Bouvier Des Flandres

The Bouvier should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared under your veterinarian's supervision. Match the diet to your dog's life stage, and note that this breed needs a diet lower in protein than most. Once your Bouvier turns one, transition slowly to a high-quality large-breed adult formula, which carries fewer calories than puppy food and helps prevent unwanted weight gain.

Feed adults twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Follow the guidelines on the food packaging, and let your vet refine the amount for your dog's age, health, and lifestyle. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Some Bouviers tend toward overweight, so watch calorie intake and portion meals with a measuring cup. Keep treats to no more than 10 percent of daily calories:

• 90 percent complete, age-appropriate dog food
• 10 percent treats

If your dog gobbles its food, a slow-feeding device regulates each mouthful and reduces the risk of regurgitation, upset stomach, and bloat. A complete, age-appropriate food should supply every essential nutrient. Because the breed can be prone to joint issues, your vet may suggest a joint supplement to support comfort and mobility. Never give a supplement without veterinary guidance.

Brush the Bouvier des Flandres once or twice a week to pull dead hair and keep the coat free of tangles, mats, and debris. A slicker or pin brush plus a large comb does the job, and you can clean the beard at the same time. This double, rough coat sheds and mats easily without regular care. Professional grooming is optional, though a groomer can help as needed.

Bathe only when the coat is dirty or has an odor. Frequent baths are unnecessary, and the breed needs no special skin care.

Large ear canals and the hair inside them can trap moisture and lead to ear infections. Clean the ears with a routine ear cleaner every two to three weeks, and after every bath or swim. If you see signs of infection, such as head shaking or pawing at the ears, schedule a vet visit. Bouviers may show normal tear staining; wipe it with a moistened washcloth, and contact your vet if you notice changes in the eyes.

Bouviers have fast-growing nails, so trim them regularly so they do not overgrow and cause discomfort when the dog walks. Provide regular dental care with at-home brushing and professional cleanings.

The Bouvier was bred to do nearly everything that needs doing in a barnyard and pasture, and it is happiest when it stays busy. As a member of the herding group, it carries plenty of energy and needs at least two hours of exercise a day. It fits an active household with an owner who hikes, jogs, or bikes, and it loves brisk walks and trips to the dog park.

This breed needs space. A large fenced yard or a farm suits it; an apartment or a small home without a yard does not. Give it a large, enclosed area where it can romp and play, and limit heavy exercise while it is still a growing puppy.

Bouviers also excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally, and herding, and games and puzzle toys keep their minds engaged. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, a bored Bouvier will find its own way to stay busy and can turn destructive.

The Bouvier is happiest with a job, and these smart, eager-to-please dogs train easily for almost any sport or activity. Use positive reinforcement and rewards-based training, and avoid repetitive drills, which make them lose interest. With consistency, they learn everything from basic commands to serious work such as search and rescue.

Start socialization, puppy classes, and obedience classes young, and keep them up for life, since Bouviers may be wary of new people. Bring them to new places and introduce them to new people often. Obedience teaches a puppy to listen, so you can train it to stay calm around children and keep its paws off people.

Affectionate and loyal, Bouviers can be good with young children and other large dogs when introductions are supervised and done well. They carry a strong prey drive, though, so cats, small dogs, and pocket pets are a poor mix unless introductions are slow and careful.