Other names for the breed are Toucheur de Boeuf (cattle driver), Vlaamse Koehond (Flemish cow dog), and Vuilbaard (dirty beard).

This became a working dog with the strength and temperament to perform herding, guard cattle, and even pull cargo carts, and to withstand the local weather conditions due to its thick coat.

[1] Up until the early 20th century, the breed was not completely defined, with three variants: Paret, Moerman or Roeselare, and Briard.

[1] World War I nearly caused the breed to disappear, due to the devastation that came over its region of origin and the fact that the dogs were used for military purposes.

Due to these setbacks, progress was slowed, and it was not until 1965 that the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard, as agreed to by several minor kennel clubs, was adopted.

[citation needed] The weight of males ranges from 80 to 120 pounds or 36 to 54 kilograms, slightly lighter on average for females.

[citation needed] They are built with a thick double coat, which can be fawn, black, grey brindle, or "pepper and salt" in color.

The breed's particular blend of characteristics makes them good family pets, as well as effective guard dogs.

[4] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 11.3 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.