Dog breeds / Bouvier des Ardennes
Photo: Andreagenial · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Dog breed
Bouvier des Ardennes
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a sturdy, watchful herding and farm dog from the Ardennes region of Belgium. At home he is steady and affectionate with his own family, often devoted to one or two people, and he tends to be reserved with strangers. With children he is patient and protective when raised with them, though his size and herding instincts mean supervision with small kids is wise. He usually gets along with other dogs, and he can be wary of cats or small animals unless introduced early.
Day to day, he needs regular walks, a job to do, and mental stimulation such as scent games, training, or fetch. He is a working dog at heart, so boredom can show up as barking or digging. He does best with a securely fenced yard and an owner who is consistent with training from the start.
Good for: Active families with a yard and experienced owners
| Size | large |
| Weight | 49–77 lb |
| Height | 20–24 in |
| Exercise | about 75 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Belgium |
He is a strong, independent working dog, so commit early to consistent training and socialization before problems form.
Living with a Bouvier des Ardennes
Exercise
Plan for an hour or more of activity daily, split into walks and active play. Hiking, herding-style games, and scent work suit him well.
Grooming
His rough, weather-resistant double coat needs brushing a few times a week and more during shedding seasons. Bathe only as needed, and trim the beard and furnishings occasionally.
Health
The breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and some lines are affected by eye and bloat-related conditions. Ask a vet or breeder about health screening of parents before you commit.
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Bouvier des Ardennes
Feeding, adult
3.25–4.5 cups a day
About 1,382 kcal, roughly 26 lb of dry food a month at 49–77 lb. Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →
What a year costs
$2,300–$3,900
Food about $1,017, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.
Weather
Watch above 72°F, stop at 82°F
Coat or short walks below 32°F. Big dogs overheat before small ones: water on every warm walk, and pavement checked with the back of your hand.
Right now
Latest dog food recalls
Aunt Millie s Bakehouse Whole Grain White Hot Dog Buns 6" Sliced 2 OUNCE. 12 unlabeled 12CT PKGS per sale unit case, product code 7502. Net. Wt. 18lbs.
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Sep 13 · Undeclared sesame
Breadman Brioche products in plastic bags: Brioche Toast, 2 lb. (1 loaf/bag), Brioche Buns, 40oz (10 buns/bag), Brioche Sliders, 50oz (25 sliders/bag), Brioche Hot Dog, 40oz (10 buns/bag)
Breadbox Co. · May 16 · Undeclared Yellow No. 5
Our Family White Hot Dog Enriched Buns, 8 count 12oz. retail unit UPC 0-70253-75107-3
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Mar 21 · undeclared sesame
Questions owners ask
Do Bouviers des Ardennes shed a lot?
They have a moderate shed with heavier seasonal blowouts. Regular brushing a few times a week keeps loose hair and mats under control.
Can a Bouvier des Ardennes live in an apartment?
It is not ideal. He needs a lot of daily exercise and room to move, so a home with a secure yard and an active owner suits him far better.
Do they bark a lot?
They can be vocal and will alert you to visitors or unusual sounds. Training and enough exercise help reduce excessive barking.
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