Consider These 11 Factors Before Getting a Bouvier Des Flandres Dog

The large and strong Bouvier des Flandres was developed in Belgium with the purpose of herding and farm work. 

The dog is loyal, protective, and smart but requires regular exercise, grooming, and socialization to stay healthy and happy. 

If interested in this sizeable but loving breed, read the 11 things to consider before getting a Bouvier des Flandres. 

Size

The Bouvier des Flandres is a large dog. Usually, members of the breed weigh between 70 and 110 pounds. Males are on the higher end of the range, while females tend to be smaller. The substantial size can be intimidating. 

Why is the breed’s size important? 

Being large dogs, Bouvier des Flandres requires spacious living conditions. It is definitely not an apartment breed and does not do well in houses without yards. 

In addition to space, size affects one more thing - safe interaction with people and other pets. Bouvier des Flandres are very strong and can accidentally hurt someone, meaning they must be trained and properly socialized. 

Exercise Needs

Originally bred as a working dog, the Bouvier des Flandres is active and needs daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. 

The lack of exercise results in behavioral issues such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. It also increases the risk of weight gain and obesity. 

So, what can you do?

Well, you need to take your Bouvier des Flandres on daily walks and occasional high-intensity activities such as hiking, jogging, and running. If such activities are not an option, you can play a game of fetch or tug-of-war. 

In terms of mental stimulation, puzzle toys & interactive games are perfect for training your Bouvier des Flandres’ mind. 

Grooming

The shaggy appearance of the Bouvier des Flandres is owed to the thick and coarse coat. Unless regularly and properly maintained, it will quickly get tangled and form mats. 

To avoid this and complications such as skin irritation and infection, brush your Bouvier des Flandres weekly. It is best that you use a slicker brush and comb. 

We also recommend professional grooming sessions on a monthly basis. This will make grooming between the sessions much easier and more manageable for you. 

Occasional bathing is advised on an as-needed basis. Just make sure you are using dog shampoo and bath products suitable for the Bouvier des Flandres’ skin and coat type. 

Other important aspects of the grooming process are:

• Dental care
• Ear cleaning
• Nail trimming

Training

Bouvier des Flandres are smart and generally eager to please. However, they can also be stubborn and independent. Therefore, it is essential that you train early in life. 

Proper training will ensure obedience and prevent behavioral issues. It is also an excellent way of strengthening the mutual bond and building trust. 

Cool!

The first priority for your Bouvier des Flandres is obedience training. Because of its size, this dog is hard to control unless trained. Obedience training can be learned at home or in puppy classes. 

Advanced training is also an option, and Bouvier des Flandres often compete in dog sports such as:

• Agility 
• Herding 
• Obedience

To successfully train your Bouvier des Flandres, use positive reinforcement. Set clear rules and boundaries and be persistent and patient. It may take some time and effort, but with the right approach, success is guaranteed. 

Socialization

One of the most important aspects of raising a Bouvier des Flandres is proper socialization. Socialization helps the dog develop social skills and, in the long run, prevents behavioral issues. 

Socialization is particularly important with Bouvier des Flandres as this dog is very protective. Simply put, it must learn to distinguish between potential threats and harmless scenarios. 

The process of socialization involves exposing the young Bouvier des Flandres puppy to new people, pets, environments, and situations. Socialization starts at an early age but continues throughout life. 

Socialized Bouvier des Flandres are unlikely to develop territorial aggression and are naturally friendlier with other dogs. They are also less susceptible to situational anxiety. 

Health Issues

Like all dog breeds, the Bouvier des Flandres is prone to a few medical issues: 

• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: These are genetic conditions affecting the hips and elbows that cause pain and joint problems. 
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Genetic eye condition that manifests with retina degeneration and can cause blindness.
• Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels resulting in skin and coat problems, weight gain, and lethargy. 
• Bloat: Life-threatening condition in which the stomach bloats and turns on itself. It is also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV).
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: Genetic bleeding disorder that impairs the blood’s ability to form clots.   
• Cancer: Lymphoma and osteosarcoma are the most common types of cancer in this breed, but other cancer forms are also possible.  
• Heart Disease: The breed is prone to dilated cardiomyopathy and mitral valve disease.

Diet

The Bouvier des Flandres needs a well-balanced diet that will support energy, coat, and optimal health. The diet must be appropriate for its activity level, age, and specific medical needs. 

The Bouvier des Flandres is a large dog meaning it needs a diet rich in protein and moderate in fat. Proteins are essential for growth and maintenance, and fat is for energy. The diet should also provide carbs, vitamins, and minerals. 

Keep your Bouvier des Flandres on a high-quality commercial food or homemade diet. Avoid feeding human foods and table scraps. 

It is also essential that you monitor the dog’s body weight on a regular basis. The breed has a slow metabolism and is, therefore, susceptible to weight gain and obesity. 

Temperament

The three main traits of the Bouvier des Flandres personality are intelligence, confidence, and loyalty. It is very protective and makes an excellent guard dog. Let’s review the main temperament traits of the breed: 

• Intelligence: The breed is exceptionally smart, which makes training easy and straightforward. Also, this dog enjoys learning commands and tricks. 
• Confidence: The Bouvier des Flandres is very confident and does not get anxious or timid, especially if socialized from an early age. 
• Loyalty: The breed is loyal to the bone and forms strong bonds with all of its human family members. 
• Protectiveness: The Bouvier des Flandres is naturally protective and will do anything to defend its humans.

Shedding

The Bouvier des Flandres is prone to shedding due to the nature of its coat. Namely, the breed has a unique double coat consisting of a coarse and wiry top coat and a soft and dense undercoat. 

The Bouvier des Flandres sheds twice per year. While the shedding itself is moderate, the coat requires ample maintenance to stay healthy and free from mats and tangles. 

What about year-round shedding? 

Between shedding seasons, the Bouvier des Flandres does not produce much loose hairs. However, it is not a hypoallergenic breed. In other words, people with dog allergies might be sensitive to this dog. 

Cost

Being a dog parent is costly, and owning a Bouvier des Flandres means you will have to put aside money for various expenses. Here are some costs you need to be prepared for when budgeting for this breed: 

• Purchase Price: Bouvier des Flandres puppies cost between $1500 and $4000 
• Initial Supplies: For starters, you will need bowls, a crate, a bed, toys, a collar & leash, which can cost between $500 and $1000 
• Food: Food is an ongoing expense, and considering the breed’s size, you should expect to pay between $50 and $100 for food 
• Grooming: Managing the coat can be overwhelming and often requires professional grooming, costing $50-$100 per session 
• Training: Sometimes, members of this breed need professional training, which may cost between $500 and $1000 
• Health Care: Regular vet care is also costly, and the breed is susceptible to several high-cost medical conditions

Lifestyle

Finally, you need to consider whether your lifestyle matches a dog like the Bouvier des Flandres. The breed is sizeable and active, thus requiring space, exercise, and plenty of attention. 

When considering lifestyle, you need to think about the following: 

• Living Space: The breed is not suitable for small apartments and yardless houses
• Exercise: You need time to provide the dog with the exercise it needs
• Grooming: The shaggy double coat requires maintenance, and once again, you must have the time and skills for it 
• Training: The breed needs constant and structured training 
• Socialization: Naturally protective and reserved with strangers, this breed requires socialization 
• Health Care: Being prone to several health conditions, you need to ensure quality and regular veterinary care 
• Companionship: The breed thrives on human interaction and is prone to separation anxiety if alone for a long time.

Conclusion

If you want to get a Bouvier des Flandres, you need to consider factors such as size, exercise requirements, and energy levels. You must also know that the coat needs grooming, while training and socialization are vital for correct behavior. 

The good news is if these considerations are not an issue for you, the Bouvier des Flandres makes an exceptional pet - it gives you love and will protect you if necessary.