The Bouvier des Flandres or "Cattle Dog of Flanders" originated in the low-lying areas of what is now Belgium and Holland. It is virtually impossible to pinpoint the breed's exact origins, but it probably evolved from the hardiest farm and country dogs. Modernisation of farm equipment has put a stop to the Bouvier’s original use as a working dog and nowadays serves principally as a guardian of farm and family or, in some countries, as a working service dog for the Police and Defence forces.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

This breed of dog usually lives up to 12 years of age but can live to 14 years with the proper care and diet.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Bouvier des Flandres dog varies between being a natural clown capable of befriending almost anyone, and being a reserved, one-man dog. The way in which their personality develops depends very much on the amount of love and care provided. Ideally, they should be calm but alert companions with a tendency to become deeply attached to their family.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Bouvier des Flandres has a dominant nature and likes to be "top dog" in the home. Bouvier puppies adapt well to older dogs or cats in the home, but older Bouviers can be more difficult to integrate into a new home with existing pets. Bringing a new dog into the home after your Bouvier has ruled the roost for some time may lead to conflict, but careful obedience training will soon control this behaviour.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

The Bouvier des Flandres is a double-coated dog. It has an outer coat of rough and harsh hair and an undercoat of fine and close hairs. The shaggy coat of the Bouvier requires a great deal of maintenance to ensure that the loose hairs are not retained by the undercoat and it needs to be combed for a minimum of 30 minutes per week to prevent matting.

IDEAL OWNERS

The Bouvier Des Flandres makes an excellent companion provided owners can accept a dog with an independent nature. Due to its size, this breed is ideal for those people who can give it strong leadership and plenty of exercise.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Bouvier des Flandres is the dog for you and you are aware that it requires a lot of maintenance, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)