How to Identify a Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a member of the herding group. Their name translates roughly to "Cowherd of Flanders", and their main job was to move cows. [1] They share some of their characteristics with other breeds and have several distinguishing ones as well. This wikiHow will help you figure out if a dog is a Bouvier des Flandres.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Dog's Body Structure

  1. Male Bouviers des Flandres are anywhere from 24.5 to 27.5 inches (62 to 70 cm) tall, while females are usually anywhere from 23.5 to 26.5 inches (60 to 67 cm) tall. Both male and female Bouviers des Flandres typically weigh somewhere between 70–110 pounds (32–50 kg). [2]
  2. The head of a Bouvier des Flandres should have a scale that is impressive, and it should also be in proportion with the dog's build and body. You should also notice a "mustache" and "beard". [3]
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  3. Bouviers des Flandres have ears that are placed high on the dog's head, and they should appear alert. The ears may also be cropped or uncropped. If they are cropped, the ears should be in proportion with the dog's head size, and they should be a contour that is triangular. The ear's inside corner should be in line with the eye's outside corner. [4]
  4. Bouviers des Flandres have eyes that are dark brown-colored and not sunken but also not protruding. They are oval-shaped, with the horizontal plane axis when the dog is looked at from the front. [5]
  5. Bouviers des Flandres have a tail that is set high and docked, with only 2 or 3 of the vertebrae remaining. The tail is in normal alignment with the dog's spinal column, and it should ideally be carried in an upright position when the dog is moving. [6]
  6. Overall, Bouviers des Flandres should appear compact and rugged, with a powerful build. Their gait should appear proud, free, and bold overall. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. Bouviers des Flandres can be pretty much any color except particolored, chocolate brown, or white. Any other color may be seen. [8]
  2. Bouviers des Flandres have a harsh, rough-feeling outercoat, with a soft, fine-feeling undercoat. [9]
  3. Overall, the coat of a Bouvier des Flandres should appear tousled, yet not curly. The hair is shorter on the upper back and skull area, where the hair is noticeably harsh and close, though still rough. You may notice some slight trimming to accent the line of the dog's body. The dog has a thick beard and mustache, with a dense, close, fine undercoat that becomes more thick in the wintertime. As a whole, the coat is water-resistant.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noting Temperament

  1. Bouviers des Flandres love humans, and in general, they are known to be good family dogs. [10]
  2. Bouviers des Flandres can be strong-willed and pushy at times. Therefore, they will need consistent, firm training. [11]
  3. Though they are not good guard dogs as they are generally not aggressive unless they have a reason to be but will defend their family if they need to, Bouviers des Flandres are typically good watchdogs due to their protective nature. [12]
  4. Therefore, they will need early, frequent socialization to help this aloofness. [13]
  5. Though most have a lot of energy, some Bouviers des Flandres may be lazy, so they may need some motivation for exercise. [14]
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      Tips

      • Consider dog DNA testing if you'd like to know what breed your dog is. This can help confirm whether or not your dog is a Bouvier des Flandres.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bouvier-des-flandres/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bouvier-des-flandres/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bouvier-des-flandres-temperament/
      2. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bouvier-des-flandres-temperament/
      3. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bouvier-des-flandres-temperament/
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bouvier-des-flandres-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/bouvier-des-flandres-temperament/

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