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Breed guide

Bouvier des Flandres

A rugged Belgian cattle dog with a shaggy coat and beard. Calm, loyal and protective.

A Bouvier des Flandres
Photo: Basco at Dutch Wikipedia (Original text: annekedirven@tiscali.nl) · CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SizeLarge
Weight70–110 lb
Lifespan10–12 years
Yearly cost$2,500–$4,500*
👪 Good family dog Usually good with kids, with training and supervision.

At a glance

Energy level
Shedding
Grooming needs
Apartment-friendly
Handles cold
Affectionate / cuddly
Good with kids
Good for first-time owners
Easy to train
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
OK being left alone
Reliable off-leash
Protective / watchdog
Barking
Drooling

Great for

  • Families wanting a guardian
  • Cold climates
  • Rural homes

Watch out for

  • Needs professional grooming
  • Protective
  • Large-dog costs

Daily care

Exercise: About an hour a day.

Grooming: Brush weekly; trim every 6–8 weeks.

Cold weather: Rough coat handles cold well.

*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.

Gear for a Bouvier des Flandres

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