Bouvier
Loyal, protective, and smart, this strong working dog thrives on companionship and purpose. A natural guardian with a gentle heart, perfect for active families.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
62–68 cm (male)
59–65 cm (female)
WEIGHT
35–40 kg (male)
27–35 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
Bouvier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Bouvier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Bouvier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Bouvier is loyal, protective, and calm, often forming strong bonds with family while showing natural guarding instincts. They are typically steady and reliable companions.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable but reserved with strangers
Learns quickly and solves problems well
Moderate activity, enjoys regular exercise
Enjoys play but not overly boisterous
Adjusts well to changes in routine
Strengths
- Loyal and protective family companion
- Excellent working and herding instincts
- Adaptable to various climates and tasks
- Intelligent and quick to learn commands
- Generally good with children and pets
Challenges
- Requires extensive regular grooming
- Needs significant daily physical exercise
- Can be wary of strangers without socialization
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- Strong-willed, needs consistent firm training
Protect your Bouvier
Bouvier can develop hip dysplasia and eye problems. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Bouviers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Bouviers are intelligent and quick learners, responding well to consistent, positive training methods. Their willingness to work and problem-solve makes them suitable for various tasks and dog sports.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed requires daily physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain content. Regular walks, play, and tasks or training sessions help prevent boredom and support their overall well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Bouviers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Bouvier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced handling and training consistency
Apartment Living
Large size and exercise needs make small spaces difficult
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with regular activity and outdoor time
Kids
Gentle and protective but supervision is needed with small children
Multiple Pets
Can coexist if socialized early but may herd other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and may develop anxiety or destructive habits
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Bouviers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bouvier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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