Bouvier of Flanders: Dog Breed Description, Temperament and Care

Among the large variety of dog breeds, there are species that owe their appearance to natural breeding. Interesting in terms of exterior and behavioral qualities will be the breed of Flanders Bouvier, which today is popular with breeders not only in Europe but also in Russia.

The breed, in addition to the main name, by virtue of the exterior and past of its representatives is called a few more options. For example, dogs are sometimes called cattle droppers, dirty beards, Belgian bears, cow dogs, and a Flemish sheepdog. In Europe, animals have become more common, and in the post-Soviet space such quadrupeds are rarely found in breeders.

One of the versions of the appearance of the Flemish sheepdogs is considered natural, independent selection. The formation of the rock occurred naturally in the light of climatic features and the main tasks that the Bouvier had previously performed. The dogs were originally kept mainly in farms for the protection of livestock, dragging cargo, performed security functions. In the light of such living conditions, the dog's coat became more rigid, the animals had a dense undercoat, as well as a mustache and a beard, which performed protective functions.

The breed was officially recognized, and with it the standard, in 1912, and 20 years later, the animals were recognized by dog ​​handlers internationally. The growth of males varies between 60-68 centimeters; for females, values ​​in the range from 59 to 65 centimeters are considered acceptable.

Today, the dogs of this breed have retained a strong constitution, a short body, and a hard coat of wool. Based on the accepted standards, pets will have a rather large head with a flat forehead, a long mustache and a beard. On the bridge of the nose there is a not very pronounced groove. The muzzle is wide, tapers to the nose, cheekbones are flat, fit well to the lips. The nose is black and the nostrils are wide. Scissor bite.

The eyes are oval, the pupils are brown. Auricles are placed high, the dog stands out with excellent hearing, catching the slightest movement. For breed Partial docking is permissible, which will allow the shells to form a triangle with a sharp end. The neck of the dogs is large, with a well-developed muscular corset; when looking at the body of the Boulevier of Flanders from the side you can see a slight deflection. The chest is distinguished by its width, descending to the elbow bend. The belly line is tucked up.

The paws are set wide and straight, the bones are strong, the muscular corset is perfectly visualized on the hind legs, the byrd is wide and strong, the tarsus is short, there is a plumb. Toes on paws are long, tightly pressed to each other. Pillows and claws pigmented, painted black. The tail of the dog is placed high, smoothly passes into the spine, it can also be stopped, leaving no more than 3 vertebrae.

The coat is rough to the touch, the bristle pile has a fracture, the undercoat will be softer than the bulk. On the muzzle wool has a great length. The following types of dog colors are allowed:

• solid black;
• plain gray;
• "Salt and pepper";
• brindle;
• pale yellow.

Dogs of this breed live on average 10-13 years, which is a good indicator for large animals. Some representatives of the Flemish Shepherd can suffer congenital diseases. Among them it is worth highlighting the most characteristic ailments concerning large dogs:

• joint dysplasia;
• glaucoma;
• heart murmur;
• problems concerning the thyroid gland.

Among breeders of dogs of this breed there are different opinions about the positive and negative characteristics of pets. According to the descriptions and reviews, the following characteristics of the flanders Bouvier are among the advantages:

• friendly attitude to the person, including small children;
• balanced psyche;
• good guarding instincts;
• developed intelligence;
• good health.

The disadvantages include such qualities of animals:

• activity of dogs, which must be given an outlet, directing in the right direction;
• the need for regular and lengthy training, which for some breeders can be a problem.

The dogs still have pronounced protective instincts, so the dog can be wary about strangers, but without too much aggression. With timely and proper upbringing, a Bouvier can demonstrate courtesy and tolerance towards strangers who come into the house. Congenital instincts of dogs will require early socialization for acquired puppies.

Delay in this case can lead to the development of aggression and anger towards the person in the dog. Sheepdogs are not inclined to immediately rush into a fight, but with a voice they will surely warn the stranger and the owner about the danger.

Dogs quickly find a common language with children. If the animal and the child grow together, there will be a strong friendship between them.

Shepherd dogs with other breeds have complex relationships. If the breeder has a desire to have several pets, then it is best to make the same-sex four-legged friends, but of the same breed. In dogs, the instinct of dominance is expressed, and it manifests itself in males and bitches to the same extent, which can turn into situations concerning the struggle for leadership in the house. With early socialization this can be avoided.

Small rodents and other pets should not be co-located with a Bouvier, because the dog can treat them like prey. However, there are often cases when puppies of Flanders Bouvier, who grew up in the same house with a cat, got used to them, without showing instincts dangerous for life of the second animal.

Animals do not require any special conditions for keeping however, it is preferable that the dog grows in a private house. If this option is not possible, then subject to regular and prolonged walking the dog will feel good in the apartment. With the proper level of physical activity in a confined space, the pet will demonstrate restrained behavior.

If the dog lives in the yard, then it is worthwhile to build a comfortable booth for it. In the apartment for a long time to leave a shepherd dog alone should not, because the pet will certainly start to get bored, it is important for such dogs to lively communicate with their “pack”. To walk puppies of this breed as often as possible, due to innate endurance, they will not be so tired of playing in the fresh air, like dogs of other breeds.

Among the mandatory measures relating to care, it is worth paying special attention to the wool Bouvier. For a well-groomed appearance, the wool must undergo regular stripping procedures, which will give the contours of the animal's body the correct outlines. However, it is not recommended to remove the length too much even in the summer months, since this will disrupt the natural growth and formation of the exterior.

Flanders Shepherd required regularly comb your pet, accustomed to this procedure from an early age. Bathe dogs as needed, as a rule, one water treatment per year will suffice. If certain areas become too dirty, they can be cleaned with a wet towel. For swimming it is necessary to use special shampoos and conditioners.

Attention will require the eyes and ears of a dog, which should be regularly examined to eliminate inflammation and the presence of skin parasites. Also, the owner of the Bouvier will need to trim the dog's claws. Only a regrown plate is to be removed, these manipulations should be carried out with special care not to injure by close means vessels that are close. It is necessary to walk the dog at least 2 times a day, with the duration of one walk at least one hour.

Flanders Bouvier will need all the necessary vaccinations. Vaccination will avoid the following diseases:

• distemper;
• parvovirus enteritis;
• parainfluenza;
• leptospirosis;
• coronavirus;
• infectious hepatitis.

Animals can be fed with industrial dog food or natural food. However, in the latter case, it is extremely important to provide the pet with all the necessary vitamins and trace elements. The basis of the diet should always be a meat component, to a lesser extent - by-products. Also, dogs should additionally be given complex vitamin supplements, which can be purchased at vet pharmacies.

In Europe, Flanders Bouvier prefer to feed dry food not below premium. Industrial feed must be selected on the basis of the age and size of the animal, so that the chemical composition of the product allows the pet to replenish the supply of necessary vitamins.

For the breed, a mixed ration option is also suitable, however, dry croquettes must be alternated with natural products, not offering them in one meal. Since the characteristics of the animal is the presence of a mustache and beard, after each feeding the dog’s face will have to be washed or wiped with a wet towel. The frequency and regularity of meals will depend directly on the age of the dog.

So puppies frandrskoy shepherd to six months should be fed at least 5 times a day, after 6 months, the frequency of feeding can be reduced gradually by removing 1-2 meals. After a year, the pet needs to be transferred to two meals - in the morning and in the evening.

Under the ban on the use of animals will be the following products:

• bakery products;
• sweets;
• pickles and smoked meats;
• canned and semi-finished products;
• tubular bones;
• various flavor enhancers.

Among the cereals for the breed will be suitable:

• oat groats;
• buckwheat;
• rice

It is worth refraining from introducing potatoes into the dog’s diet. The remaining vegetables will be useful for the pet. In addition, the shepherd should regularly receive eggs, fish, dairy products and even fruit. It is believed that the optimal amount of food for the dog will be about 40-50 grams per kilogram of live weight of the pet at a younger age. For an adult animal the established rate is allowed to be reduced in half.

According to dog handlers, when transferring a pet from one type of feed to another everything should be done gradually, especially after purchasing a small dog. However, the bouvier diet should be taught from an early age.

Breed due to the inherited qualities of its ancestors is considered hardy, so physical stress should be in the dog not only during games and walks, but also in the process of training.In addition to physical endurance, the bouvier is quite strong in nature, therefore, to achieve positive results from the training will be obtained only from those breeders who show their strong temper when training, but without physical and psychological violence.

Animals will feel good next to the breeder, therefore even in the process of training with dog handlers, the owner of the Bouvier is recommended to be close to his pet. Dog training often shows its independence and stubbornness. In this case, the training must be built on endurance and patience on the part of man. Training a working breed is advised to begin as early as possible so that the dog initially recognizes the owner of the “leader”. With the Bouvier des Flandres you can do half-hour runs, the dog can become a companion for cycling.

In the next video you will find interesting facts about the breed of Flanders Bouvier.