In the late nineteenth century, a program of selective breeding, that would eventually produce the dog we know today as the Bouvier was begun in the farming regions of Belgium. Documentation of his ancestry is cloudy, but his beginnings are loosely attributed to a type of sheepdog (berger), the Dutch griffon, and the barbet, or water dog.

By 1910, specific interest in this tousled-coated herder and protector grew as far as the cattle areas near the river Lys valley. At that time, Bouviers were being used as drovers, draft animals, activators for churning mills, and farm and family protectors. Common characteristics were bobtails, cropped ears, harsh/tousled coats, and perfect instincts for guarding his flock, home and family. In those days, tails and ears were routinely shortened because they were easy targets for farm predators.

The first "standard" for the Bouvier des Flandres was developed in 1912. Then, during WWI (and later, during WWII), as the home territory of the Bouvier des Flandres became a battle field, their numbers were drastically cut - almost to extinction. Those who stayed worked as ambulance litter-pullers and military tracking aides. Only a few escaped to other countries.

Those who survived, come taken to France and the Netherlands, became a part of discriminating breeding programs for a particular type. The Club National Belge du Bouvier des Flandres, formed in Gent early in 1922, formulated specific qualities of type for future breeding.

The Bouvier came to America in the late 1920's and now extends throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The legacy of the Bouvier has produced many admirable qualities in this breed. He is a square powerfully built dog, rugged and formidable in appearance. His harsh double coat protects him in all types of weather. His keen sense of smell and watchful gaze make him a most suitable farm dog. He thrives on plenty of room to work and exercise, but he is not an "outdoor dog". He must live with his loving people, his 'flock', in the home.

He is agile, alert, intelligent, with character of great spirit and fearlessness, yet he is serene in disposition, even in temperament. Bouviers are wonderfully confident, affectionate companions and guardians to children.

Today, the Bouvier des Flandres acts as farm dog, family friend and protector, shepherd, guide dog for the blind or hearing impaired. Some are seizure alert dogs and do other therapy and human assist work. His keen intelligence, sense of threat discrimination and keen scent sometimes enable him to excel in police work, search and rescue, tracking, and drug detection.

Owning a Bouvier, like other breeds too, requires: patience, love, a lot of grooming, a willingness to exercise the dog and pay for regular health care, a desire to have a companion who follows you around the house keeping an eye on you, and a commitment to complete at least one set of good obedience classes.