Origin
The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerful looking dog that was bred to herd livestock both in France and Belgium. They are handsome dogs with impressive eyebrows, moustaches and beards which gives them a bit of a forbidding look about them. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth because the Bouvier is known to be a kind character with an even temperament that's made them a firm favourite as a family pet both here in the UK and elsewhere in the world, more especially as they are so good around children of all ages.
Although the origins of the Bouviers are a bit hazy, what is known is that all working and herding dogs were referred to as "Bouviers" from the 16th century onwards with each region naming their dogs differently. For centuries these dogs were highly prized in their native lands for their ability to herd and guard livestock.
It is thought that the earliest examples of the Bouvier were bred by monks - supposedly by crossing imported dogs which included the Irish wolfhound and Deerhounds with Belgian herding dogs. The result of these crossings was a breed of dog capable of working tirelessly thanks to their strength, stamina, steady temperament and their heavy coats which offered these dogs a tremendous amount of protection against the elements.
However, at the time of World War I, the various "Bouvier" breeds almost vanished altogether with many of the rarer ones disappearing forever. Luckily, two Bouviers did survive being the Bouvier de Ardennes and the Bouvier des Flandres. Interestingly, the breed is claimed by both the French and the Belgians, but it was an army vet in the Belgium army by the name of Captain Darby who ensured they did not die out.
A breed standard was established in 1965 and the Bouvier des Flandres was accepted as a unique breed in its own right by the Kennel Club and other clubs of the world. Today, the Bouvier des Flandres remains a popular choice as a family pet thanks to the wonderful looks and even kind natures both here in the UK and elsewhere in the world.
