Bouvier des Flandres, 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.