Beauce Shepherd
country of origin
France
default number
44
height at the withers
Males: 65-70 cm, females: 61-68 cm
use
Shepherd Dog, Guard Dog
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 herding dog and cattle dog. With work test.
Description: Berger de Beauce
In France he is also known as Bas Rouge – Redstocking – due to his tan limbs. The Beauceron is a very old French breed of herding dog, which was always subject to strict breeding selection and managed without any crossbreeding with other breeds.
The personality of the Beauceron
Inner peace – paired with courage: These are traits that make up a breed-typical Beauceron. Unfounded aggressiveness, timidity or excessive shyness are undesirable. An honest expression is just as typical as a good character. The Beauceron is attentive but friendly to strangers. His prudence goes hand in hand with a high stimulus threshold. However, if the situation requires it, he reacts quickly and reliably. The Beauceron’s personality requires an experienced handler, they are not a beginner dog.
Preferences, upbringing and care of the Beauceron
A Beauceron needs a job. Herding a flock of sheep is without question his innate passion, but he also enjoys other challenges. Guarding is just as much in his blood as the need to protect everything entrusted to him, which makes the sporty Frenchman a gifted dog for eventing. He also enjoys agility and many other dog sports. Within his family, the Bas Rouge is loving, affectionate and likes to be involved in everything. A companion dog test is recommended and in general the Beauceron should be consistently trained and kept in a species-appropriate manner. Then he is also affable and suitable for everyday use.
This is what the Beauceron looks like
The Berger de Beauce, as the Beauceron is also called, is solid, rustic and powerful. – A large dog that makes an impression with a height of up to 70 centimeters at the withers. His physique is muscular, while the alert Frenchman doesn’t seem sluggish. The herding dog’s gait is smooth and unconstrained. A long, expansive trot is desirable. The coat, which is short on the head, lies close to the body and is strong and thick with a length of three to four centimetres. Short, fine, dense undercoat also belongs to the Beauceron. It is downy and preferably mouse-grey. Black and tan, i.e. black with tan markings, is the coat color typical of the breed. As does Harlequin, a blue-spotted coat with tan markings. The stock-haired coat is relatively easy to care for. Dead hair should be thoroughly removed during the twice-yearly change of coat.
The origin of the Beauceron
The Berger de Beauce is a very old French herding dog breed. His job used to be to watch over flocks of sheep in the pasture and accompany them along country roads. Time and again reports are given of the enormous condition of this breed, which covers distances of up to 80 kilometers in one go without tiring noticeably. In the 19th century there were numerous flocks of sheep and two Beaucerons were enough to herd up to 300 sheep. With the decline in the herds of sheep, the area where the Beauceron was used also shrank. In order to counteract the demise of the breed, the “Les Amis Du Beauceron” club campaigned for the use of the imposing dog in other areas: in addition to herding work, the Berger de Beauce is now mainly used as a guard and protection dog, as a tracking dog, with the army and in the medical sector. The demand is constantly increasing.
Brie Shepherd (Briard)
country of origin
France
default number
113
height at the withers
Dogs: 62 cm to 68 cm Bitches: 56 cm to 64 cm
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Description: Berger de Brie (Briard)
In fact, the Berger de Brie or Briard is a well-known breed in its home country of France. Nevertheless, the beautiful herding dog is rarely seen on the street and it is also one of the rather rare dog breeds in Germany.
The personality of the Berger de Brie
Cleverness, independence and joy in meaningful assignments: these are characteristics that characterize the Briard. The sporty Frenchman is an affectionate family dog who appreciates activity and exercise. It is ideal for many facets of leisure activities. Boredom and idleness do not suit him at all. Therefore, keeping the appealing herding dog requires time and enjoyment of activities.
Preferences, upbringing and care of the Berger de Brie
Endurance, courage, strength and agility are outstanding characteristics of the Briard, which was once bred for herding work. The clever Frenchman also has a lot of initiative and is suitable for numerous areas of application. You can still see him here and there as a companion to shepherds, but he mainly lives as a family dog. Close contact with the family is a basic need of the Berger de Brie. Since the versatile four-legged friend appreciates both mental work and physical exertion, dog sports are ideal for him. The tournament dog sport suits him just as much as agility, eventing, rescue and tracking work, obedience, dog dancing and much more. The Briard is raised with love, patience, consistency and empathy. The long coat is surprisingly easy to care for – provided it is really typical of the breed. Long, dry goat hair is not prone to matting. However, it should be combed through with a wide-toothed comb every one to three weeks.
This is what the Berger de Brie looks like
The Berger de Brie is a rustic fellow with good proportions. Males reach a size of up to 68 centimeters, bitches up to 64 centimeters. Striking is the massive, long head with the dark eyes that sparkle cleverly behind long hair. The ears are set high and do not lie flat. The straight back is just as typical of the breed as the muscular legs, the strong bone structure and the well-haired tail with the beautifully waving flag and the characteristic hook at the end. The gait of the Briard is expansive and harmonious. The long, slightly wavy coat is reminiscent of goat hair. Black, fauve, fauve covered with black (often with a mask), gray and blue are permitted as colors. A distinctive breed feature are the double dewclaws on the hind legs.
The origin of the Berger de Brie
The first description of the Briard dates back to 1809 and was written by an abbot named Rozier. At that time, the attractive herding dog was bred to guard herds of sheep and cattle and to protect them from thieves or predators. The basis for the breeding was court and farm dogs and the crossbreeding of the water-loving Barbet, which probably passed on this passion to the Briard. In 1863, visitors to an agricultural exhibition admired the first publicly presented Berger de Brie. In 1897 the breed standard was established. In 1909 the “Club Des Amis Du Briard” was founded, which revised the first standard. During both world wars, Briard served as guard and messenger dogs. The police also used them as service dogs.
Picardy Shepherd
country of origin
France
default number
176
height at the withers
Dogs: 60-65 cm, bitches: 55-60 cm
use
German shepherd
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1: German Shepherds. With work test.
Description: Berger de Picardie
The Picard is one of the oldest French herding dog breeds. He is a loving family member who tends to be reserved with strangers. The pronounced idiosyncrasy of the versatile French requires a sensitive owner.
The personality of the Berger de Picardie
Dubbed the “Charming Roughneck with a Tender Soul,” the Picard embodies these seemingly contradictory traits. He can learn almost anything if he wants. The willfulness of the clever Frenchman is quite remarkable. And if you get involved, you can learn a lot from this dog.
Preferences, upbringing and care of the Berger de Picardie
Balance is a typical trait of the French herding dog breed. Herding sheep is in the Picard’s blood. At the same time, he proves to be a loving family member and attentive watchdog. Agility and tournament dog sports are just as interesting for the Picard as rescue dog work.
With a lot of patience, ingenuity, time and motivation, the Berger de Picardie can be trained to a certain extent. The gift of looking at life with a dose of humor is also quite helpful for the Picard holder. Because although the robust Frenchman has all the prerequisites for various areas of application, he always keeps his own head and sometimes doesn’t want it the way the two-legged friend would like it to. If you accept that and still know how to deal with a Picard, you will get a lovable companion dog that will bring a lot of joy. Caring for the fur is easy. Occasional thorough brushing is enough.
This is what the Berger de Picardie looks like
The medium-sized Picard appears robust and rustic. Despite good muscling and a strong build, he exudes elegance – as well as alertness and vigilance. With a maximum height at the withers of 65 centimetres, the Picard moves smoothly and freely. His gait is elegant and effortless.
With its lush eyebrows, chin beard and mustache, the Picard is somewhat reminiscent of a Griffon. The natural erect ears are wide at the base and set high. The eyes of the herding dog are preferably dark.
The hard, mid-length hair is rough to the touch. It is five to six centimeters long over its entire body and has a fine, dense undercoat. Colors allowed are fauve, fawn with black overcoat, fawn brindle and gray.
The origin of the Berger de Picardie
Although the breed name suggests it, it is questionable whether the Berger de Picardie actually comes exclusively from Picardie. Because wire-haired herding and cattle dogs were widespread throughout north-western Europe. Officially, the first Picard was judged at a dog show in 1863. The breed was officially recognized in 1925. Picard’s history did not progress significantly until World War II. Then breed lovers got together and campaigned for the idiosyncratic Frenchman. 1955 is the founding year of the “Les Amis Du Berger Picard” club, which receives official recognition four years later. In 1964 a new breed standard was issued.
Berger des Pyrenees (Shorthair)
country of origin
France
default number
138
height at the withers
Dogs: 40-54 cm, bitches: 40-52 cm
use
herding dog
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. With work test.
Description: Berger des Pyrénées – face rase (Berger des Pyrenees (shorthair))
The lively Frenchman is known as a real smart guy. There is a reason for this, because the Pyrenean Shepherd, also known as the Pyrenean Sheepdog, is not only docile, but also quite clever.
The personality of the Berger des Pyrénées
He shines as a herding dog, shines on the agility course and inspires as a family dog. The training of the working dog is considered to be demanding. And there is another trait that is perfectly normal for a herding dog: Bergers des Pyrénées are often suspicious of strangers.
Preferences, training and care of the Berger des Pyrénées
Inherited herding skills are still valued in the Pyrenees. And also in herding competitions, Bergers usually take the top places. Since the charming Frenchman has a good reputation for being a tireless workaholic, he is also often trained as a disaster and avalanche search dog. A willingness to work paired with intelligence is good on the one hand, but it also makes demands on those who have to train this dog on the other. “Love paired with consistency” is the key to success.
Caring for the Berger des Pyrénées is simple. The robust coat is shaped once a week with a few brush strokes. In addition, you should pay attention to small tangles behind the ears and on the elbows, which you have to comb out. Once a year, the big combing is on the daily program: the dog is combed until there are no more tresses to be found. The hair on the head should always be brushed from front to back.
In fact, there are several breeds that developed in the French Pyrenees and had to withstand the toughest demands: the long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog (à poil long) and the smooth-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog (face rase). Both have their own FCI standard number.
This is what the Berger des Pyrénées looks like
The long-haired Pyrenean sheepdog is divided into two variants: one shows more or less pronounced shaggy hair on the body, the other has less undercoat. This breed is distributed worldwide. The smooth-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog delights its lovers with significantly shorter facial hair. A second variant also shows short hair on the body. This is known as Piémont. This breed and especially the last variant is not very common. Visually, further differences can be identified: the head of the long-haired French looks more triangular than that of the smooth-haired. This is due to the relatively short muzzle. In terms of height at the withers, breeders aim for an average of 40 and 46 centimeters with a weight of between eight and twelve kilograms for the long-haired variant. – For the smooth-haired variant, a range between 46 and 54 centimeters with a weight of up to 18 kilograms.
The shaggy coat texture is again a subvariant of the long-haired Pyrénées Berger. However, this texture – also known as long-hair variant 1 – is not uniform, but rather stands out due to its different distribution. Dry and woolly hair can form tresses or cords, also known as cadenettes. Roof tile-like panels also occur. However, the head should not be excessively hairy. The eyes must always remain free and a cheeky mustache should never sprout on the snout. It is ideal if the muzzle hair lies slightly backwards, as if a gust of wind were blowing against it. Incidentally, this is the secret of the much praised smart expression of the Berger des Pyrénées. The long-hair variant 2 shows smooth top coat, shorter haired extremities and shorter mustache. Strictly speaking, this variant is not really long-haired, but rather medium-long-haired.
Short fine hair on the head is the main characteristic of the Face Rase (Smooth Pyrenean Sheepdog). This is probably the most obvious difference to the long and medium-length haired variants. Sometimes fringes can also be seen on the ears. A slight fringing also adorns the front legs and so-called trousers are desired on the hind legs.
The origin of the Berger des Pyrénées
Its development history extends over many centuries. It is less the work of dedicated breeders than a consequent selection to thank that there is this unique Pfiffikus today.
Pyrenean Shepherd (Longhair)
country of origin
France
default number
141
height at the withers
Dogs: 42-48 cm, bitches: 40-46 cm. A tolerance of + or – 2 cm is allowed in perfectly typical dogs.
weight
8-15kg
use
Herding dog on the farms and pastures of the Pyrenees.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. With work test.
Description: Berger des Pyrénées – poil long (Berger des Pyrénées (longhair))
The lively Frenchman is known as a real smart guy. There is a reason for this, because the Pyrenean Shepherd, also known as the Pyrenean Sheepdog, is not only docile, but also quite clever.
The personality of the Berger des Pyrénées
He shines as a herding dog, shines on the agility course and inspires as a family dog. The training of the working dog is considered to be demanding. And there is another trait that is perfectly normal for a herding dog: Bergers des Pyrénées are often suspicious of strangers.
Preferences, training and care of the Berger des Pyrénées
Inherited herding skills are still valued in the Pyrenees. And also in herding competitions, Bergers usually take the top places. Since the charming Frenchman has a good reputation for being a tireless workaholic, he is also often trained as a disaster and avalanche search dog. A willingness to work paired with intelligence is good on the one hand, but it also makes demands on those who have to train this dog on the other. “Love paired with consistency” is the key to success.
Caring for the Berger des Pyrénées is simple. The robust coat is shaped once a week with a few brush strokes. In addition, you should pay attention to small tangles behind the ears and on the elbows, which you have to comb out. Once a year, the big combing is on the daily program: the dog is combed until there are no more tresses to be found. The hair on the head should always be brushed from front to back.
In fact, there are several breeds that developed in the French Pyrenees and had to withstand the toughest demands: the long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog (à poil long) and the smooth-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog (face rase). Both have their own FCI standard number.
This is what the Berger des Pyrénées looks like
The long-haired Pyrenean sheepdog is divided into two variants: one shows more or less pronounced shaggy hair on the body, the other has less undercoat. This breed is distributed worldwide. The smooth-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog delights its lovers with significantly shorter facial hair. A second variant also shows short hair on the body. This is known as Piémont. This breed and especially the last variant is not very common. Visually, further differences can be identified: the head of the long-haired French looks more triangular than that of the smooth-haired. This is due to the relatively short muzzle. In terms of height at the withers, breeders aim for an average of 40 and 46 centimeters with a weight of between eight and twelve kilograms for the long-haired variant. – For the smooth-haired variant, a range between 46 and 54 centimeters with a weight of up to 18 kilograms.
The shaggy coat texture is again a subvariant of the long-haired Pyrénées Berger. However, this texture – also known as long-hair variant 1 – is not uniform, but rather stands out due to its different distribution. Dry and woolly hair can form tresses or cords, also known as cadenettes. Roof tile-like panels also occur. However, the head should not be excessively hairy. The eyes must always remain free and a cheeky mustache should never sprout on the snout. It is ideal if the muzzle hair lies slightly backwards, as if a gust of wind were blowing against it. Incidentally, this is the secret of the much praised smart expression of the Berger des Pyrénées. The long-hair variant 2 shows smooth top coat, shorter haired extremities and shorter mustache. Strictly speaking, this variant is not really long-haired, but rather medium-long-haired.
Short fine hair on the head is the main characteristic of the Face Rase (Smooth Pyrenean Sheepdog). This is probably the most obvious difference to the long and medium-length haired variants. Sometimes fringes can also be seen on the ears. A slight fringing also adorns the front legs and so-called trousers are desired on the hind legs.
The origin of the Berger des Pyrénées
Its development history extends over many centuries. It is less the work of dedicated breeders than a consequent selection to thank that there is this unique Pfiffikus today.
Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog)
country of origin
Great Britain (UK)
default number
16
height at the withers
Males: 61 cm and larger, females: 56 cm and larger.
use
German shepherd
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. Without work test.
Description: Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) (Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog))
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Strong, square looking dog, very symmetrical, showing health and efficiency. Definitely not tall, luxuriantly hairy everywhere. A stocky, muscular, sturdy dog with a highly intelligent expression. The natural outline should not be artificially altered by clipping or clipping. Endowed with great endurance, showing a gently sloping topline, with a pear shaped body when viewed from above.
In normal gait or amble, rolling is typical of the movement. His barking can be recognized by a special tone.
BEHAVIOR/ CHARACTER (TEMPERAMENT)
An adaptable dog with an even temper, bold, loyal and reliable, without any sign of nervousness or unjustified aggressiveness.
History: Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) (Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog))
Although the Old English Sheepdog’s ancestry is recorded as Britain, it is more likely that its ancestry is a combination of the European Shepherd Dogs Owtcharka and Bergamasco with the Shepherd Dogs of Britain. It is now considered an original British breed and is also commonly referred to as the Bobtail. Strong, compact and profusely hairy; its fur is a striking feature and is weather resistant. He is essentially a country dog, intelligent and friendly; it has a distinctively resonant bark that is sufficient to deter intruders.
Coat: Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) (Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog))
HAIR : Abundant, of good, hard texture. Not straight, but shaggy and without curls. The undercoat forms a waterproof pile. Head and skull well covered with hair, ears moderately hairy, neck well covered, forelegs heavily haired all round. The hind legs are more hairy than the rest of the body. Quality and texture are more important than length and amount of hair.
COLOR: Any shade of grey, grizzle or blue. Body and hind legs solid color throughout, with or without white socks.
White patches in the otherwise monochromatic coat should not be encouraged. The head, neck, forequarters, and underbelly should be white with or without spots. Any hint of brown is undesirable.
Border Collie
country of origin
Great Britain (UK)
default number
297
height at the withers
Males: 53 cm, females slightly smaller
use
A herd dog capable of hard and persistent work, with good leadership.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (without Swiss Mountain Dogs) Section 1: Shepherd Dogs With working test.
Description: Border Collie
Nobody can fool him when it comes to herding. And with regard to his inexhaustible energy and his willingness to work, the Border Collie is also very far ahead. Many fast-paced dog sports are entirely to the taste of the lovable family dog, which can also be very affectionate.
The personality of the Border Collie
He is a herding dog through and through. Border Collies are alert, alert, and willing to work hard and persistently. They love being in action with their human. However, they are by no means lacking in independence. A lot of movement and daily utilization of head and body promote their contentment and balance.
Preferences, education and care of the Border Collie
Border collies are excellent family dogs without any hunting motivation. They also lack the tendency to stray. In addition, their bond with family is outstanding. They are active in many ways and still have the original characteristics of a herding dog. Border Collies excel in agility, obedience, dog dance, flyball, trials, rescue dog work and as therapy dogs. They also cut a fine figure as riding companion dogs. All of these characteristics predestine the handsome Brits for active dog owners. Often several of them are kept together. A pronounced intelligence and an enormous willingness to work are certainly two of the most outstanding characteristics of the Border Collie. Another interesting feature is its unique and unusual way of working: when herding, the Border Collie moves in a crouched posture, with a creeping gait and with its head stretched forward. The tail is lowered or drawn in. The sequence of movements is reminiscent of that of a cat. In addition, the Border Collie fixes the animal to be driven with its eyes and can make it stop, move forward or change direction simply by its penetrating gaze. The education of the Border Collie is comparatively easy. He understands very quickly, likes to please and is generally very easy to handle. His coat is easy to care for. It should be brushed thoroughly once a week.
This is what the Border Collie looks like
Quality, grace and harmony merge into one unit in the physique of the Border Collie, which can be up to 53 centimeters tall. Its contours are those of an athlete. The free, flowing movements seem tireless. The slight lifting of the paws is typical of the breed, because it enables sneaking and lightning-fast movements, which are important for herding work. There are two varieties of hair: moderately long hair and short hair. The weatherproof coat of both consists of a dense top coat and a soft, dense undercoat. Dogs with moderately long hair have lush manes, pants, and plumes. The hair is short only on the face, ears, forelegs and hind legs. Border collies come in many different colors. However, white should never make up the largest proportion of color.
The origin of the Border Collie
A brief look at the history of the Border Collie is enough to understand where his extraordinary willingness to work and his amazing willingness to perform come from. The home of the breed is the Border Region – the border area between England and Scotland. In the 18th century, the agile herding dog came to Scotland in the course of large-scale sheep imports. For more than a century, the Border Collie has been bred there to work sheep. A consistent breeding selection has created a dog that is unparalleled in the field of herding work.
Bouvier des Ardennes
country of origin
Belgium
default number
171
height at the withers
Dogs: 56-62 cm, bitches: 52-56 cm
weight
Males: 28-35 kg, females: 22-28 kg
use
Originally a true cattle dog, used to the outdoors and the hard work of gathering, herding and herding large livestock. Today, with a minimum of training for maximum efficiency, he is still a versatile working dog, particularly suited to guarding flocks and property.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 2 cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs). With work test.
Description: Bouvier des Ardennes
Medium-sized, square peasant dog without any claim to elegance. The Bouvier des Ardennes is short and stocky, heavier-boned than its stature would suggest, and has a powerful head. The adjectives short, compact and muscular best describe this dog. His rough and tousled coat of hair (except on the skull where it is shorter and lying flat) and his mustache and goatee give him a sullen expression. The Bouvier des Ardennes should be judged in a natural position without physical contact with its handler.
BEHAVIOR/PERSONALITY:
Full of stamina and energy, the Bouvier des Ardennes is playful, curious, agile and sociable; his most outstanding quality, his adaptability, means that he feels comfortable in all situations. He is stubborn and shows incredible courage when it comes to defending his people, possessions, and territory.
History: Bouvier des Ardennes
This dog has always been called “cattle dog” in the Belgian Ardennes and selected for its performance. It owes its name more to its use as a herdsman and herder than to its physique. The rough climate, his heavy, very special work, the rugged terrain and the poverty of the area have shaped his type.
Only the toughest and most productive specimens of a breed that was voluntarily kept within narrow limits survived and drove the herds, mostly dairy cows and sheep, but in the last century also pigs and horses. Also used since the 19th century to hunt deer and wild boar, it became the poacher’s dog during both world wars.
At the end of the 19th century, the cattle dog resembled a rough-haired shepherd dog, but was stronger, stockier and more willing to bite than the latter. In order to be able to define a uniform type, classes for cattle dogs were set up at Belgian dog shows for examination purposes.
On April 27, 1903, at the dog show in Liège, Prof. Reul “Tom” discovered the first ideal type of this cattle dog breed (as was usual at the time, without further information).
In 1913 the “Society for the Improvement of Cattle Dog Breeding from the Province of Liège and from the Ardennes” was founded, which drew up a draft standard. The final text was recognized in Belgium in 1923 and published by the FCI on June 16, 1963.
The disappearance of numerous farms in the Ardennes, combined with the decline in dairy cow herds, reduced the number of working dogs considerably.
Around 1985, the collection of foremilk from dairy cows by dog lovers led to the discovery of some more or less typical specimens of these Ardennes cattle dogs that had survived. By the 1990s, breeders set out to produce dogs closer to the type described in the standard using these Ardennes breeding lines. Amazingly, in the north of the country, some drovers and shepherds, amazed at the performance of these dogs in driving the herds, quietly, but prudently and competently, continued breeding with a breeding line introduced around 1930. It was only in 1996 that the existence of this breeding line became known in official cynology.
Coat: Bouvier des Ardennes
The coat must be such that the dog can live outdoors, guarding and herding the herds despite the sometimes extreme weather conditions of its homeland. The top coat should be dry, rough and tousled and about 6 cm long over the whole body; however, on the skull, except at the eyebrows, the hair is shorter and lies flatter. The hair should form a mustache and goatee about 5-6 cm long and cover the inner corner of the eye. The underarms show off a shorter but dry, slightly shaggy hair which together with the short fringes at their back give them a cylindrical appearance. The hair on the back of the thighs is longer and forms what are known as “pants”. On the outer surfaces of the ears the hair is short, soft and smooth, interspersed with longer single hairs. The ear canal is protected by long hair that blends seamlessly into the ruff formed by hair growing backwards. The spaces between the pads are provided with very short hair.
The undercoat, which is very dense in every season, is even more plentiful in winter and protects the dog excellently against the inclemency of the weather. It is also found on the limbs and is about half the length of the top coat.
Bouvier des Flandres
country of origin
Belgium
default number
191
height at the withers
Dogs: 62-68 cm, bitches: 59-65 cm
weight
Males: 35-40 kg, females: 27-35 kg
use
Originally, the Flemish cattle dog was used to help drive cattle herds and was also used as a draft dog and to drive butter churns. With the modernization of agricultural equipment, this original use has disappeared, so that today the Bouvier des Flandres is mainly used as a guard of farms and rural estates, but also as a protection and police dog. His physique and his behavior, his exceptionally fine sense of smell, his enterprising spirit and his intelligence qualify him as a tracking dog, as a liaison and reporting dog and as a companion for game wardens.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 2 cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs). With work test.
Description: Bouvier des Flandres
Compact, stocky. Body short and stocky with heavily muscled, powerful limbs. Overall, the Bouvier des Flandres gives the impression of great power, but without being heavy. The Bouvier des Flandres should be judged standing in a natural position without physical contact with the handler. The Bouvier des Flandres has the calm and deliberate character of a smart but spirited dog. His fiery gaze bespeaks intelligence, energy and boldness. It is imperative that the Bouvier des Flandres retain its usefulness. Any deviation that could affect this ability to work must be severely penalized.
History: Bouvier des Flandres
As the name suggests, the Flanders Treibuhun comes from the Belgian and French parts of Flanders, which are not separated by any natural border. The cattle and ox drivers of Flanders needed good dogs to guide their herds and used the dogs available in their area for breeding solely because of the physical and character qualities inherited by today’s Bouvier des Flandres.
Coat: Bouvier des Flandres
Very plentiful. Together with the dense undercoat, the top coat forms a protective covering that is perfectly adapted to the sudden weather changes in the breed’s country of origin. The hair should feel brittle; it is dry and lackluster, neither too long nor too short (about 6 cm), somewhat shaggy, but never woolly or curly. The hair is shorter on the head; on the outer surface of the ear it is almost quite short, while the inside of the auricle is protected by moderately long hair. The upper lip bears a mustache and the chin should be adorned by a full beard, giving the fierce expression so characteristic of the breed. The eyebrows are formed from protruding hair that accentuates the shape of the eyebrow arches without obscuring the eyes. The hair is particularly hard and dense on the upper part of the back. It is slightly shorter on the limbs, but also harsh. A flat coat is undesirable as an indication of the absence of an undercoat. The undercoat forms a soft layer of fine, dense hair that grows under the top coat and together with it forms a waterproof protective coat.
