Country/Date of Origin: Belgium/1600s
One of Belgium's native breeds, the Bouvier (which means cowherd) was developed as a butchers' dog in Belgium. It pulled the butchers' cart and herded the cattle to and from the stockpens. This gentle drover was almost lost in the destruction of two world wars that swept across its homeland in the twentieth century. The first Bouviers were imported to the US in the 1930's and this kindly, loyal breed has never gotten the popularity it deserves.