Bouvier des Flandres Information

The legacy of the Bouvier has produced many admirable qualities in this breed.

• He is a square, powerfully built dog, rugged and formidable in appearance. His harsh double coat protects him in all types of weather; his keen sense of smell and watchful gaze make him a most suitable farm dog. (He thrives on plenty of room to work and exercise, but he is not an "outdoor dog"; he must live with his loving people -- his "flock," his "pack".)
• He is agile, alert and intelligent, with character of great spirit and fearlessness; yet, he is serene in disposition, and has an even temperament.

Today, the Bouvier des Flandres acts as a farm dog, family friend, protector, shepherd, and guide dog for the blind or hearing impaired. His intelligence, sense of threat discrimination and keen scent qualifies many Bouviers to excel in police work, tracking and drug detection. Owning a Bouvier, like many dogs, requires patience, love, a lot of grooming, a willingness to exercise the dog and pay for regular health care, a desire to have a companion who follows you around the house keeping an eye on you, and a commitment to complete at least one set of good obedience classes.
Source: History of the Bouvier des Flandres - Origin: Belgium

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Resources

American Kennel Club Breed Standard

Official American Kennel Club Bouvier des Flanders standard.

AKC Breed Standard

Judges Education Seminars

Get access to:

• Upcoming AKC Judge Seminars
• Breeder Judges
• Breed Mentors
  

Learn About Judges Education

Bouvier Pedigree Database

An online Bouvier Pedigree Database with over 100K entries. Check out the website at www.bouvierpedigrees.com/
Provided by Jenarae Bouviers

Magazines & Books

Bouvier des Flandres
By Claire McLean.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

The Dogs of Flandres Fields
By Jim Engel.
Buy direct on Angel Place.
 
U.S. Presidential Pet Museum

Photo: N. Villwock

Looking to bring a Bouvier into your family?

Get connected to Preservation Breeders and our rescue partner the American Bouvier Rescue League.

Find a Bouvier

Illustration: L. St. Clair

Beginners Guide to the Bouvier - A Series

• Beginner's Guide to the Bouvier des Flandres
  
• How to Select a Breeder
  
• What About a Rescue Dog?
  
• How to Read a Pedigree
  
• Selecting Your Bouvier Puppy

Articles of Interest

Authored by Lee Calhoun:

• A Farmer's Dog
  

Authored by Sue Vroom:

• Function and Purpose of the Bouvier
• Getting the Edge -The Owner/Handler
• Making it Look East -
  The All-Breed Handler
• Taking it to the Next Level -
  The Making of a Special's Dog
• Losing is only Fun if You're Dieting - Be a Winner

Authored by Jane Baugh:

• Why I Love Herding

Bouvier Education Presentation

An online educational presentation of Bouvier des Flandres history in the United States and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Bouvier Standard. Bouviers need unique structure and character to do the job for which they were created.

• Do you know what that job is?
• Do you know the seven elements of Bouvier “Type?”
• Do you know what four words describe Bouvier temperament in the AKC Standard?
• Do you know the disqualifications under the AKC Bouvier Standard? (Trick question.)

Guest Speakers

• Lee Calhoun - Frontier Bouviers, ABdFC Bouvier Education Chair
• Nancy Eilks - Blackstone Bouviers AKC and UKC Judge
• Yvonne Savard - Barbu Bouviers, AKC and CKC Judge
• Sue Vroom - AKC Representative and Retired Professional Handler

Presented by members of the ABdFC Bouvier Education Committee

Watch the Presentation