Dog breeds :
Belgian Cattle Dog / Bouvier des Flandres / Vlaamse Koehond
Larissa soray van de Nelhoeve, owner: M.f.b Koster
General
A compact bodied, short coupled and powerfully built dog, with
well-boned and strong muscled limbs; the whole giving the
impression of great power, but without clumsiness in his general
deportment. The Bouvier des Flandres testifies of intelligence,
energy and audacity in his looks. He has the calm and reasonable
character of a sensible but fearless dog.
Characteristics
The Bouvier is even-tempered, agile, steady, resolute and fearless,
with a rugged appearance. His gaze is alert and brilliant, acting as
a reflection of his intelligence, daring and vigor.
Temperament
-
History
The Bouvier des Flandres breed originated in the agricultural plain
of Flanders, Belgium, where it was used mainly for herding and
driving cattle. Historically, the term "Bouvier" was applied to any
dog that worked with cattle. This breed has also been known by
various names, which include Vuilbaard (Dirty Beard), Koe Hund
(Cow Dog), and Toucheur de Boeuf (Cattle Drover). When the
Machine Age arrived and it was more economical to transport
cattle by truck, it seemed the breed's usefulness was at an end.
Bouvier fanciers rallied to save the breed from extinction, therefore
preserving this multi-talented dog. The Bouvier has since proven
itself, being used for police and army work, as a personal guard
dog, as a guide dog for the blind, and in Search and Rescue work.
In 1922 the Club National Beige du Bouvier established a single
type and drafted a breed standard with the assistance of Bouvier
breeders. The breed was first introduced to the North American
continent in the 1930's. The exact origin and development of the
breed remains in speculation. One theory states that it was
developed using the blood of several of the continental herding
breeds. Another states that it is a direct descendant of the
Schnauzer.
Origin
Belgium/France. The Bouvier des Flandres, as his name implies, is
native to both the Belgian and the French Flanders, no natural
boundary separating the two regions.
Utilization
The Bouvier des Flandres was originally used for droving, hauling
and churning. Modernization of the farm equipment has put a stop
to these uses, and nowadays the Bouvier des Flandres serves
principally as the guardian of the farms and the estates, but also
as a defense- and policedog. His physical and moral attributes, his
keen qualities of scent, initiative and his intelligence warrant his
use as a tracking, liaison and game-warden's dog.
Classification
Sheepdogs and Cattledogs
Size
Large
Height
Males: from 24½ to 27½ inches; the median being 26 inches. Females: from 23½ to 26½ inches; the median being 25 inches.
Weight
from 35 to 40 kg (77 to 88 lbs) for the males; from 27 to 35 kg (60 to 77 lbs) for the bitches
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