundant for the breed, it is believed that the Berger-type dogs, ancestors of today’s Briard and Beaucersons, as well as the rough-coated herding Belgian and Dutch Shepherds and the Barbet may have been introduced to the lines to refine and perfect the Bouvier into the breeds seen today. The first breed standard for the Bouvier des Flandres was developed in the early twentieth century.
Both World Wars drastically affected the Bouvier breeds, completely decimating many breeds, such as the Roulers, Moerman, and Paret, with only the Bouvier des Ardennes and the Bouvier des Flandres remaining. After the war, the remaining dogs were collected in Belgium and the Netherlands, where breeders and enthusiasts worked to bring the breed back to what it once was.Breed Characteristics
Head: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, and wedge-shaped under the coat. The head is always in proportion to the rest of the body but appears larger due to the coat. The skull is flat and fairly broad, almost as broad (measured across the top in front of the ears) as long (measured from occiput to stop). A median furrow running from the stop toward the occiput may be only slightly detectible. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. The head is fairly clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.
Eyes: Moderate in size, somewhat oval to almond in shape, and amber or hazel or medium to dark brown in color. The eyes are horizontal and never obliquely set. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size. Set fairly high on the skull, with the inner corner of the fold level with the outer corner of the eye or with the folds level with or slightly above the plane of the skull. They are fairly well apart on the outer edge of the skull, never close or low on the head. They are triangular in shape, with slightly rounded tips. They can be drop-shaped, drop with some lift, or surgically cropped to stand erect. Natural ears hang close to the head, with the inner edges and tips close to the head. Cropped ears are surgically cut into a triangle and should be erect and mobile. However, dogs with poor cropping should not be penalized.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and level. It tapers only slightly from the broad base toward the nose but should never feel or appear snipey or pointed. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snipey or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored in nonstandard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened. The nose may protrude just slightly beyond the vertical line of the end of the muzzle, or it may be flush with the vertical line of the end of the muzzle.
Neck: Moderate length to allow for good head carriage and powerfully muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed without being excessively pronounced. The chest from the point of the forechest to the last rib is of a good length.
Body: Compact, close-coupled, solid, deep, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined, heavy and cloddy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set fairly high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried according to the dog’s mood and energy level, usually carried with or above the topline when in motion, but never tucked or carried well up over the back. The tail may be left natural (preferred), naturally bobbed, or docked short. Natural, full-length tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, sabered, or sickled. Docked tails should be surgically docked to the second or third vertebrae. Naturally bobbed tails may be any length.
Movement: Free, effortless, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Some specimens of the Bouvier des Flandres breed are known to amble, which is not uncommon for this breed, given its limb and shorter body lengths.
Temperament: Bold, confident, self-composed, and even-tempered, the Bouvier des Flandres is an intelligent breed that learns tasks, games, tricks, and commands easily. They are excellent working dogs, as well as family dogs. They are naturally protective of their families and properties, so early socialization and puppy training are essential to ensure that the Bouvier learns to discern friend from foe. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 10: Pastoral and Stock Dog Breeds
Proportions: Square to off-square, with the length of the body, measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, equal to or slightly greater than the height at the withers. The ideal body-height-to-length ratio is between 1:1 and 10:9. Females may be slightly longer. The body is short-coupled, well-put-together, with sturdy substance and moderate yet sturdy bone. He is powerful without appearing heavy or cloddy. Large and heavy specimens, as well as rectangular outlines or long-bodied dogs, are incorrect. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, and wedge-shaped under the coat. The head is always in proportion to the rest of the body but appears larger due to the coat. The skull is flat and fairly broad, almost as broad (measured across the top in front of the ears) as long (measured from occiput to stop). A median furrow running from the stop toward the occiput may be only slightly detectible. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. The head is fairly clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.
Expression: Alert, frank, intelligent, vigorous, and somewhat bold and daring.
Stop: The stop is slightly defined but appears abrupt due to brow furnishings.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 2:3 to 9:10, with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and level. It tapers only slightly from the broad base toward the nose but should never feel or appear snipey or pointed. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snipey or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips are well-pigmented, clean, and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws. The lips should never extend beyond the lower plane of the bottom jawline.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored in nonstandard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened. The nose may protrude just slightly beyond the vertical line of the end of the muzzle, or it may be flush with the vertical line of the end of the muzzle.
Cheeks: The cheeks are powerful and may be flat to smoothly muscled. They should not appear chiseled or coarse.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, somewhat oval to almond in shape, and amber or hazel or medium to dark brown in color. The eyes are horizontal and never obliquely set. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size. Set fairly high on the skull, with the inner corner of the fold level with the outer corner of the eye or with the folds level with or slightly above the plane of the skull. They are fairly well apart on the outer edge of the skull, never close or low on the head. They are triangular in shape, with slightly rounded tips. They can be drop-shaped, drop with some lift, or surgically cropped to stand erect. Natural ears hang close to the head, with the inner edges and tips close to the head. Cropped ears are surgically cut into a triangle and should be erect and mobile. However, dogs with poor cropping should not be penalized.
Body and Tail
General Description: Compact, close-coupled, solid, deep, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined, heavy and cloddy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length to allow for good head carriage and powerfully muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed without being excessively pronounced. The chest from the point of the forechest to the last rib is of a good length.
Topline: Straight and level from slightly prominent withers to croup. The back is short, broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, level, or slightly arched yet supportive. The back is never elongated, swayed, or roached.
Croup: Broad, powerful, and gently sloped. Never excessively sloped or tucked.
Underline: A slight to moderate tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set fairly high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried according to the dog’s mood and energy level, usually carried with or above the topline when in motion, but never tucked or carried well up over the back. The tail may be left natural (preferred), naturally bobbed, or docked short. Natural, full-length tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, sabered, or sickled. Docked tails should be surgically docked to the second or third vertebrae. Naturally bobbed tails may be any length.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are fairly long and approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of moderate (yet sturdy) bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are fairly long, equal in length, strong, of moderate (yet sturdy) bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Double coat with a soft, dense undercoat. The outer coat is weather-resistant, rugged, abundant, tousled, coarse, rough, and harsh. Trimming is prohibited, with natural coats of approximately 2.5-3 inches being ideal. The head should exhibit the characteristic mustache, beard, and eyebrows. The eyebrow hairs are somewhat arched up and outward, giving the brow an exaggerated and gruff appearance and the head a characteristic profile and expression. The eyebrows should never fully conceal the dog’s eyes and vision. The coat on the topskull and especially the ears may be somewhat shorter.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Bouvier des Flandres breed: the standard and nonstandard.
Standard coat color variety: Gray, brindle, salt and pepper, gray, grizzle, sable (overlay), black, fawn, and wheaten. A small amount of white on the chest is permissible.
Nonstandard coat color variety: Liver (chocolate), white, or parti-colors, including any standard or nonstandard coat patterns with white markings or splashes.
Movement
Free, effortless, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Some specimens of the Bouvier des Flandres breed are known to amble, which is not uncommon for this breed, given its limb and shorter body lengths.
Temperament
Bold, confident, self-composed, and even-tempered, the Bouvier des Flandres is an intelligent breed that learns tasks, games, tricks, and commands easily. They are excellent working dogs, as well as family dogs. They are naturally protective of their families and properties, so early socialization and puppy training are essential to ensure that the Bouvier learns to discern friend from foe. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
