Bouvier Des Flandres: The first 90 days
During a Bouvier Des Flandres puppy's first 90 days, choose manageable experiences and protect recovery between them. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Sequence sleep, toilet training, handling, food routines, socialisation, and short training sessions with rest between them. Space new experiences with sleep and familiar routines; progress by recovery, not by a calendar target.
What to protect during the first 90 days
Bouvier Des Flandres's exercise is recorded as The Bouvier was bred to do everything that needs doing in a barnyard and pasture except milk the cows. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
A manageable order of experiences
- Sequence sleep, toilet training, handling, food routines, socialisation, and short training sessions with rest between them.
- Use this exercise note (The Bouvier was bred to do everything that needs doing in a barnyard and pasture except milk the cows) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Space new experiences with sleep and familiar routines; progress by recovery, not by a calendar target.
Pause and seek help if
Pause and seek help when development, appetite, sleep, movement, or fear responses change unexpectedly.
References
Height: 24.5-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-26.5 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 70-110 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Bouvier's coat needs brushing once or twice a week. A good slicker brush or pin brush and large comb will work for this. The beard may need cleaning at the same time, and the dog's toenails should be trimmed every week or two.
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Bouvier was bred to do everything that needs doing in a barnyard and pasture except milk the cows. They are happiest when they stay busy. A bored Bouvier can be a very destructive one. They are an excellent fit for an active household with an owner who hikes or jogs or even bikes. The Bouvier needs a large, enclosed exercise area where he can romp and…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Bouvier is happiest when he has a job to do, whether that job is babysitting, herding, obedience, or guard dog or rescue work. Bouviers are easily trained to do almost any type of dog sport or activity, and they usually excel at it. They have a strong prey drive so should be well socialized from the start. They are consummate showmen and enjoy working…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: They don't build 'em like this anymore. Burly and broad-chested, the tousle-coated dog of Flandres is from a time and place where a dog had to work like ' well, a dog. These smart and steady all-purpose workers make excellent watchdogs.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
Use the tools