Vizsla vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison

These large dogs have descended from Flemish cattle dogs, and in French, the word Bouvier means herdsman or cattle herder. This is because the dog was used for driving cattle. The Bouvier comes from the Flemish region of Belgium where it was bred as a working farm dog. It is believed that the breed may have come from crossing local farm dogs with imported Irish Wolfhounds, Schnauzers, Tibetan Mastiffs, Brabanters, Griffons and Beaucerons.

It was in 1910 that the first Bouviers appeared at the international dog show in Brussels, with a standard for the breed being adopted in 1912.The American Kennel Club recognized the dog in 1929. It was after World War 11 that Bouviers were brought to America and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was founded in 1963.

The Hungarian Vizsla or Magyar Vizsla is a hunting dog developed in Hungry. It is the smallest of the pointer-retriever type breeds. They are loyal family dogs and hunt fowl and upland game. It was rare for a hunting dog to also be a companion and family dog, but the Vizsla is. The first time the Vizsla came to the attention of anyone outside its area was 1357 in a publication written for King Louis I of Hungary. They were kept mostly by barons and warlords and preserved without any interbreeding for centuries.

Through all the occupations, revolutions and world wars, the Vizsla survived. Still there were some points in their history where they were almost extinct. In the 1800’s English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers almost replaced them. After World War II they were almost extinct again with only a dozen or so left in the country.

Breeders across Hungry brought them back again. They were also bred in Serbia, Slovakia, Austria and Romania. They came to the states after the war and quickly were embraced. The Vizsla Club of America was formed so that they could be recognized by the American Kennel Club. This happened in 1960 and the Vizsla quickly became a champion in several AKC specialties.

The Weimaraner, the German Shorthaired Pointers, the Wirehaired Vizsla and other pointers were developed from the Vizsla and then used to re-establish the breed following World War II.

The Bouvier is a large compact, well built dog with strong muscled limbs. He stands at roughly 59 to 70 cm high at the withers, weighing between 27 and 52 kg. He has a large head with a thick and abundant coat which is of rough appearance. The coat is mostly black, but you’ll also find a range of other shades such as brindle, grey and fawn.

The back of the dog is level and broad, and is typically wider in female dogs. The back legs are strong and muscular. Some Bouvier des Flandres are born tail-less and this is most attractive. Most Bouvier dog owners used to have the tails docked because of the excellent appearance, but with docking now being banned, the tail is kept long. The muzzle is wide, the nose large, the eyes dark brown and the ears high set and floppy.

The Bouvier is intelligent, energetic and full of confidence while being calm and balanced in temperament. The puppies are vocal and full of antics, but as the Bouvier grows into adulthood, he mellows and becomes a steady family friend who gets on well with each human family member. He loves spending time with his family and becomes both friend and guardian, making a good watchdog too.

The golden/rust colored Vizsla is easily distinguished from other breed. They are a medium sixed pointer with a lean frame and light on their feet. They have long ears that are silky to the touch and well defined muscular structure. Their nose is a red color blending in with their coat color. Their eyes and nails also blend in with the color of the coat.

For the most part they are some shade of golden-rust, but today there are also some solid rust dogs as well. Officially the coat can be russet gold, copper-brown, or dark sandy gold. It cannot be mahogany red or pale yellow. The coat is dense, smooth, short and without an undercoat. They have docked tails as well.

The Bouvier is such an amicable dog and strong and energetic too. He makes the most marvellous companion and will happily adapt to life in the city or in the country, although, with his big size, he is better suited to a home where there is enough space to run around in.

He is loyal, loving and protective and when you make sure to make him an active part of your family, you’ll find in him all the characteristics of a true friend.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness yes with socialization

2.Special talents playful and highly intelligent quintuple AKC champion

3.Adaptability high energy need space

4.Learning ability highly intelligent

The big teddy-bear of a dog is a healthy breed, but as a large dog, you will need to look out for certain health problems with him.

Hip Dysplasia:

Xrays have been done on many Bouvier des Flandres by the Club and by the Orthopedic Foundation of America and it has been found that a significant percentage of Bouviers were dysplastic. Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint and many large breed dogs battle with this. It can be very sad for dog lovers as they watch their dog battling to get up after lying down and sometimes lameness in the hind legs.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is a common problem in many dogs, and the Bouvier isn’t excluded one bit. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush, there is tartar build-up which can lead to bad breath and gum infection. Dental disease can lead to pain in the teeth and even the loss of teeth. Bad teeth affect the entire body, and the heart, kidneys and joints can all be negatively affected.

Obesity:

The Bouvier is a large dog prone to obesity. This is a serious disease that can lead to all kinds of digestive disorders, back pain as well as heart disease. It can be easy just to give in to your pet’s pleading eyes, but in the long run, excessive weight can spell a host of health problems.

The Vizsla have few health issues but the ones they do have are quite serious. They include:

• Cancer (Mast cell, Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma) – as will most dogs it can be treated but is still likely to kill the dog.

• Canine epilepsy and seizures. This can be treated.

• Hip dysplasia is rare, but cases have been noted. Can cause lameness and/or arthritis.

• Sebaceous adenitis – rare skin disease found more often in cats or birds than in dogs.

• Seasonal allergies.
• Ear Infections

Training:

Your Bouvier is an intelligent, independent dog and you will be doing him a favor by having him socialized and trained. He becomes such a pleasure to have around, being obedient and willing to respond to your commands.

Exercise:

Every dog, and particularly large dogs like the Bouvier, should be able to rely on a daily walk, a run in the park or on the farm and have special games from his owner. Not only does participating in activities together build a strong bond between dog and owner, its important to avoid boredom and frustration with your dog. You bought him so you therefore have a responsibility toward him.

Grooming:

Your Bouvier des Flandres has a thick, medium-length coat that gets a shaggy look to it. The breed needs regular brushing every second day or so to get rid of loose hairs and to prevent the hair matting. He will require some professional grooming to look and feel his best. With his thick coat, he is hypoallergenic which can be a relief for allergy sufferers.

Diet:

The Bouvier has to be on high-quality dog food, whether you give him home-made food or commercially manufactured food. It has to have the right amount of vitamins and minerals. If you’re unsure about feeding a dog, remember that the amount and type of food you give your pet must be appropriate to your dog’s age, size and energy levels.It can also be wise to know which human foods are bad. Speak to your vet about your dog – they are a minefield of useful information about your pet. Fresh, cool water should be be available at all times.

Feeding the puppy This is a very active dog and he need a high calorie diet as a puppy. Feed 4-5 cups in 3-4 smaller meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed the adult high calorie food if you exercise her enough. Feed 3 cups of food twice a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina, speed and endurance.

4. Exercise They love to run but don’t’ overdo it until they are at least 18 to 24 months old. They stay very playful their entire lives and excel at AKC competitions. They are good at agility, field trials, scent work, obedience, conformation, dock diving, rally, lure coursing, track and barn hunt.