Bouvier des Flandres Did You Know?

• The Bouvier originated in Southwest Flanders and on the French northern plain.
• As a rule, the Bouvier was owned by people who occupied themselves with cattle, for the dog's chief aptitude seemed to be cattle driving. Most of the early Bouvier owners and breeders were farmers, butchers, or cattle merchants.
• Other names for the Bouvier include Vuilbaard (dirty beard), koehond (cow dog), toucheur de boeuf or pic (cattle driver).
• The Bouvier was first exhibited at the International Dog Show in May 1910 in Brussels, although a standard did not exist until 1912.
• In Belgium, a Bouvier cannot win the title of champion unless he has also won a prize in work-competition as a police, defense, or army dog.
• The Bouvier was recognized by the AKC in 1929.