The sturdy, rugged Bouvier des Flandres originally was bred to herd cattle near the Belgian town of Flanders. His name means “cowherd from Flanders,” but along with herding, the breed performed farm jobs such as drafting and guarding. With his calm, gentle temperament, this breed is a loving family companion The Bouvier needs frequent grooming to strip his rough, shaggy coat and plenty of exercise.
The slow-maturing Bouvier des Flandres reaches adulthood at 2 to 3 years of age. During World War I, the Bouvier served as message carriers and cart dogs carrying wounded soldiers.