Bouvier des Ardennes

The Bouvier des Ardennes is an extremely hardy dog. Its original purpose was to herd large livestock and it retains its adaptability and versatility to this day. Dog lovers appreciate this breed for its curious, playful, agile and sociable nature. A Bouvier des Ardennes is content when it sees that its owner is doing well.

Bouvier des Ardennes - Profile

• Character: Robust, loyal, hardworking
• Size: Medium to large
• Height: 56-66 cm
• Weight: 10-12 kg
• Life expectancy: 9-15 years
• Coat type: Rough, Dense
• Color: Fawn, Black, Gray and Brindle
• Special features: A strong and courageous dog, formerly used as a working dog on farms and in livestock farming.
• FCI Group: Cattle Dogs

 

Bouvier des Ardennes - Special characteristics

The Bouvier des Ardennes, a member of the herding and cattle dog breed, is characterized by a powerful physique. Medium in size, with a stocky build and strong bones, it belongs to FCI Group 1 . Its coat is rough and disheveled, with a distinctive chin and moustache on its face. Although it has only been bred in Germany for a short time and is therefore not very well known, it has a lot to offer. It is versatile and masters tasks such as agility, retrieving and tracking with ease. The Bouvier des Ardennes always strives to make its owner happy and shows a strong protective and herding instinct. This makes it an ideal house and farm dog. Its thick coat protects it even in low temperatures, as it becomes even thicker in winter. Due to its adaptability, it is well suited as a family dog.

Bouvier des Ardennes - What should be considered regarding nutrition?

A Bouvier des Ardennes often has a strong appetite and can eat quite a lot of food, especially if he gets enough exercise. However, it is important to ensure that despite his good appetite, he is fed a balanced and natural diet and is not prone to obesity. It is advisable to give dog treats in moderation and to ensure that his meals contain all the necessary nutrients. Proteins and healthy fats are particularly important as they provide him with the energy he needs. It is advisable to avoid food with added unhealthy substances and instead opt for high-quality and natural dog food. Variety in his diet can encourage his enjoyment of eating and ensure that he gets all the nutrients he needs.

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Bouvier des Ardennes - Health and Care

Caring for a Bouvier des Ardennes is usually straightforward. A monthly brushing of the coat and regular checks of the eyes, paws and ears for any abnormalities are among the most important care measures. This breed of dog is prone to certain health problems such as cataracts and hip dysplasia, so regular visits to the vet for monitoring and preventive examinations are important. Due to its size and natural athleticism, the Bouvier des Ardennes needs a lot of exercise and is therefore less suitable for living in an apartment. A house with a spacious garden would be ideal to meet its need for exercise. Since it is a working and utility dog ​​by nature, it enjoys a lot of physical and mental challenge. This contributes to its balance and it shows itself to be a loving and cuddly companion at home. It should be noted, however, that the Bouvier des Ardennes also has hunting instincts, so it is advisable to keep it on a dog leash during walks in the forest.

Bouvier des Ardennes - Origin & History

The Bouvier des Ardennes has its origins in the French and Belgian Ardennes, as its name suggests. In this region, it was widespread in the 18th and early 19th centuries as a versatile farm and herding dog. Its main tasks were to herd sheep and cattle and to guard the property. Living conditions were tough at the time and people had few financial means. Therefore, they needed robust and hardy dogs to help them with the work on the farm. The Bouvier des Ardennes was perfect for these tasks. For many years, farmers bred this breed to be a strong, agile and trainable work partner. With industrialization, the need for working and herding dogs decreased and the breed was forgotten for a long time. It was not until 1983 that the Bouvier des Ardennes was rediscovered, more or less by chance, and then rebuilt. In the 1990s, more attention was paid to the breeding lines from the Ardennes. In 1996, the breed received official recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard no. 171. The outstanding performance, willingness to learn and friendly, people-oriented nature of these dogs contributed to the Bouvier des Ardennes becoming increasingly popular.

Bouvier des Ardennes - The right accessories

The Bouvier des Ardennes is an extremely playful dog who enjoys playing with balls and objects. You can give him great pleasure by providing him with balls and dog toys. A simple stick can be enough to practice retrieving, but you can also use special training accessories such as throwing ropes to add variety to the game. Due to his ability to track, the Bouvier des Ardennes has a variety of opportunities to use his skills. You can challenge him with targets, marker cones or hidden treats and develop his tracking skills. A high-quality leash is also important to give him enough freedom of movement during play. For young dogs who still need to get used to being on a leash, a tracking leash can be helpful.

Bouvier des Ardennes - Conclusion

The Bouvier des Ardennes is a versatile and robust dog breed that was originally bred as a herding and cattle dog. With its stocky build, shaggy coat and friendly nature, it is a popular family dog. It is easy to care for, but it requires regular brushing and veterinary checks due to its susceptibility to certain health problems. A house with a garden is ideal for it to meet its need for exercise. It is suitable for various activities and dog sports, is a good house and farm dog and likes to be cuddly and harmonious at home.

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