Bouvier des Flandres [key], breed of powerful working dog perfected in Belgium around the beginning of the 20th cent. It stands from 23 to 28 in. (58–71 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 60 to 70 lb (27–32 kg). It has a fine, soft undercoat and a harsh, wiry outercoat ranging in color from fawn to black. Its ears are cropped and stand erect, and its tail is docked to approximately 4 in. (10 cm). The Bouvier is primarily a herder of cattle, but it has also been trained successfully as a police and war dog. See dog.
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