Best in Group from the Herding Group at the Westminster Kennel Club show was the Bouvier des Flandres. This breed originated in southwest Flanders (hence the name) and on the northern plains of France, and was nearly wiped out during World War I.
Most of the early breeders were farmers, butchers, and cattle merchants. The Bouvier des Flandres is a natural cattle driver and helpful herding dog. In 1910, the breed began making show appearances. When World War I broke out, the areas where the Bouvier was bred were hard-hit and nearly destroyed. Most people left the area, leaving their dogs behind. Only a few breeders managed to keep their dogs through the war; other Bouviers were taken by the invading army. The surviving dogs revived the breed, and it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1929.
The Bouvier des Flandres went by many names over the years, including:
- Vuilbaard (dirty beard)
- Koehond (cow dog)
- Toucheur de boeuf/Toucheur de pic (cattle driver)
This breed is a powerful one — muscular and sturdy as befits a farmer’s helper. The average Bouvier des Flanders stands between twenty-three and twenty-seven inches high at the shoulder, but is not clumsy despite his size. A Bouvier has a double coat for protection from the elements, and the outer coat should feel rough and dry to the touch.
The Bouvier des Flandres has the temperament of a hardworking dog: smart, alert, helpful, and daring. The breed can be a family protector, a tracking dog, or a guide for the blind. The Bouvier is fearless but not vicious, and generally even tempered.
One last piece of Bouvier des Flandres trivia: in Belgium, a Bouvier cannot win the title of champion unless he or she has already won a price in a working competition. In other words, a Belgian champion is also a champion police dog, defense dog, or army dog!