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Standing as high as 27.5 with heavy bone and powerful muscles under a weatherproof coat, and an impressive head with beards and mustaches, Bovirs can do anything milky or pasture except cows. And yet, Buivivars are more than just agricultural tools. His sterling character, huge heart, and deep intellect make him a love for dog lovers around the world.
The Bower work policy must be adjusted, and the versatility of the breed happily allows them to perform myriad tasks. The Buyers are excellent watchdogs and patrons, and are keen participants in dog sports, especially in herring trials. These do best with dog owners with strong intentions who can dedicate enough time and space to a top-line Working Dog.
The Buvière des Flandres roughly translates as “Coward of Flanders”. In the early years of the breed, it was called “Vuilbard” (“filthy beard”), “cohond” (“cow’s dog”), and “tcher de bouf or pick” (“cattle driver”) – of this majestic shepherd. Appropriate description. Belgium once had several “Bavier” breeds; The Bouvir des Flandres is the last to exist in any great number.
In medieval times, when Bower was first conceived, Flanders was a princely state encompassing modern France, Belgium, and parts of the Netherlands. (To this day, both France and Belgium claim the bower as the original breed.) As many of the breed’s earliest names suggest, moving cattle was Bower’s primary occupation. But frugal farmers from France and the Low Countries preferred to own a versatile dog rather than a team of experts, so the Buyers retained themselves as shepherds, watchdogs, guardians, and cart-pullers.
By the end of the 20th century, the Bauvirs were attracting the attention of international dog fanatics away from the fields and pastures of Flanders. A Belgian breed club was formed, and French and Belgian experts formulated a written standard. With the outbreak of World War I, however, Buquier’s bucolic homeland became a battlefield of nightmares. Farmers in the area were displaced, and their dogs were lost or destroyed.
The Belgian army was responsible for keeping the breed alive, and the Bauvirs distinguished themselves as daring and resourceful dogs of war. In peacetime, the Bauwirs lit their resumes as European police K-9s and guided the dogs to the blind.
The Bower was again nearly extinct after World War II, but European immigrants kept the breed alive in the Americas. The American Bower des Flandres Club was formed in 1963.
The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerfully built, compact, short-coupled, thick-coated dog of a particularly rugged appearance. He gives the impression of great strength in his overall makeup without any hint of heaviness or clumsiness. He is agile, enthusiastic and bold, yet his calm, well-mannered temperament reflects his steady, firm and fearless character. His intelligence is alert and brilliant, reflecting his intelligence, valor and courage. He is an equitable dog by nature. His native cattle are herdsmen and general farmers’ helpers, including cart pulling.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
The bower’s coat needs to be brushed once or twice a week. A good slicker brush or pin brush and large comb will work for this. The beard may require cleaning at the same time, and the dog’s toes should be trimmed every week or two.
Bower is happiest when he has a job to do, whether that job is babysitting, shepherd, obedience, or Guard Dog or rescue work. Buvivores are easily trained to perform almost any type of dog sport or activity, and they usually excel at it. They have a strong hunting drive so should be well socialized from the start. He is a consummate showman and enjoys working or competing with his boss. Extremely eager to please, once they know what you want them to do, they will do their best to satisfy you. This breed is well suited for search and rescue operations and is easily adapted for training.
Bower was obliged to do all the work in a gunny and pasture in addition to the milk of the cows. They are happiest when they are busy. A bored Bouvier can be a very destructive one. They are an excellent fit for an active home with an owner who also hikes or jogs or bikes. Bower needs a large, enclosed exercise area, where he can cry and play, preferably with other dogs or children who will keep him in a good state mentally and physically. Heavy exercise should be limited while he is a growing puppy.
The bower must perform well on high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet needs to be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior), and the bower requires a diet low in protein compared to most other breeds. Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Buyers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders will display their stock for health conditions such as Buvier des Flandres myopathy, cataract, deafness, ectopic ureter, epilepsy, cataract, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, laryngeal paralysis, megasophagus, alboplasia. , Alboplasia and subaortic stenosis. Like all large and deep-breasted breeds, the bower can experience gastric dilatation and bloat. Owners must learn how to identify this potentially life-threatening condition and to know what the emergency steps are.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: