Breed Description

The Bouvier is a working dog and is built for work. In Belgium in fact, a working dog cannot win his
championship until he has proven his ability in the working field for which he was bred. Since his
chief purpose was the herding and protecting of cattle, the Bouvier is both large and powerful.
The shoulder height is from 59 to 68cm and weight will range from 27 to 35 kg for females and
35 to 40 kg for males. Unlike the shepherd dog the Bouvier works alone, without a man to command
his every move. He must move his herd when necessary and be strong and intelligent in order
to protect it against wild animals or other marauders. An interesting note is that the Bouvier is not
a "heel-nipper" as are many other cattle dogs. He actually throws a body block against the errant
cow and "bumps" it back to the herd when it strays.

The adult Bouvier is normally a sedate, dignified fellow, tolerant with children. He never quite loses
his mischievious sparkle and even the most reserved elderly Bouvier can usually be induced to
play with very little coaxing. An endearing habit, which seems to be almost universal with the
Bouvier is the offer of a gracious paw to a new acquaintance. Another trait shared by a great number
of Bouviers is their love of water. In spite of their "shagginess" any Bouvier fancier can tell his dog
from "a thousand" others. He can recognise the expression on that shaggy face from mischievious
playfulness to concerns from shame at a misdeed to the pure joy of going for a walk or ride with his
master

A weatherproof coat has stood the Bouvier in good stead enabling him to live in almost any climate.
The topcoat is harsh and dry, about 6cm long and sheds both dirt and water. Under this is a soft,
dense undercoat which thickens in cold climates and provides extra insulation against both heat and
cold. Shedding is minimal and can easily be controlled by a good grooming once a week with a
stiff brush to remove loose hairs from the undercoat.Colours range from black through various shades
grey or brindle to fawn. At tuft of white at the chest is often seen with the darker coats.Heavy eyebrows
fall forward over the eyes,protecting them from dust a moustache and beard complete the facial
furnishings.

The Bouvier has a variety of new jobs nowadays not anticipated by his ancesters and has adapted
himself very well with great succes.As a guard he is unsurpassed and he is used for police work,
guarding warehouses,department stores and other commercial premises. In most cases he does not
attack, but is trained to seek, find and hold his quarry at bay while signalling for help. In Europe and
the U.S. many Bouviers are used as guides for the blind and others serve in the army. Although still
used as cattle drovers most Bouviers perform their greatest service as watchdogs and are babysitters
par excellence. As a family friend he is loyal, affectionate and totally devoted. The breed has become
very popular in Europe and the U.S.