The Right Companion: Bouvier Des Flandres

[tishpit]

Had a Bouvier years ago and one of the best dogs I've ever known! He was my guardian angel, attended night classes with me at a major university during a time when there were a lot of attacks and rapes... never an issue with me! He was obedient, loving, protective, and wise. The coat took some work to look nice, but when groomed up, he was MARVELOUS! But not a dog for a submissive owner!

[krizla4]

Actually, Flanders is the dutch-speaking part of Belgium in the North.

[iiAngelic]

BEST DOG EVAAAAAAAR!!!!!!!!

[DBSpy1]

Is it OK to keep the tail?

[Zedofree]

@DBSpy1 I dont know where you are but here in england you are no longer allowed to crop their tails, i believe they used to crop them to stop them getting trapped when they were a working dog and it became tradition to dock the tail at birth, if you ask me you would have to be crazy to want to get rid of the tail because its an amazing fluffy and curly thing which seems to have a life of its own. 

[DBSpy1]

@Zedofree I'm in S California,and I think its strange to cut the tail, I would never do it.

[JoaoCMBarbosa]

lol they're like schauzers but much furry, never seen this one. Nice video.

[BOUVIERGLoK]

Love Bouviers, but I'm partial to the working lines; not as lazy and more protective. Show lines and working lines have their own place.

[whokeithmoon]

THE BEST DOG I HAVE EVER OWNED...R..I..P.. SHANDA STILL MISS YOU

[InherentlyWise]

Best dog breed in the world. Intelligent, gentle, protective, obedient, and beautiful. I've owned several different breeds of dogs in the past, and there simply isn't any comparison once you've owned a Bouvier.

[Bilouken]

I am from Belgium and Boris is my second bouvier. I am sure my next one will be a bouvier again. They are so smart and so gentle with 'their' people. Boris chooses his friends and family, even after years of not seeing some people he recognizes them immediately. He adores kids and even more babies although we don't have them at home. I suppose it is his instinct.

[Bammabay]

Does anyone know where I can possibly buy a Bouvier ? My family has been wanted to get one.  I have looked everywhere for breeders and there isnt alot of them. If anyone knows, please leave me a message , Thanks !

[SuperStrik9]

My neighbour has a bouv. He's a good boy and he makes me laugh. He loves playing in the snow and our porches are close together so often times when I'm going out in the winter I'll see him waiting to be let inside and his face is covered in snow lol!

[DimTheSun]

Wow... Dorothy Loftus is my grandmother. She passed away three years ago as of September 16th, 2010. I came across this video tonight during a google search of her name, and I couldn't be happier.

This is the first time I've heard her voice in three years, and I can't lie; it brought me to tears. She was a wonderful woman and I'm just really happy to know that this video is out here floating around. I miss her more than anything and I'd like to thank the person who posted this.

[josvers123]

I had a Boef.she was born in Feb.2000 we had her until 2010,most loved dog we ever had.RIP GEA....

[josvers123]

@josvers123 Must correct myself, Not DOG,FRIEND.

[Makahomian]

I have a Bouvier as well, she is the best dog I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. They are like a gentle giant, but you also have to make sure you get them from a good breeder who knows what they're doing.

[jogryant]

I had a bouvier and Briard for nealy 10 years, both are warm lovely dogs. I wish I could have another one

[mizzoulibertarian]

@jogryant did they get attatched to you? I'm interested in both types.

[doctorturkleton]

i love bouves.

mine had to be put down about a year ago

D:

[wcsxwcsx]

One used to come to our house quite often. A friendly dog with a nice stable temperament. I recommend them.

[Nemodog]

These are the very best dogs. Check out our Bruno at Nemodog's channel.

[Nemodog]

We love our bouvier. Please check out how gentle these wonderful dogs are by looking for our video The Waltz and Bone of COntention. We are training ours to be a search and rescue dog here in Alaska.

[fiddlestick89]

Bouviers are the BEST dogs ever... I love mine!

[AdamKaoru]

I had one of these growing up, he was AMAZING.

[il0vfalloutboy]

they are the best dogs!!!!! i have one and he is just gorgeous! you don't have to cut them like they do. They are definatley the best dogs and they hardly shed!!! :)

[81166]

Hi all! I'm probably going to get a Bouvier for my first dog that'll be my own (have had experience with dogs growing up). I am wondering, however, if any of you know how much they would enjoy going on day hikes? The most I've ever hiked was 20 miles, though usually it's around 10. Also, how well do these dogs hold up in the heat? Thanks for your input!

[dutchnativeprincess]

@81166

My neighbours are walking 2 (sometimes 3) walks on the leash and one hike from an hour where the dog is also running lose.

But we in Holland always walk with dogs a couple times a day =) Typical Dutch I guess.

[IIn3cy]

@81166 These dogs shouldnt be exercised too much (i.e., 20 mile hike) until they have matured physically, 6 months to a year, as they are a giant breed and their boddies need to reserve energy for all that fast growing. Also, strenuous exercise, and even going up and down stairs AT ALL, is a NO for them to avoid joint problems until they are fully mature. After that, they'd be great!

[zjerna]

i'm from belgium and what other dog could i have then a bouvier :) she is now 2years and very adorable i advice this dog really to everyone but be careful when you buy them that they are a puppy we got ours at 4months and she wasn't used to anything

[mtrm07]

the Bouvier world lost a great man on december 23. Dr Erik Houttuin passed away. For those who remember him, he was a man who helped evolve the world of Bouviers

[proking23]

its so funny at 1:26 whan he shakes her tail

[proking23]

i have a bouvier des flandres and his name is bowie

[sbuer57]

Brugge (named after the town in Belgium) is my second bouv and I love her to death. I lost my first one to Bloat which I never knew anything about and you can bet I take all the precautions with Brugge. My precious Bouv has something wrong and with blood tests and xrays we still know nothing. She vomits daily ... once a day just bile. This has been going on for 2 months now .. the next is an ultrasound. Anyone else have this problem?

[coolerooney1]

Be careful what you give Bugge! Our bouvier has extremely sensitive bowels and stomach. She only has a healthy 'shit' when she has the eukanuba food.

Just don't give ur dog to much food off the table (like chicken bones, broccoli,...) and we also tear the bread we sometimes give her to pieces so she doesn't throw up because she has been to greedy. She eats the food to fast :). Maybe this can help you ;)

[Casuality07]

my bouvier also eats to fast and pukes sometimes when it swols up becouse of all the water to, now i give him 3 small meals in a intervall of 10 mins, and fill up water bowl like 2 deciliters every 2 hours if its empty, ofc more if its hot out and wev been out running etc :)

[naturegirl92584]

I miss my bouvier, Brina, so much. She was so good to my family.

[dooggyloover]

i love these dogs but my fav herding breed is the Briard. excellent cart dogs!

[JustinPwnz1996]

i have one his name is riley he is so cute but we grow his hair a bit and he is very vute and cuddly and lovable.

[YamaxOn]

The cleverest, courageous, cheerful, delicate, most best dogs. At me was. The cancer has died 13 years. The big loss, it was very sick

[rrrorrim]

Pro: Extremely huggable

Con: The Bouvier fart (imagine a dead skunk decomposing)

Pro: Low, deep bark that scares the crap out of would-be burglars

Con: So fearless they'll try to herd moving vehicles

Pro: Cut their coat very short and they look graceful, elegant, and dangerous like a black panther. And their walk is flowing, from side to side like a snake. So cool. I love this breed. :)

[sadbutbenji]

@rrrorrim soooo true opn the farting, I had one for 11 years and he could clear a football stadium with a fart.... beside that and the super requiring grooming they are the greatest dog

[fiddlestick89]

@rrrorrim YES!! This commenter speaks the truth!!

[TehSamo]

@rrrorrim haha completely agree about the farts! as a kid used to travel in the car with mine and it was horrendous

[rrrorrim]

I've had a bichon, standard poodle, and german shepherd. Those are just "dogs." But Bouviers are in their own class. Sophisticated and complex... with a strong will of their own, more like a rebellious teenager than a "dog." But a very loving rebellious teenager. :P

[amirjon]

um a german shepard is not sophisticated??? dont put ur own hommies down... i have a bernese they are the best dogs int he world

[TheOrangeLime]

I have one named Bowie.

[sakuraseer8]

My bouv's name is Charlotte, which is really ironic because her name means "petite and feminine" (yeah right.) But, I love her to death anyways.

[Joemnc]

I love my Bouvier. I am thinking of getting a second one to keep her company while she's at home alone, which is not often. She's a great dog!

[malagamom1]

My third Bouv, Irish, was my daughter's nanny. We brought the baby home, put her on the floor, the dog licked her all over, and from that moment, that baby was HERS. Bouvs are gentle, smart and protective, but they do think they know better than you do--they need a firm, kind hand training them

[webkinzX0X0]

i have 1 named max he is as sweet as can be :D if anyone dosent like the bouv they should live under a rock xD

[nyah89]

i have one named rusty and man he is as loving as any dog can be he loves to cuddle and boy do i love him o and his jaws are as strong as a motherf@#ker lol great breed!!

[applejackpooky]

i have one! his name is Axel and he is wonderful! they are the best dogs ever. i dont care what anybody says

[71connor71]

Bouviers sre awesome! I have three. Theo, Maggie, Pyper. Theo and Maggie are both black and Pyper is fonde. They are the best dogs ever!

[doctorturkleton]

We had a bouvier named Baie, but she had to be put down a few weeks ago... we think she had lung cancer, and she was deaf and half-blind. She was a great dog -- we've always had bouviers, it's the only dog for us.

[2Y14]

I used to have one named Maggie, unfortunately, she passed away about two or three weeks ago. I miss all the love and companionship she brought our family.

[Queenofcars911]

Beautiful Dogs!

[hifi68]

i have one named Bert

[himanahay]

cool

[himanahay]

cool

[carnypimp]

I had a bouvier when I was 10 years old and it was awesome! Now that im a adult I wouldn't own one they are a lot of work, and good healthy quality bouviers start at $1,200 for a pet quality dog!

[tonylee1973]

by a lot of work? do the house train fast?

[carnypimp]

They can be easily trained if you have experiance with a dominate breed. By a lot of work I mean walking, grooming, and vet care!

[webkinzX0X0]

this is the dog i have i LOVE HIM SOOOO MUCH his name is max :D

[AnxSGxGuitarLover]

Great dog

[carnypimp]

When I was a kid my dad bought me one of these wonderfull dogs! I love them!

[grizzws]

I also have a bouvier, his name is Grizzly he's about 140lbs and 8 years old, he afraid of nothing, well ok he goes hide when we use the vacuum cleaner... Best dog ever.

[Ebenita]

ihave a mix one, so he is not as big as this one also floppy ears, but all the rest and characteristic of a bouvier. He is very gentle with people, babies,c an trust him completely seems to have a hunting gene in there. He loves to play, cuddle and an absolute joy. I want to keep him as long as possible as he is mutt he can live longer than other bouviers

[natbebe7]

Bouviers are the best dogs you can possibly get. i have one named bear and he's sooo awesome

[horseybabe244]

my dad did the music for the movie "a dog of flandres" and so after the movie we got a beautiful bouvier and named him patrasche.he grew to be 180lbs at the most. then we got another named pepper. 8 years later he died from cancer and it was heartbreaking. pepper died soon after.then we deicided to experiment with a diff dog so we got a shitsu.doesnt COMPARE to a bouvier! now we have a year old bouvier named piere and are looking into buying a new one this year.

BOUVIER DES FLANDRES R THE BEST!

[i1killed2god3]

I have bouviers - this is my breed. I like the size, intelligence, and personality. On the day my son was born, someone tried to break into my home. My big male Marley stopped the guy at the gate by biting his thumb off (!). Later, he would gently herd my son away from that very same gate. Best dog I ever had. I miss him so. But my Isa is an absolute beauty. Never more than 3 feet away from me unless I am away. She is incredible.

[shungbat]

I want that dog!

[w67]

yes , they are the best dogs in the world !!!

I had 8 Bouviers, and still 3 are at home

[KaylaS911]

I've had Many special dogs in my life, but nothing can compare to my Bouv! He is like... my best friend in dog form! Best personality EVER! Awesome dogs with kids too. May need some training like any other dog because they are good protectors of the family :)

[nghornberger]

Although we do like the typical Bouvier look, comfort for the animals is more important to us than a certain 'breed look' - we live in the tropics and shear both of ours quite short every two or three weeks because the heat can be oppressive here. Short & sweet with regular baths keep our two feeling AND looking good and the dirt they track into the house to a minimum :-).

Actually, our male looks really GREAT with a short hair cut - wherever we go with our dogs, we get comments and looks!

[Avlesa]

Can u stop dogs attacking the tv???

[applejackpooky]

I hav a 2 yr old bouvier male blonde and grey brindle and his name is Axel and he is sooooooooooo gentle,but if somebody tried to hurt us he would tear their skin off!!! I love My poopets lol

[gemini50AZ]

I'm a green handler getting my feet wet with protection/patrol dogs. Most of the dogs I work with are Belgian Malinois. However, I am having weekly training sessions with a beast of a Bouvier named Chico. He is extremely strong and was stubborn in the beginning. Every session gets better and better. I've been told they take to very few people. Bouvier owners need to be patient and strong willed. There is no better partner. The reward is outstanding!

[dustin4055]

I'm sitting next to my silly Bouv now =D I love him!

[GDR352]

Yes, the Bouvier is a great dog, a good guardian and nice family pet. But here's the real deal....a Bouvier is like an animated 100 pound mop soaking up dirt, mud, grime, leaves, burrs, etc. Be prepared to do a lot of cleaning in your house, especially any furniture the dog gets onto, because that coat is a magnet for all manner of dirt and debris.

[AnalWave]

Yes, that is very true. Personally, I am familiar with this breed, having had two, however, one good thing about their coats is that they can be shaved without worrying about ruining their coats (like a snow-dog breed) and they shed in clumps.

[KaylaS911]

Yeah, GDR is right. But, your right about the shaving! I shaved my Bouvier and he doesent track anything around, and i've haven't had any problens with shedding. He is good for my allergies, and he looks awesome shaved =)

[AnalWave]

Yeah. Even when they are in full coat, they just shed in big clumps making it a lot easier to take of cleaning. The only problem is, like GDR said, that they get EVERYTHING in their coats. However, I don't see why people would want such a large dog on their furniture to begin with. They do way better in open spaces (despite what this lady says). Moreover, it is best if you put them in at night, depending on the time of year.

[cbrigh7777]

I've a 3yr. old female that's unbelievably smart, quick to master new things; many w/ just subtle hand command. she is my constant companion. You do have to stay on top of coat. they are breed that respects/follows/protects a consistant leader but they do not respect/follow excesive verbal/physical force. also, as one of the large breeds they do take longer to mature; you have to put the time in with these dogs(yr.s) but boy does it pay off. my girl thinks for herself but listens to me as well

[oTHEBLESSEDHELLRIDEo]

I have a male named Ace he is here with me watching me write this.breathing on me licking my hands getting the keyboard all wet with his stinkin ass beard lol. this dog would jump off a cliff after me if i asked him to.I got him at three months.He was a rescue had his back right leg broke by his first owner.he couldnt walk at all,So i had to carry him everywhere we went for months.But it payed off.Its been three years since then and has never left my side.

[Rhuadhan1]

Great video! Bouviers are great dogs!

They need a strong hand - Bouviers tend to try you out no matter how old they get - but if are concistant in their training you and your Bouv should get along fine!

I was raised with Bouviers and had one of my own. He lived to be 16 years old and died in my arms. Still miss him!

This week I got a new Bouv; a rescue age 5 and he's great! Knows all the commands, has a great personality, playfull and watchfull.

Love you Buddy-Boy!!!

[Avlesa]

I have one and his name is Frank but I don't think he thinks before he acts he is just SO dumb!

:]

[poetlicense13]

Bouviers are far from dumbthey are brillant children that need intelligent parenting.

[Avlesa]

im not saying they are all dumb i luv my dog but somtimes he can be truley dumb once he jumped into my neighbours koi pond trying to get the cat :-]

[nfoster6080]

Great video. Beautiful Bouv. I have two.

To anyone considering getting their first video: They are fantastic dogs/pets, but do not underestimate the grooming requirements. They require about 5-10 minutes of brushing every day to stay clean, beautiful and healthy.

They also LOVE mud and water. Keep that in mind.

[AliceStokesPaul]

@nfoster6080

I completely agree. I have had Old English Sheepdogs too and people nearly always under estimate the time and effort of grooming needs. You can really create an incredible bond with your dog if you enjoy this activity but, it's NOT an easy job and most high grooming need dogs I've seen given up for adoption are due to people totally not understanding how demanding grooming needs are with dogs like this.

[Snowfirel]

In response to Celine, yes pretty much this breed will defend to the death for the people they love, one poor bouvs. house was invaded by robbers, after they were caught they said, "that...dog took a bullet for every room they had robbed, he just kept attacking us, would not let up." Chicago news not where I live, I am, in MI. The dog died after being filled with about 4 or 5 bullets, home owners found their loyal dead bouv in the house, it was on news not long ago. very sad.

[celinelovestumi]

Thanks for this helpful video!

[Snowfirel]

I owe my life 2 a Bouv. yrs ago, i wrked late sft, took him to work, when i lft. man from behind, pushed me in car, he forced car dr open, no sound, no bark, no nothing, i wondered, where is Prince? The guy let out a scream. Bouv put his nose between the window & seat, held of the guys upper arm, who quickly ripped away, running away.Prince overseat, chased, bounched back with a long sleeve of red flannel in his teeth,sure glad Prince was with me that nite,Bouv isbest for protector, a brave dog.

[celinelovestumi]

Thats really touching, are all bouviers protectors?

[denibeans63]

they are very protective and stubborn as well. They require a strong owner, and I don't mean a cruel one. I have 2 bouviers, both are rescues, One from very strong working lines They need to be occupied with a job, adn told what to do and not left to their own devices.

[Snowfirel]

Yes, pretty much they are protectors.

[nfoster6080]

Not all Bouvs are natural protectors. However, if you get one that was bred for protection work (meaning both parents did schutzhund), it will need little, if any, training to guard its owner/home.

Just the presence of a Bouv can deter most would-be threats.

[cocoa3bella]

i have a bouvier! she is actually half bouvier half cavailier king charles spaniel. there are only 4 of them in the world she is very unique!

[HiLiLjit]

Yea my uncle has one but it was the runt of the litter so its kinda small and he has the BIGGEST under bite in the world we have to make his food with warm water and soft food his mouth wont let him eat hard food..........and he wines like a baby.

[zepp4]

Greatest breed -- strong powerful and protective, but not aggressive.

Bred to knock down enemies with chest ... and man, my 8 month old took me down like that one time .. and I'm 6"2' 250lbs ... not a cream-puff.

They'd rather warn than fight, and slow to get frazzled ... eager to please, love to work ...

Hair short is ok ... I trimmed mine way back in summer, and let it grow in winter ... true above, and metal comb and 10-15 minutes brushing helped wonders with grooming !!!

Looking for #3

[PinkEevee095]

These dogs are awsome!!! I used to have a black one and his name was Jake. He died of Bone Cancer. But then like a week later a puppy was born and he is now my new dog and is just as perfect as the last. (just a little stupider). We believe Jake died for a reason. So we could give this puppy a loving home. His name is Mik and he will turn 2 on May 30th 2008.

These dogs are awsome!! They have EXCELLENT tempermants,protective and are really smart!! Mine is just the exception. XP

[pepecas74]

Famous for be a great guardian dog. Is it agressive?

[PinkEevee095]

no. i have one and is the most loveable dog ever

[nanhamer]

I grew up with 2 bouviers-they are amazing with children! Would get another one in a minute. They aren't for everyone-you have to be the alpha dog and make sure that they are well trained.

[87HunterKiller]

they remind me BRT's a bit :D

[meluccim717]

That was great, thanks. I had two Bouviers, adult rescues. The greatest dogs in the world.

I disagree about cutting their hair short. They're not hard to maintain if their hair is the proper texture. My 1st was basically breed standard & was pretty easy to maintain with a show cut. 10 min/day to brush, with a more thorough grooming weekly - hour or so. My 2nd one's hair was too wooly in texture, and more difficult to maintain.

[bootsmenno]

Loved the video, have had one Bouvier and he was everything you said. Would like another, but there are very few in Spain.

[bank80]

Nice vid. I want a Bouv, but I'd most likely keep that hair short.