Bouvier des Ardennes Information & Dog Breed Facts
Collection of all the general dog breed info about Bouvier des Ardennes so you can get to know the breed more.
Group | Working Dogs |
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Popularity Rank | 298 |
Reviews | 0 |
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Compare the Bouvier des Ardennes With Other Dogs
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Origin | Belgium |
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Bouvier des Ardennes known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed. | Ardennes Cattle Dog |
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Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Bouvier des Ardennes? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category. | Purebred |
Size Classification
What size category is a Bouvier des Ardennes? Learn how big the Bouvier des Ardennes breed typically grows. | LargeMedium |
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Weight Statistics
How much does a Bouvier des Ardennes weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Bouvier des Ardennes breed. | Male: 62–77 pounds (28–35 kg), Female: 49–62 pounds (22–28 kg) |
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Bouvier des Ardennes? | Male: 62–77 pounds (28–35 kg), Female: 49–62 pounds (22–28 kg) |
Height
How tall is the Bouvier des Ardennes? Bouvier des Ardennes height: | Male: 22–25 inches (55–63 cm), Female: 20–22 inches (51–57 cm) |
Average Height
What is the average height of a Bouvier des Ardennes? | Male: 22–25 inches (55–63 cm), Female: 20–22 inches (51–57 cm) |
Price Range
How much does a Bouvier des Ardennes puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Bouvier des Ardennes costs. | $500-$600 If you choose to purchase the Bouvier des Ardennes, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Bouvier des Ardennes for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Bouvier des Ardennes gets to a happy place. |
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Availability
How easy is it to get a Bouvier des Ardennes? How many Bouvier des Ardennes are there in the world? | Average: The Bouvier des Ardennes is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs. Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful. |
Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Bouvier des Ardennes? Discover the Bouvier des Ardennes's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities. | Smart: The Bouvier des Ardennes dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.
The Bouvier des Ardennes is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking. |
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Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Bouvier des Ardennes? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's trainability and response to training methods. | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly. |
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Bouvier des Ardennes as a watchdog? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's alertness and guarding instincts. | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
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Territorial Protection
Is a Bouvier des Ardennes protective of its territory? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's guarding instincts and behavior. | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation. |
Personality Traits
What personality does a Bouvier des Ardennes have? Learn about characteristic Bouvier des Ardennes temperament and behavior traits. | CuriousPlayfulAdaptableObstinate |
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Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Bouvier des Ardennes sensitivity: | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.
Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment. |
Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Bouvier des Ardennes a good family dog? | Average: Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners. |
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Ardennes Cattle Dog need? Bouvier des Ardennes social needs: | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Bouvier des Ardennes to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Bouvier des Ardennes roam? | The wanderlust potential of the Bouvier des Ardennes is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. |
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Bouvier des Ardennes have high prey drive? | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash. |
Barking Frequency
Does a Bouvier des Ardennes bark a lot? Learn about typical Bouvier des Ardennes vocalization patterns and triggers. | Average: The Bouvier des Ardennes barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.
Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking. |
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Playful Nature
How playful is a Bouvier des Ardennes? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Bouvier des Ardennes breed. | Average: Bouvier des Ardenness, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed. |
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Bouvier des Ardennes live in an apartment? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's suitability for apartment living. | Not an apartment-friendly dog the Bouvier des Ardennes breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Bouvier des Ardennes indoors can cause a lot of problems. |
Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Bouvier des Ardennes to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's flexibility to new situations. | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Bouvier des Ardennes be left alone? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's tolerance to solitude. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem. |
Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Bouvier des Ardennes biting potential? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's bite risk factors. | Low 🔽 The Bouvier des Ardennes has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.) |
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Mouthing Tendency
Is a Bouvier des Ardennes mouthy? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's tendency to use mouth during play. | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Bouvier des Ardennes dogs need to be taught a good attitude. |
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Bouvier des Ardennes bite? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's bite force measured in PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Bouvier des Ardennes bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Bouvier des Ardennes measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Bouvier des Ardennes is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Bouvier des Ardennes bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Bouvier des Ardennes bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Bouvier des Ardennes puppy not to bite from an early age.
The Bouvier des Ardennes, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained. However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for. In conclusion, while the Bouvier des Ardennes bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Bouvier des Ardennes can be a loyal and protective companion for your family. |
Average Lifespan
How long does a Bouvier des Ardennes live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Bouvier des Ardennes breed. | 12-14 years The average lifespan of Bouvier des Ardennes: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
How well does a Bouvier des Ardennes handle different weather? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's climate adaptability. | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing. |
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Bouvier des Ardennes? Discover typical conditions affecting the Bouvier des Ardennes breed. | The Bouvier des Ardennes is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Bouvier des Ardennes need vet visits? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's veterinary care requirements. | Average The Bouvier des Ardennes should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian. |
Energy Rating
How energetic is a Bouvier des Ardennes? Understand daily activity needs of the Bouvier des Ardennes breed. | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Bouvier des Ardennes need? How much exercise do Bouvier des Ardennes dogs require per day?
Do Bouvier des Ardennes dogs need a lot of exercises? | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends. |
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Bouvier des Ardennes breed need? | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. |
Obesity Tendency
Is a Bouvier des Ardennes prone to weight gain? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's obesity risks. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bouvier des Ardennes's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.
If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Bouvier des Ardennes weight regularly. |
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Food Consumption
How much food does a Bouvier des Ardennes need daily? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's feeding requirements. | 3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. |
Allergy Friendliness
Is a Bouvier des Ardennes hypoallergenic? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's suitability for allergy sufferers. | No Bouvier des Ardennes dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair. |
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Coat Colors
What colors does a Bouvier des Ardennes come in? Discover all possible Bouvier des Ardennes color variations. | BlackFawn Grey |
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Bouvier des Ardennes need? Learn about Bouvier des Ardennes coat maintenance requirements. | Advanced: The Bouvier des Ardennes requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes. Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Bouvier des Ardennes a pleasant experience of a dog bath. If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Bouvier des Ardennes, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment. Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby. |
Drooling Tendency
Does a Bouvier des Ardennes drool a lot? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's drooling habits. | The Bouvier des Ardennes is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Bouvier des Ardennes could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Bouvier des Ardennes.
If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. |
Stinkiness Rating
Does a Bouvier des Ardennes smell bad? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's natural odor levels. | Medium ⏺ The Bouvier des Ardennes has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks. |
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Bouvier des Ardennes have? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's fur characteristics. | Double |
Bathing Needs
How often does a Bouvier des Ardennes need baths? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's bathing requirements. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.
Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean. |
Shedding Level
How much do Bouvier des Ardennes dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Ardennes Cattle Dog? Do Bouvier des Ardennes dogs shed a lot? | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Bouvier des Ardennes breed. |
Child Compatibility
Is a Bouvier des Ardennes good with children? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's behavior around kids of different ages. | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children. |
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Pet Compatibility
How well does a Bouvier des Ardennes get along with other pets? Discover the Bouvier des Ardennes's compatibility with other animals. | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Bouvier des Ardennes temperament with other people: | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
How well do Bouvier des Ardennes dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Bouvier des Ardennes breed live with a cat? | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Is Bouvier des Ardennes good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Bouvier des Ardennes dogs get along with other dogs? | Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Is Bouvier des Ardennes breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Bouvier des Ardennes breed suitable for first-time owners? | Yes Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Are Bouvier des Ardennes dogs good office canines? Do Bouvier des Ardennes dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs? | No Bouvier des Ardennes is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Bouvier des Ardennes dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Ardennes Cattle Dog temperament with senior people? Are Bouvier des Ardennes dogs good for elderly owners? | Bouvier des Ardenness are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Service Dog Capability
Can a Bouvier des Ardennes be a service dog? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's service work potential. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Bouvier des Ardennes is not the best breed for service purposes. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Bouvier des Ardennes good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's therapy work aptitude. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.
Bouvier des Ardennes is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes. |
Scent Detection Ability
Is a Bouvier des Ardennes good at detection work? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
Bouvier des Ardennes is not the best breed for detection purposes. |
Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Bouvier des Ardennes do search and rescue? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's SAR capabilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.
The Bouvier des Ardennes is not the best breed for SAR purposes. |
Maritime Work Ability
Is a Bouvier des Ardennes good on boats? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's maritime capabilities. | Not really Bouvier des Ardennes breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo. Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats. |
Draft Work Capability
Can a Bouvier des Ardennes pull carts? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's drafting abilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.
Bouvier des Ardennes is not the best breed for drafting purposes. |
Military Service Background
Was a Bouvier des Ardennes used in military service? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's military history. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Bouvier des Ardennes usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes. | 4-6 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Bouvier des Ardennes pregnant? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's gestation period. | 60-64 days Reproductive cycle of the female Bouvier des Ardennes: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.
During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge. The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days. The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color. The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months. |
Breeding Frequency
How often can a Bouvier des Ardennes have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year. |
AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Bouvier des Ardennes in? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's AKC classification. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Bouvier des Ardennes in? Learn about the Bouvier des Ardennes's international classification. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) section. |
Bouvier des Ardennes Pros and Cons
- Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Bouvier des Ardennes dogs have great intelligence.
- Training Difficulty: Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are easy to train.
- Drooling Tendency: The Bouvier des Ardennes is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
- Lifestyle Adaptability: Bouvier des Ardennes dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
- Child Compatibility: Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
- Senior Citizens Friendly: Bouvier des Ardenness are usually recommended for elderly people.
- Good For First Time Owners: Bouvier des Ardennes dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
- Allergy Friendliness: Bouvier des Ardennes dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
- Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Bouvier des Ardennes breed.
- Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The Bouvier des Ardennes requires a lot of grooming.
- Shedding Level: Bouvier des Ardennes dogs shed above average.
- Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bouvier des Ardennes's weight, he can easily gain weight.
- Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Bouvier des Ardennes is strong enough to escape from home.
- Office Friendly: Bouvier des Ardennes is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Bouvier des Ardennes History
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a Belgian herding breed that can trace its origins back to the region of Ardennes, after which they derive their name. Because of the lack of documentation and records, experts can only just presume the date of this breed’s development, consequently, it is assumed that the Bouvier des Ardennes was approximately developed in the 17th century.
The breed is thought to be developed by farmers, who were mainly focusing on the dogs’ capabilities, rather than their homogenous physical appearances. The dogs were developed with respect to the harsh terrain and climate; thus, the breed was specifically developed to suit the Belgian environment. Traditionally, the Bouvier des Ardennes was created in order to help farmers herd and drive the cattle even though longer distances, but later they were proven to be very successful and talented hunting companions as well. The breed was mostly used to hunt wild boar and deer in the Belgian countryside. The breed was also used for guarding property and livestock. The first written document presenting the Bouvier des Ardennes as a well-established and refined breed dates back to sometime in the early 19th century. Despite the documents, scientists have not been able to determine what breeds contributed to the development of the Bouvier des Ardennes. The most probable theory suggests that early Sheepdogs from England, the Barbet, and the Dutch Griffon were included in the initial breeding mixture.
Towards the end of the 19th century, dog shows became increasingly popular all over Europe, thus Belgium too, started to be interested in refining their indigenous dog breeds, in order to be able to draw up a breed standard, and then finally, to compete for their breeds in the national and international rings. Quickly after that, the Liege Society for Improvement was founded in 1913, and shortly after, the Bouvier des Ardennes was introduced to that standardized breeding program. During the First World War, the breed was used as a service dog, as a messenger, and as a search and rescue dog that locates ammunition in mines. Moreover, the dogs meant the survival of the trapped families in Belgium, as they provided the nutrition from their hunting activities, for the families in need. For that reason, the breed became highly esteemed, moreover, not long after that, in 1923, the Belgian Kennel Club was founded, which recognized the Bouvier des Ardennes as their first breed. Despite their popularity, the Second World War almost completely wiped out the whole Bouvier des Ardennes population, only a few devoted breeders managed to revive the breed from the brink of extinction. Interestingly, according to common belief, the breed went extinct by the middle of the 20th century, however, researchers found a group of purebred Bouvier des Ardennes, which they were working with, in rural farms in southern Belgium.
Breeders worked tirelessly on refining and cultivating the breed according to the written standard throughout the 1980s and the 1990s. Their hard work paid off in 2006 when the UKC (United Kennel Club) recognized the breed. Nowadays, the Bouvier des Ardennes is considered a rare breed and is mostly kept as hunting or as a devoted family companion.