Flandriai pásztorkutya
Although this friendly dog started life as primarily a working dog, these days it is often found in the home. The original Belgian bloodlines tend to be slightly smaller and lighter than the newer Dutch bloodlines.
Origins
Although it is known that the Bouvier des Flandres is a Franco-Belgian breed, many breeders differ about the other elements of its origins. Some people believe that the Bouvier des Flandres was developed by crossing the Beauceron with the Griffon, while it is known that the breed was developed in Belgium as a working dog. The Bouvier des Flandres was originally used to perform tasks such as farm work, herding cattle and as watchdogs. This breed was also used as rescue dogs and message carriers in World War I, when it was almost entirely killed off. A group intent on recreating and preserving the Bouvier des Flandres breed was formed in Belgium in 1923 with remarkable success.