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The Bouvier des Flandres has been the subject of different famous people. Former President of the United States Ronald Reagan had a Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky. In "A Dog of Flanders", there was a fictional Bouvier des Flandres named Patrache, who was found by a boy named Nello.
The first Bouvier des Flandres was shown in May 1910 in Brussels at the International Dog Show. They weren't recognized in the ACC, however, until 1929.
In one working competition, The French Ring Sport, the Bouvier des Flandres has to refuse any food thrown his way while he is in the "down stay" position. Four pieces of food are thrown at him, and the dog must refuse to eat them. If a piece accidentally lands in the dog's mouth, the dog must spit it out.
When the Bouvier des Flandres first originated, they were owned by farmers that owned cattle or had something to do with farming and cattle. At that stage, their main ability was cattle driving. The Bouvier has such a strong threshold for pain that when they get injured by cattle, veterinarians often can't tell where the dog is injured because the dog is so strong.
The Bouvier des Flandres is known by other names such as Vuilbaard (dirty beard), Toucheur de boeuf or pic (cattle driver), or Koehond (cow dog). The name that is used is dependent on where the dog is located.
Owners of the Bouvier des Flandres state they are the sloppiest dogs they've owned as their beard collects water - lots of water. Just a simple task of the Bouvier taking a drink of water and he will leave water on your floors for you to slip on if you are not careful.
Did you know the average yearly cost for owning (food and vet bills) a Bouvier des Flandres is from $600 to $900. Bathing and grooming can add another $500 to $900 in annual costs. These costs do not include crates, collars, leashes, food dishes, or additional vet bills. Many Bouvier owners say their dogs do best when given holistic dog food, which consists of all natural foods. Some of these foods have even been linked with eliminating certain health problems that existed prior to starting them on the natural food.
As good of a guard and protection dog as the Bouvier is, if they see a stranger or an intruder, they will use their strength to knock them down instead of biting them.
The Bouvier is rated as the most lovable and greatest dog by every owner that has ever had a Bouvier. As much as they need exercise, they will NOT exercise themselves. If left alone, they are content to become a "couch potato". Once you get them outside, however, they love the exercise.
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