Bouvier des Ardennes
Bordering on Extinction
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a working dog from the European country of Belgium. The breed was actually believed to be extinct, and was listed as such by the Belgian Kennel Club. It was not until the late 1980s that some dogs were discovered still living in their homeland. Dedicated breeders are making an effort to have them conform to the standard. Another line of Bouvier des Ardennes were found in 1996 that may help revive this extremely rare breed.
Bordering on Extinction
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a working dog from the European country of Belgium. The breed was actually believed to be extinct, and was listed as such by the Belgian Kennel Club. It was not until the late 1980s that some dogs were discovered still living in their homeland. Dedicated breeders are making an effort to have them conform to the standard. Another line of Bouvier des Ardennes were found in 1996 that may help revive this extremely rare breed.
Appearance
In appearance, the Bouvier des Ardennes looks little like its well-known “cousin”, the Bouvier des Flandres. The breed is shorter, standing between 22-25 inches, and lighter, weighing only between 40-60 pounds. Its rough, thick coat comes in a variety of colors, not including white, with the most common being a mixture of gray and black. On the head the coat is shorter and flat, except for a ruffled “beard”. Its ears are pricked and the breed is often born tailless. In countries where it is allowed the tail of a Bouvier des Ardennes is customarily docked.
History
The history of the Bouvier des Ardennes is shared in many ways by the other “Bouvier” dogs. Much like the Belgian Shepherd Dogs, at one time many of the regions in Belgium had their own type of Bouvier or bovine herder, working cattle dogs. Dating back as far as the 1600s they were needed for driving cattle to market, but as the motorized age arrived that need sufficiently dwindled, and so did the number of dogs. It was WWI, however, that caused many of these breeds to face extinction. The Bouvier de Roulers, Bouvier de Moerman, and Bouvier de Paret, were lost, and many thought the Bouvier des Ardennes had joined them.
Temperament
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a true farm dog, with high endurance and energy; it is highly adaptable and suited to almost any task. They are obedient, loyal, and friendly to their masters but extremely wary of strangers. Generally they do well with children. The Bouvier des Ardennes will go to any lengths to defend its family and property.
Health and Care
Bouvier des Ardennes are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan is between 11-12 years. They are an active breed and need daily walks as well as a fenced in yard. The coat of a Bouvier des Ardennes needs little grooming.
