What is a Bouvier des Flandres?

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? These dogs have a reputation for being protective, loyal, clever and gentle pets. Their intelligence is actually above average. This means that they can be easily trained, and they can learn commands and tricks quickly. What is a Bouvier des Flandres? These dogs can memorize new commands after a couple of repetitions. They generally obey their owners but they can also be stubborn at times which can make teaching a bit challenging. In this article, you’ll learn more about what is a Bouvier des Flandres?

What is a Bouvier des Flandres: Characteristics

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? When it comes to their characteristics, we will discuss and highlight both the pros and cons of certain categories for you to decide if the Bouvier breed is suitable for you and your family to keep as household pets.

Playfulness

Just like any other dog breed, the Bouvier dog loves to play. You can expect them to bark whenever they’re playing with you or other pets because that is a sign of excitement for them. However, they are not the most playful type of dog.

Sensitivity Level

These dogs are a bit more sensitive compared to other breeds. This is why whenever you find them misbehaving, they only need to be punished softly since they are quite emotional. Positive reinforcement is best. The Bouvier breed also doesn’t tolerate irregular routines, frequent visits from unfamiliar faces, and a noisy household. They are quite receptive as well to the emotions of their owners which make them amazing family pets.

Affection Level

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? Bouviers are loving and very affectionate dogs. They are also genuinely loyal to their keepers. They will surely enjoy quality time with you regardless of the activity, and they can also make great therapy dogs for those who need it. The reason for this is because they respond well to the emotions of their owners because they tend to get bonded with them. If their owner is happy, then they’re happy.

Social Needs

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? When it comes to their social needs, the Bouvier breed doesn’t need lots of social interaction but they do enjoy the company of other people and animals. They don’t mind being left alone for just a few hours either.

Barking

The Bouvier breed barks occasionally. Their barks typically depend on the emotional level at the moment or it depends on the situation. Different barks could mean the same, and same barks could also have a different meaning. If your Bouvier is barking, it can be for various reasons such as alarm, boredom, protection, fear, separation anxiety, seeking attention, compulsive barking and greeting just to name a few. It’s up to you to learn what they’re communicating.

Watchdog Ability

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? The breed is one of the best watchdogs. They are very good at observing things, and they show consistency in their efforts. The best sense of hearing and vocals belong to them. More often than not, they are protective of their territory, which is why you can expect them to alert you if they sense something suspicious.

Territorial

This dog breed is extremely protective of their territory. They don’t hesitate when it comes to protecting your property making them the best choice as guard dogs. You can expect them to take care of unwanted strangers and even animals.

Biting Potential

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? These dogs have a low biting potential. They are not the kind of dogs that will just bite someone for the sake of biting them. However, they can still injure someone for the following reasons: protection, excitement, pain, if they are provoked, herding instinct.  

Mouthiness

These dogs have a lower than average tendency to herd and nip at people if you properly raise them. You can see them doing this as a common habit during their puppy years but not in an aggressive behavior. These nips or bites don’t really hurt, and you can always teach them good manners at a young age.

Impulse to Roam or Wander

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? Just like any other dog breeds, they sometimes want to escape but not so much compare to others. They actually have a low wanderlust potential. Needless to say, exploring the world is not their thing. They do love playing and engaging is sports but going to unfamiliar places is not the best activity for them. This is a good thing as an owner.

Prey Drive

When it comes to prey drive, the Bouvier breed only has a low impulse to catch or chase other household pets, or even smaller animals. They’re not hunting dogs which is why they don’t have a high prey drive. If you see them barking or nipping another pet, it could mean that they just want to keep everything in order since they have a natural tendency for herding.

Apartment Friendly

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? Since these dogs are large and strong, the Bouvier breed may not be apartment – friendly pets. If you don’t have enough space like a backyard or garden, you may need to reconsider your choice because they prefer living in a spacious environment.

Adaptability

The Bouvier breed can adapt very well to living environments and lifestyle changes. You don’t need to worry about them if you have to move from one place to another. As long as you are going to take them with you, that’s all they wanted.

Tolerates Being Left Alone

What is a Bouvier des Flandres? Just like other dogs, the Bouvier can be prone to whining, anxiety, and excessive barking if they are left alone by their keeper for long periods of time. Make sure to spend quality time with them, and socialize them with other pets to prevent separation anxiety.

Fighting Dog

They are not really fighting dogs. If you look back at history, even if they are large and hardworking, they were never used as a combat dog. They’re only used for farming, herding cattle, therapy dogs and as s guard dogs.

Ideal for First Time Owners

Unfortunately, the Bouvier des flandres breed is not ideal for first – time dog keepers. This is mostly due to their stubborn characteristic. They need to be handled by experienced owners who can keep them grounded and whom they can rely on when it comes to consistency.

We hope in this article, we have answered your question, what is a Bouvier des Flandres? Make sure to stay tune for more awesome posts about this dog breed!