Bouvier des Flanders

The Bouvier de Flanders is a dog with Dutch roots, or at least it used to have Dutch roots. After all, in the past, Flanders belonged to the Netherlands. The dog is beautifully built and belongs to the category of herding dogs. Because of its fluffy coat, the dog has an endearing appearance. The Bouvier des Flanders also has a less chic name, namely: the Flemish Cowhound or Vuilaard.

The Bouvier des Flanders originated around the Middle Ages. The dog's name, cowhound, already betrays an important part of its tasks. He was mainly occupied with herding cattle. There were already dogs who could do that, but the farmers in the Netherlands were looking for a more all-round dog. This became the Bouvier. The dog could also be used as a watchdog and a hiking dog. At the end of the 20th century this breed was no longer very popular. It was the Belgian army that helped the dog to survive. Also during the Second World War, the survival of this breed came under pressure. It is thanks to Europeans living in the US that the dog is still among us.

The Bouvier is a dog that is full of energy. Nevertheless, his character is calm and mature. In the past the dog often had to operate independently. These traits are still present in the animal. Therefore he can be a bit stubborn. Because the Flemish Cowhound has quite a lot of energy, he likes to be outside. He does not need to be entertained constantly, he can do his own thing. However, he must have the possibility to use his energy. If he can't, he will become annoying. At the end of the day, however, the dog likes to spend time with the family he belongs to.

The Bouvier des Flandres is not particularly difficult to raise. The only thing is that the dog can be a bit stubborn. Besides, they have the tendency, just like children, to stretch rules a little bit. The dog is at his best when you give him a job to do. It is a real worker. It is in the nature of the Cowhound to please its owner, so make it clear what you expect from it and it will carry it out!