Bouvier Des Flandres
Male: 35-40 kg, Female: 27-35 kg
Male: 62-68 cm, Female: 59-65 cm
10-12 years
Flandres (Belgium and France)
About the Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier Des Flandres is a powerful, rugged, and formidable herding dog originally developed in the Flandres region spanning Belgium and France. Known as the 'cow herd of Flandres,' this breed was built for heavy labor, including herding cattle, pulling carts, and churning butter. Their history is one of resilience; they nearly faced extinction during World War I when they were used as ambulance and messenger dogs on the front lines. Today, they remain the ultimate versatile working dog, prized for their intelligence and steady nerves. Physically, the Bouvier is a square-proportioned dog with a distinctive rough coat and a famous beard and moustache that gives them a look of great wisdom and power. They are deeply devoted to their families and possess a natural protective instinct, making them excellent guardians. Despite their size and strength, they are known for their 'gentle giant' persona within the home, often being quite calm and serene once their physical and mental exercise needs have been satisfied. They are a breed that requires a firm, consistent leader who understands the nuances of a sophisticated working mind.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Bouvier Des Flandres must project an image of power without clumsiness. Their silhouette is distinctly square, with a short, broad back and a deep chest that reaches the elbows. The 'Bouvier gait' is a particular point of merit; it should be free, proud, and easy, showing great reach in the forequarters and powerful drive from the rear. Their coat is their crowning glory—harsh to the touch and matte in appearance, never silky or curly. What truly sets the Bouvier apart is their 'unflappable' ring presence; they possess a stoic, commanding gaze that reflects their heritage as a master of the herd, making them a standout example of functional beauty.
Bred For
Multi-purpose farm dog, primarily for herding cattle, pulling carts, and guarding property.
Temperament
Calm, sensible, courageous, and loyal with a protective but even-tempered nature.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), , , laryngeal paralysis, and ().
Exercise Needs
Significant daily exercise is required, including long walks, hiking, or vigorous play sessions, totaling at least 60-90 minutes daily.
Grooming Needs
High maintenance; requires weekly deep brushing to prevent matting, regular beard cleaning, and professional trimming or hand-stripping every 6-8 weeks.
Good with Kids
Generally very good with children, especially when raised with them; their large size requires supervision around toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Usually good with other family pets if socialised early, though may display herding behaviours or dominance with strange dogs.
Trainability
Highly intelligent and capable but can be independent and strong-willed; requires consistent, positive reinforcement training.
Coat & Colours
Double-coated with a rough, wiry outer coat and a dense, fine undercoat.. Fawn to black, including salt and pepper, grey, and brindle.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
The Bouvier Des Flandres is a magnificent companion but comes with specific quirks. They are predisposed to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) due to their deep chests; this means owners should use slow-feeders and avoid exercise immediately after meals. Their famous beards are 'water magnets' and will frequently drip across the house after drinking—a quick wipe with a towel becomes a standard daily routine. While they shed very little, their coat is a 'forest walker,' picking up burrs, twigs, and dirt easily, requiring diligent grooming to prevent painful mats. Like many large breeds, they are more likely to develop hip and elbow dysplasia, so keeping them at a lean, healthy weight is vital for joint longevity. They can be quite independent or 'selective listeners' during training, requiring a patient owner who enjoys the challenge of a smart dog. They are also prone to ear infections because hair grows deep inside the canal, trapping moisture; regular ear cleaning is a must. Lastly, some Bouviers may develop skin allergies or sensitivities to low-quality fillers in commercial food, often thriving much better on a clean, single-protein fresh diet.
Feeding Guide for Your Bouvier Des Flandres
Healthy Weight
27-40 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
700-1050 grams
For an adult Bouvier Des Flandres, a fresh or raw diet should focus on high-quality animal proteins and balanced fats. We recommend feeding approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. For a standard 35 kg adult, this equates to 700g to 1,050g per day, divided into two meals to help mitigate the risk of bloat.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
High-quality, protein-rich diet specifically formulated for large breeds to support joint health and manage growth rates in puppies.
The ideal raw diet for a Bouvier Des Flandres should leverage Majestik's premium Australian proteins like Beef, Lamb, and Kangaroo. Incorporating Kangaroo is excellent for maintaining a lean weight to protect joints. Adding leafy greens and kelp supports thyroid health and coat luster. Owners should avoid high-fat trimmings to prevent digestive upset, and always feed from a raised bowl to assist with their deep-chested anatomy.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Bouvier Des Flandres Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Bouvier Des Flandres? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
5-10 puppies
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Other Large Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.