This dog breed is known for their intelligence and versatility. Bred to be all-purpose working dogs and watchdogs, the Bouvier des Flandres fits right in with an active family that keeps them involved. They are affectionate towards their families, can have a strong will, and tend to be courageous and outgoing.

They are a great fit for families as they get along fantastically with children and other dogs. They may look intimidating, but they have a calm and gentle nature. But, they do have a high prey drive, so they will need to be socialized and introduced properly to other smaller pets in the household.

The Bouvier is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Because of their high-energy nature and work ethic, they do not tend to do well with apartment living. This dog breed is much better suited to larger homes, especially those with a securely fenced-in backyard where they can run.

They do well in just about any climate and their thick, weatherproof coat serves them well in colder climates. As with any dog breed, they can be sensitive to extreme heat or cold. This dog breed is bored easily, so you will want to keep alone time short and to a minimum and to make sure they have plenty to keep them mentally stimulated and busy if you have to leave them alone.

The Bouvier des Flandres is a relatively healthy dog breed. As with any dog breed, there are a few health conditions to be aware of, which includes glaucoma, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, deafness, and cataracts. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay concerns about potential health issues. The Bouvier is a large dog breed and is also deep-chested, which puts them at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be serious, so it’s important to know the signs and what to do if you see them.

This dog breed is highly intelligent, easily picks up on things, and is eager to please. They are highly trainable, but they also have a strong will, which means they can have a stubborn streak and independent nature. They like to be put to work and require an owner who has the time, space, and experience for the quintessential working dog. This makes them a better fit for more experienced dog owners. First-time or novice dog owners can have success with a Bouvier des Flandres, but will want to enlist the help of a professional trainer and enroll in training and obedience classes.

The Bouvier des Flandres is known for their beard and mustache look. Their coat is practically weatherproof, so they will only need to be bathed as needed and brushed once or twice a week. You will likely need to check in on their face a few times a week in order to brush and clean their beard and mustache. In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your dog’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Usually, trimming your dog’s nails monthly is sufficient. For this dog breed, you will want to check their paws every week or two and trim or file nails as needed. You will also want to regularly check and carefully clean their ears as needed. It’s important to make sure your dog’s ears are dry, clean, and free of debris to help prevent ear infections.

Proper dental care for dogs is also essential to prevent dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing your dog’s teeth every day is one of the best ways to help prevent dental disease in your dog. Dental hygiene chews, dental treats, a special dental care diet, and more are all ways you can supplement your basic doggie dental care plan.

It’s usually a good idea to get your dog used to having their paws, ears, and mouth handled as a puppy and to keep it a rewarding experience. Not only does this make grooming throughout your dog’s life a much easier process for you both, but it can also make grooming a bonding experience that you both look forward to!

The Bouvier is a high-energy working dog with a strong work ethic. They need a job to do and need to stay busy in order to be happy. Thankfully, they are also a very versatile working dog that can take on almost anything. They fit right in on a farm or ranch, are wonderful guard dogs and watchdogs, and also are a great candidate for dog sports. As part of the Herding Group, they tend to excel at herding trials. They also tend to be a good fit for agility, carting, tracking, obedience, and other canine sporting events.

A Bouvier will also enjoy joining you on hikes, runs, biking trips, trips to the dog park, and even swimming. You will want to limit heavier exercise while your Bouvier des Flandres is still a puppy. Their bones and muscles are still developing, so too much heavy exercise or high-impact activities can damage their developing joints. These dogs make great running partners; just save the longer runs and heavy activities for when they’ve finished growing.

A fully-grown Bouvier des Flandres usually stands 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 60-88 pounds. Although that is the average, there are always outliers – some of these dogs have even weighed in at up to 110 pounds!

A Bouvier des Flandres generally lives 10-12 years.

President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan owned a Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky.