Page 49 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Bouvier des Flandres

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Variety of colors
23–27in 60–88lb Over 10 years
(59–68cm) (27–40kg) May have small, white star on chest.

Loyal and fearless, this independent dog does well in town or
PRESIDENTIAL DOGS
country but needs plenty of space and an experienced owner
One of the largest dogs to live at the White
House was Lucky, a Bouvier des Flandres puppy
The Bouvier breeds were developed in at the Olympic Show in Antwerp, Belgium,
given to Nancy Reagan in December 1984. Belgium and northern France for herding, in 1920, he was recognized as the ideal type
As Lucky matured, she also became stronger
guarding, and driving cattle; the French of Bouvier. During the 1920s breeders
and more boisterous. She started to drag the
president around during press photo shoots word bouvier means cowherd. Of the worked to resurrect the Bouvier des Flandres.
(below), which did not give the impression of a various Bouviers, the Bouvier des Flandres Today the breed is valued as a guard dog
leader in control. In November 1985 Lucky was is the most commonly encountered. and a family pet. Calm and easy to train, it
sent to live at the Reagans’ California ranch and
During World War I they were used nevertheless has strong protective instincts
was replaced by a smaller, more manageable as messenger dogs and ambulance dogs and is still used for military and police
English Toy Spaniel named Rex.
(guiding medical helpers to wounded men), work, and as a search and rescue dog. Despite
but Flanders was devastated by the fighting, originally being an outdoor dog, the Bouvier
and the breed itself was almost destroyed. des Flandres can adjust to an urban home,
One dog that survived was a male named as long as it has plenty of exercise every day.
Nic, which became a founding sire of the The coat needs to be groomed several times a
modern breed. When Nic was presented week and trimmed every three months.

High-set,
drop ears

Heavily
feathered tail Silver-brindle

Long,
coarse beard

Very thick coat, Dense coat
coarse to touch extends
over feet

47