Why Is Bouvier Called Blackjack?

Bouvier des Flandres, also known as Bouvier, is a large dog breed that originated in Belgium. This breed has a unique nickname – ‘Blackjack’.

You may be wondering why this breed is called Blackjack. There are various theories behind this name, and in this article, we will explore some of them.

One of the theories behind the origin of the name ‘Blackjack’ for Bouvier is related to its coat color. The Bouvier des Flandres has a thick and shaggy coat that can be black or gray.

In the past, black was considered to be a lucky color, and people believed that it could ward off evil spirits. Therefore, black-coated Bouviers were highly prized and were given the nickname ‘Blackjack’.

Another theory suggests that the name ‘Blackjack’ comes from the dog’s role as a protector and guardian. The Bouvier des Flandres was originally bred as a working dog to herd cattle and guard farms.

They were trained to protect their owners against intruders, both human and animal. The Bouviers would stand guard at night, ready to tackle any threat that came their way. Their courage and strength earned them the name ‘Blackjack’, which means ‘one who strikes with force’.

Furthermore, some people believe that the name ‘Blackjack’ comes from the dog’s physical appearance. The Bouvier des Flandres has a muscular build with a broad head and powerful jaws. When they bark or growl, their deep voice can sound like a blunt object hitting something hard – such as a blackjack weapon used by police officers.

In addition to these theories, there is another explanation for why Bouviers are called Blackjacks. According to some sources, during World War I and II, Belgian resistance fighters used these dogs to help them in their missions against German soldiers.

The dogs would sneak up on unsuspecting enemy soldiers and attack them from behind, rendering them unconscious with a blow to the head. The resistance fighters referred to these dogs as ‘Blackjacks’ because of their ability to knock out their enemies with a single blow.

In conclusion, there are many theories behind why Bouvier des Flandres is called Blackjack. It could be due to their coat color, their role as protectors and guardians, their physical appearance, or their use by Belgian resistance fighters during the war. Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure – Bouviers are an impressive breed of dog that deserves a unique nickname like ‘Blackjack’.