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Bouvier des Flandres

Description:

Also known as the Belgian Cattle Dog, the Bouvier des Flandres is a compact yet muscular herding dog. The large head features both a moustache and beard. The oval eyes are dark brown with black rims, and give the dog a facial expression that is brave and alert. Ears are high set and often cropped. The skull is slightly longer than it is wide and the muzzle is strong and broad with no snipiness, ending with a nose that has rounded edges and flared nostrils. The neck widens gently into strong shoulders, giving the dog a regal appearance. The well-muscled back is short and broad. Both the forequarters and hindquarters are strong in bone structure and muscular. The tail is set high, carried upright and is most always docked. The double coat is weatherproof, with the undercoat dense and soft and the outer coat harsh and rough. Coloring can be fawn, salt and pepper, gray, black or brindle.

 Temperament:

The Bouvier des Flandres is a gentle and loving dog who is rather easy to train when handled properly. They make excellent watchdogs and are great with children. Obedience training should be started at an early age to establish the master-dog hierarchy and to prevent dominance issues later on in life. Early socialization is also important, especially if there are other animals in the household. Because these dogs are so protective over their families and territory, they can be quite wary of strangers. The Bouvier des Flandres requires a good deal of exercise and should be interacted with daily. They are happy when given something to do, which is why they are sometimes used as tracking and therapy dogs.

 Caring for a Bouvier des Flandres:

The Bouvier des Flandres needs a lot of exercise everyday, and its physical and mental health will suffer if it doesn't get it. They love long walks or jogs, and will remain calm indoors if given a chance to expend some energy outdoors. The Bouvier des Flandres needs regular brushing and combing to remove tangles and mats. Bathing should be done only when the dog is dirty. Thrice yearly, the dog's hair should be trimmed. The hair in the ears and between the toes will need to be trimmed more often. Keep the nails clipped and ears clean. You may want to take your Bouvier des Flandres to a professional groomer a few times a year for a little preventative maintenance. Make sure you give your dog some good exercise every day. Significant health issues for this breed include canine hip dysplasia, glaucoma and elbow dysplasia. Hypothyroidism is also occasionally seen.