Originating in Flanders, Belgium, the Bouvier des Flandres (literally, Cow Dog of Flanders) was used mainly as a working farm dog which managed stock and protected farms.

In 1910 the Bouvier was first exhibited in Belgium in four varieties. However, in 1912, a group was formed whose aim it was to standardize a single Bouvier type. By 1922 the Club National Belge du Bouvier des Flandres (which is pronounced boo-vee-ay day flahndr) finally agreed on a single type and created a breed standard for the guidance of Bouvier breeders. The first Bouviers arrived in North America in the 1930's.

During World War I, Bouviers were used to carry supplies to the front lines, deliver messages, detect the living-wounded on battlefields, and do military tracking. Because of the dangers of war and the intensive fighting in Belgium during WWII, along with the decline in farming, the Bouvier nearly disappeared. It is said that the breed today owes its existence to a Belgian army vet (Cpt Darby), who saved some stock and whose dog Ch. Nic de Sottegem became the foundation sire of the breed.

The breed excels as a police and army dog as well as personal guard dog. In Belgium a Bouvier may not hold the title of breed champion unless it has also earned a working dog title.

Standards::: French FCI / Canadien CKC / Américain AKC