In times past, all dogs working with cattle were called bouvier (bovine herder), and each region throughout the area had its own type. From ancient rough-coated working stock, these dogs were prized as drovers and guardians. As the motorized age arrived, the need for driving cattle to market was gone and so was the call for the dogs that helped in the drives.

The Bouviers were almost eliminated during the long bloody fighting of WWI, and many of the rarer types were lost altogether. Sadly, breeds that are now but a memory include the Bouvier de Roulers, Bouvier de Moerman, and Bouvier de Paret. Still remaining are the Bouvier de Ardennes and Bouvier des Flandres. Both France and Belgium have claimed the dog of Flanders, and the FCI has actually dubbed it "Franco-Belgian." FCI recognizes the Ardennes, although the Belgian KC feels the breed may be nearing extinction—or already gone. A Belgian Army veterinarian, Captain Darby, can be credited with saving the Flandres through the War years. His outstanding Champion Nic de Sittengem won many exhibitions and proved