Bouvier des Ardennes

Bouvier des Ardennes is a rare dog breed originated in Belgium.

Appearance

The Bouvier De Ardennes can come in any color except white. It is usually found in brindled or peppered variety. It has medium length, coarse, wiry hair, with a "beard" and "eyebrows". This dog is naturally tailless and can stand from 32 - 36 cm at the shoulder. Ideal weight is between 55-65 lbs. This dog has short, prick ears and a keen eye.

Size

The Ardennes Cattle Dog stands ideally between 26-32 cm and weighs from 55-65 lbs.

History

In the past all the dogs that worked with cattle were called Bouvier (Bovine herder). Each region throughout the area had it's own type. From ancient rough-coated stock these dogs were prized guardians and drovers. As the motorized age arrived, the need for driving cattle to the market was gone and so was the call that helped with the drives.

The Bouvier's were almost eliminated after the bloody fighting of WW1 and the many of the more rarer types were lost altogether. Sadly, the breeds that are a memory include: Bouvier de Roulers, Bouvier de Moerman, and Bouvier de Paret. Still remaining are the Bouvier de Ardennes and Bouvier des Flandres. Both France and Belgium have claimed the dog of Flandres, and the FCI has actually dubbed it "Franco-Belgian".