Which Belgian breed's French name means 'cow herder of Flanders'?

The Belgian breed whose French name means “cow herder of Flanders” is the Bouvier des Flandres.

The name is a direct description: bouvier refers to a cattle herder or cattle driver, while des Flandres means “of Flanders.” The breed originated in the Flemish region of Belgium, with historical connections across the nearby French-Belgian border.

Bouviers were versatile farm workers rather than single-purpose herding dogs. They drove cattle, guarded livestock, pulled carts, and performed other heavy farm tasks. Their rough double coat helped protect them from wet, changeable weather, while their strength and steady temperament suited demanding work.

The breed is also known by names such as Flanders Cattle Dog and Vlaamse Koehond. World War I severely reduced its numbers, and a unified French-Belgian standard was created in 1936. It is commonly mistaken for a more specialized Belgian shepherd, but the Bouvier is a distinct, heavier farm and cattle-working breed.