Bouvier des Ardennes
Woof!
The Bouvier De Ardennes can come in any color except white. It is usually found in brindled or peppered variety. It has medium length, coarse, wiry hair, with a “beard” and “eyebrows”.
In 5 Words
- Energetic
- Agile
- Sociable
- Playful
- Curious
SnapShot
Size:
Males – 61 to 65 cm (24 to 25 inches)
Females – 61 to 65 cm (24 to 25 inches)
Weight:
Males – 24.9 to 29.5 kg (54.7 to 64.9 lb)
Females – 24.9 to 29.5 kg (54.7 to 64.9 lb)
Origin: Belgium
Life Span: 9 – 15 Years
Colour: Grey, black, fawn, dark
Litter Size: 5 to 10 puppies
Characteristics
Learn About the Bouvier des Ardennes
In the past, all the dogs that worked with cattle were called Bouvier (bovine herder). Each region throughout the area had its own type. From ancient rough-coated stock, these dogs were prized guardians and drovers. As the motorized age arrived, the need for driving cattle to the market was gone and so was the call that helped with the drives.
The Bouviers were almost eliminated after the bloody fighting of World War I. Many of the rarer types were lost altogether. The breeds that are a memory include: Bouvier de Roulers, Bouvier de Moerman, and Bouvier de Paret. Still remaining are the Bouvier de Ardennes and Bouvier des Flandres. Both France and Belgium have claimed the dog of Flandres, and the FCI has actually dubbed it “Franco-Belgian”.
Head: Massive, relatively short. Stop not pronounced. Short, broad muzzle with goatlike beard. Tight-lipped jaws.
Ears: Not cropped. Flat ears are not permissible. Erect ears breaking forward and semi-prick folding to the side are
permitted.
Eyes: Dark color. Gold color or walleyes not permissible.
Body: Medium size. Short, thick neck. Broad forechest. Broad, deep chest. Ribs well sprung. Belly not tucked up.
Topline (back, loin, croup) powerful, broad, and horizontal.
Tail: Naturally tailless or docked to one vertebra.
Hair: Rough, mussed, 5 cm long. Must be shorter on the head and legs. Very thick undercoat.
Coat: All colors permitted.
Size: Approx. 60 cm.
Weight: 22 to 25 kg.
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a dog which shows much endurance and energy. It is playful, curious, agile and sociable and its main quality is its adaptability, so that it feels at ease in every situation. It is obstinate and extremely courageous when it comes to defending its people, its belongings and its territory.
While the Bouvier des Ardennes is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, entropian – folding inward of the eye lid, ectropian – folding outward of the eye lid, food allergies, chronic kidney infection, and bloat.
This breed has an abundant, coarse outer coat that should be kept at about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. The undercoat is close and dense. Bouviers should be groomed at least three times a week with particular attention being paid to their beards and moustaches to ensure they are kept free of food particles. It is important to ensure the undercoat is kept matt-free for the comfort of the dog. The outer coat should be stripped at least twice a year during their moulting seasons.
