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Working · Belgium

Bouvier des Flandres

A walker's guide to the Bouvier des Flandres: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Large, 27 to 40 kgActiveHeavy coatGuarding instinctStrongBeard collects mud
Exercise a day90 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleSteady and purposeful
With other dogsCalm, can be dominant

Overview

The Bouvier des Flandres is the larger of Belgium's cattle dogs, a square, powerful breed developed on Flemish farms to herd, pull carts and guard the yard, and used as a messenger and ambulance dog in the First World War. The Kennel Club lists it in the Working group, and the rough double coat, beard and eyebrows make it unmistakable.

Bouviers are calm, confident and devoted to their family, with a reserve around strangers that stops short of hostility in a well-raised dog. They think before they act and they do not forget. Expect a dog that is easy once it trusts you and uncooperative until it does.

Exercise and walking needs

Ninety minutes a day in two walks suits an adult. The breed is steady rather than fast, happy with a long, brisk lead walk and some off-lead time where the owner allows.

They need to think as well as move. A few minutes of obedience, a carried toy or a scent task tires the mind along with the legs. Young dogs grow slowly; keep them off hard, repetitive exercise.

Daily minimum90 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeWith good recall

On the walk

  • Recall: Reliable in a trained dog, slower in a stubborn one. Bouviers take their time to decide. Reward promptness and do not nag.
  • Strength: Up to forty kilos of muscle. A well-fitted harness or headcollar, and the dog's respect, are what hold it. Never a retractable lead.
  • Other dogs: Mostly calm, but some are dominant with large dogs of the same sex. Introduce slowly and avoid rowdy groups.
  • Coat: The beard soaks up water and mud and then drips in the car. Burrs cling to the undercoat. Towel and check after every walk.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Earn trust before expecting obedience. A short meet-and-greet walk with the owner is worth a lot.
  2. Choose walks with plenty to see; Bouviers like to patrol and inspect.
  3. Watch for overheating in summer. The coat was built for a North Sea climate.
  4. Dry the beard after the dog drinks from puddles to avoid sore skin under the chin.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • How does the dog respond to strangers and to other large dogs on a walk?
  • Any hip or elbow problems, and any limit on jumping into vehicles?
  • Is the dog trained to specific heel or recall cues you should use?
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