🐾 Quick History
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a breed of dog originating from the Ardennes, a region straddling Belgium and France. This dog was originally bred to be a versatile working dog, particularly for guarding, transporting, and driving cattle. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, although it has been improved over the centuries through crossbreeding with other working dog breeds, including herding dogs and guard dogs. It is a robust and resilient dog, well-suited to the harsh conditions of the Ardennes mountains and forests.
🐕 Breed Portrait
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a medium-sized, sturdy dog with a solid build and a muscular silhouette. Its coat is thick and rustic, often in shades of fawn, gray, or brindle. This dog has a broad head with a fairly long muzzle, as well as a lively and alert expression. It is primarily used for herding livestock and for protection work, but it is also an excellent companion for active families.
🔍 In Brief
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Weight: 25-35 kg
- Height: 58-68 cm
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Physical Exercise Needs: 2 hours per day
❤️ Personality & Compatibility
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Compatibility:
- With children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- With animals: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- With strangers: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- In an apartment: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
> Good to know: The Ardennes Cattle Dog can be an excellent guard dog, but it is also a loving and loyal companion when well socialized and properly trained.
🛠 Hygiene & care
- Maintenance difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Maintenance frequency: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 800-1200 €
- Average annual cost: 450-950 € (food, veterinary care, accessories)
💡 Fun fact: Although it is often less known than other working dog breeds, the Ardennes Cattle Dog has a strong work ethic and great protective ability, making it an excellent dog for farms and ranches.
