Bouvier des Ardennes
FCI 171
59 cmAdult male
at the withers
at the withers
- Mass
- 28–35 kgSamce
Bouvier des Ardennes — size comparison
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a powerful, compact dog with harsh, tousled hair. It has strong legs and an unmistakably working appearance without the elaborate co
Silhouette comparison
Height
Ground withersReference values · details in the profiles
HeightScale in cm
0204060
59 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Bouvier des Ardennes — size comparison — facts and sources
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a powerful, compact dog with harsh, tousled hair. It has strong legs and an unmistakably working appearance without the elaborate coat seen in some herding breeds. It turns, accelerates and crosses uneven ground efficiently. Its strength does not come from enormous size: it is a hardy, active helper capable of working close to livestock.
It originates in Belgium's Ardennes, where it drove cattle, sheep and formerly also pigs and horses. Difficult terrain and modest farms favoured tough, versatile dogs. The disappearance of many farms greatly reduced numbers. Working dogs were still found during the eighties and nineties of the twentieth century and used to develop breeding; another surviving line was discovered in northern Belgium.
It is curious, energetic and eager for action. It quickly takes interest in new tasks, enjoys play and can adapt behaviour to circumstances. It is also determined when guarding familiar people and territory. It may be stubborn, especially when it considers its own action necessary.