HISTORY

REGION OF ORIGIN

Modern day Flanders now includes the Belgian provinces of East and West Flanders, the Netherland’s province of Zeeland and the French department of the Nord. The process of establishing boundaries of countries have occurred over many generations before the modern Europe was created, thus the region where the Bouvier originated is still disputed.

It is an intensely cultivated plain laced by canals, perfectly flat in the coastal region and soft rolling hills in the Southern region. The sea gives Flanders a temperate climate. During the winter months, November to April, it is rather cold but very hard winters are rare. Edged by the sea with innumerable streams, rivers and canals, the air is always moist and misty.

The cultural base of the area is the Flemish, the French and the German communities, with the Flemish being best known as the ancestors of Flanders. They have developed their own language to this day they still speak. It is an intermingling of Dutch, Belgian and German. The Flemish “character” is known to be proud, enduring, hard-working and peaceful but fierce when aroused. This can also be said about the Bouvier.

The area has long been strategic to the military and of high economic value which has made the territory a battleground since pre-historic times. The most known recorded battles in the area being both the World Wars.
 

ORIGIN OF THE BREED

The origin of the breed has been the subject of considerable speculation. Most of what we know comes from an article written by Louis Huyghebaert. He claims that the Flemish monasteries of the Middle Ages, played a major roles in the evolution of the indigenous working dogs. This would be the stock from which the Bouvier would be created. The monks strived to create a race of large, rough-coated guard and chase dogs by importing rough-coated sighthounds, like the Scottish Deerhound, to mix with the regional working farm dog.

The “Bouvier”, meaning cowherder or oxdrover, existed in several varieties for hundreds of years. The were known under half a dozen names, most of which referred to his remarkable ability as a cattle drover. The Bouvier  des Flandres originated from a variety of breeds:

The Bouvier des Paret was named for one for the early breeder of L. Paret and was 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 in height . Most of these dogs were fawn or light grey and thought to be the genetic source of the fawns today. Their coat was much rougher than the Roulers. Also know as Bouvier des Flandres which is thought to be the oldest of the breeds.

The giant Bouvier de Roulers (after Roulers, Western France) was 25 1/2 to 27 1/2 and was bigger, stronger and always black in colour. Also known as Bouvier Pikhaar (for the harsh hair) and Bouvier Moerman (after the famous breeder). Many experts agreed that the breed was obtained by crossing the Bouvier des Flandres with the breed known as the Matin.

Bouvier Briarde was a large black or dark gray dog having excessive body hair with the eyes covered as in the Old English Sheepdog.

Bouvier Ardennes was seldom seen at shows having natural ears and a rather soft coat. A combination of these breeds have evolved into the modern day the Bouvier des Flandres.

“The primary points of disagreement had to do with the size and coat. As a broad generality, it can be said that throughout the 1950s, the Dutch would prefer the large, dark Roulers type, while the French would prefer the much smaller, more roughly coated Paret type. The Belgians would begin to resolve the questions in 1913, when the Society of St. Hubert began to register the Bouviers des Roulers. Although the Paret type no doubt made its contributions ...the Roulers type has come to predominate modern lines.” (2)

The current stock traces roughly to the 1910-20s period although efforts were made to establish a breed in the beginning of the decade. In 1912 the first standard of the Bouvier was established under the name of “chien Bouvier de Roulers” and for the first time the breed was shown at the 1912 Brussels show. In these early years, however, Flanders was devastated by the first World War and became practically extinct until 1923 when Flemish breeders began to work with several surviving dogs and the registered name was changed to “Bouvier Belge des Flandres”.

In 1961 the official Club du Bouvier des Flandres for France Bulletin number seven proclaimed: "For 40 years the subject of a unified standard for the Bouvier des Flandres has caused floods of ink. Belgian judges going to France and French judges going to Belgium have concluded that there is no more difference in evaluation and that the road is now open for fusion of the standards.

The Club du Bouvier des Flandres for France and the Club National Belge du Bouvier des Flandres have discussed this problem for two years. Commissions were designated and on March 12, 1961, the French and Belgian commissions assembled and approved the unified standard of the Bouvier des Flandres." Thereby establishing the “Franco-Belgian” Standard.
 

FUNCTION/PURPOSE

Herding cattle may have been the primarily function of the Bouvier and his predecessors but, like farm dogs everywhere, they were expected to contribute but the performance of a wide variety of rural chores. In native Flandres, the Bouvier served as watch and guard dogs, as family companions, as herders of sheep and other livestock, destroyers of vermin and even sometimes partners in hunting small game. They were also used for activators for churning mills or butter churner.

It has been noted that the Bouvier used as a cart dog used to haul people, produce, dairy and baked goods to market. Although this history is recorded, it is believed that more heavier built breeds, like the Matin were predominately used for these tasks. The Bouvier being an all-round farm hand, helped out on many of the tasks.

During World War I, Bouviers were used for guard and patrol duty and to carry messages, munitions and medical supplies to the front line. Also as haulers of machine guns and the wounded and military tracking aides. Bouviers were known for above average scenting ability, exceptional bravery, physical strength, sense of responsibly, concentration and eagerness to please. Also they were hardy enough to live outdoors in all kinds of weather.

The beginning of the twentieth century seen Bouviers used for police work, search and protection. The founders of the breed melded the native cattle dog with the larger native regional guard dogs in a natural response to the population shift to cities. Also with the industrial work that affected the agricultural revolution of the previous century all over Europe which Belgian among the earliest and most strongly affected. Bouviers can bee seen today working along side the police in both Europe and North America.

Among their other uses is that of Guide Dog for the Blind. Bouviers attributes that is needed for this include patience, bravery, capable of adjusting easily to a variety of situations and having the capacity to concentrate on an assigned task for extended periods of time, then becoming nearly invisible until called upon again.
 

HERDING

"Among herding breeds, there are difference in the relationship between dog and herd; herding dogs serve two broad functions. One is to control and move the stock; the other is to protect from predators. Some breeds reform one function exclusively, and others are more versatile. Neither of these exactly fit the Bouvier. As is evidenced by his history and his structure, he is primarily a cattle dog, with not only strong protective instincts, AND the ability to move and direct the stock as well.

Regarding the movement and control of stock by the herding breeds, there are two specific styles or predispositions of herding work: Driving - moving the stock out in front of the handler keeping them together as they go, and Gathering - rounding up the stock up and bringing them to the handler. Gathering may be done when the dogs collects the sheep from their scattered positions in a field into a compact group. The Bouvier is primarily a "driver" in herding style versus a "gathering" dog.  Some may have some clear preference for one style or the other, but most have the ability to do whichever the situation calls for." (3)

A good gathering dog will readily go around the stock and balance itself in relation to the handler and stock, putting itself in a position to keep the stock grouped and moving toward the handler. In the case of those relatively fewer dogs which are naturally drivers, the dog will approach the stock and move it away from the handler, still balancing relative to the handler and stock. A good herding dog must use its own judgment, but be responsive and obedient. It must be bold in facing down defiant stock, but gentle with cooperative stock. Judgment, adaptability and soundness of the body and mind are important qualities of the herding dogs.

There is a difference between the terms “driver” and “drover” which means moving large groups of animals down roads or cross-country usually to market. Drover led, followed or walked along side as the situation required, and their dogs likewise worked front, rear and side as needed.

“The Bouvier des Flandres is without question on of the finest of the European cattle dogs that were once commonly found driving herds of beef from the grazing grounds to butchers pens - just as sheepdogs once escorted flocks. Well into the last century, a cattle drover walked his animals to the slaughterhouse along lonely country roads, assisted only by his droving dog. The drive often took several days in miserable weather and it was the Bouvier des Flandres that took on much of this grueling work. The drover depended on his dogs and it rarely let him down. With instinctive initiative the Bouvier went about its tasks single-mindedly, without waiting for orders from its master. It would even work alone if the drover went away for a short time. Using its bulk and strength to redirect straying animals, it would nudge them back onto the road and prod them towards the rest of the herd without having to nip at their heels” (5)

The Bouvier is also known to throw “body blocks” at the front end of a cow when necessary and it is only necessary until the cow has learned to quickly respond to directions.
 

CROPPED EARS & DOCKED TAILS

The main reason for cropping ears and docking tails, as far back as the eighteenth century, was to render dogs less vulnerable to attack by predators. They were reduced to near minimum by owners since it was virtual certainly they would otherwise be lost in encounters far from home and cauterizing materials. In the early part of the century dogs with natural ears were taxed. Docking of a dog’s tail was considered to be a sign that it was a “working dog”, for herding sheep, etc, and a tail less dog was therefore exempt form taxation.

“The cropped ears also contributed to the alert expression and to the prevention of various medical problems. Basically the farmers who created the breed and the modern farmers created a tradition in the cropping of ears.” (2)
 

CHARACTER/TEMPERAMENT

“Much of the Bouvier's character is the direct consequence of his herding function, where, after initial direction, working without human supervision was often the norm. Consider the herd dog threatened by the marauding wild animal or person. The correct Bouvier strategy is to ward off the intruder and break off the encounter when they flee. The Bouvier must be shrewd enough not to be drawn away from his charges, leaving them alone and vulnerable. His natural inclination should be to protect rather than punish; he seems to know that his responsibility is the survival of the herd (or his family) rather than the pursuit and defeat of an individual offender." (3)

The breed is described as bold, prudent and intelligent. Obedient to his master, loyal to his family and courageous in their defense. A key characteristic of the breed is the ability to discriminate perceived danger and actual danger. Bouviers stop and think before acting which sometimes takes them a bit longer to learn but is worth the extra effort with their stable nature.

Bouviers are also independent and think for themselves. They usually work without the guidance of their masters.  Because of this independent nature they are sometimes defiant and in need of discipline. For example, some dogs will grind their teeth when their head is held against their will. They can also be vocal while working, playing or showing.

"Here are some observations on the Bouvier repeatedly encountered in Bouvier research:
1. Under training there seems to be a delay between instruction and response. It is almost as if the Bouvier feels it is necessary to contemplate the advisability of the task assigned him before deciding to accept and execute. Using an idiom of the day, he 'gets himself together' before he starts.
2. Once a Bouvier accepts a task as a proper thing for him to do he never challenges it again; he complies quickly and he does not forget.
3. Bouviers are inclined to stick close to home and what they recognize as their responsibilities.
4. The older dogs instruct the young in Bouvier duties.
5. Because of a strong paternal drive, or whatever, Bouviers tolerate what they seem to recognize as unknowing abuse from children.
6. Like self-appointed foster parents Bouviers will guard and protect their small human charges from anything they deem to be a threat.
7. Most Bouviers exhibit a delicate judgment in responding to threats. If the intimidation of their presence will suffice most will go no further. “ (1)
 
 

The true nature of the Bouvier des Flandres combined with the selfless utilitarian goals of his breeders has given him a very high and balanced character.

After the war 1914-1918 when amateurs began to become seriously interested in the Bouvier there was in this breed a certain percentage of really ferocious and unmanageable dogs. In my country in most farming areas Bouviers were then kept on chains. At this time the breed held a ferocious reputation. Since then judicious breeding has eliminated dangerous characteristics. At present the calm and stability of the Bouvier always enchants those who have enough luck to own one of these dogs.

The Bouvier is nothing of a dandy. Its charm resides in great part in its character. Witness the almost human look through shaggy eyebrows! If it lost this quality that would it have left?

If a Bouvier des Flandres does not have all the moral qualities of a bouvier, he is not a Bouvier des Flandres. He must be nothing less that superb!

We (breeders) should lay stress on character now, so that we may have a fine uniform type of bouvier, because there is no reserve of working bouviers on the farms. The peasant naturally practiced selective breeding of character, since none of them would keep a dog who did not work well. Today, breeders should pursue this selection of character. We should produce a bouvier who is neither shy nor aggressive, but who knows how to bite when he has to. And only when he has to: a great friend to children and a ruthless guardian of house and property.

All ought to perceive to correct character of the Bouvier des Flandres and look on it as a heritage on which we have no right to infringe, a trust is ours to enjoy and to pass on unaltered. Breeders and judges must never forget this obligation.

You must keep in mind that character is of primary importance, more than type, more than gait. It is only after considering these things in order of their importance that you can turn your attention to lesser specific factors. It is here that the public and the less inexperienced always go wrong, first by being anxious about details, such as color and length of coat. Would you have a Bouvier that does not act like one? Who does not have all those moral characteristics for which the Bouvier has been chosen for centuries? Obviously the Bouvier no longer has to herd cattle, but does not the new owner want a
dog that is courageous, bold, intelligent and fond of work? It is up to the breeder to deliver such an animal.
 
 

ORIGIN AND PURPOSE  The Bouvier des Flandres, as the name indicates originated in Flandres - both France and Belgium, as there are no boundaries separating these two countries. In the beginning, the Bouvier was used to herd cattle; for draught and butter churning. Modernization has changed farm equipment. Now the Bouvier is used as guard for home or farm, for defense work or police work. His great physical and moral aptitudes, his excellent nose, initiative and intelligence make him an excellent tracker and gamekeeper's aid.

GENERAL APPEARANCE - GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS Cobby, short-bodied and thickset on powerful and muscular limbs; gives the impression of power, without clumsiness as a whole. The fire in his eyes denotes intelligence, energy and audacity.  He is calm, rational and prudently bold.

TEMPERAMENT   Bouvier is even-tempered, never shy and not overly aggressive.  He is calm, rational and prudently bold, never 'pretty' in attitude or behavior. With those he knows well he is outgoing and almost boisterous.  Shy dogs that back away under normal situations and overly aggressive dogs that show aggression without reason should be severely penalized.

SIZE   Dogs 24 1/2 inches to 27 1/2 inches (62.2 to 69.8 cm) at the withers.  Bitches 23 1/2 inches to 26 1/2 inches (59.7 to 67.3 cm) at the withers. Slightly larger or smaller size should not be faulted if other factors are of good to excellent quality.  However, the average size is most desirable.  Weight - approximately 77 to 100 pounds for dogs, 60 to 85 pounds for bitches.

COAT   The coat is very full.  The top coat plus the dense undercoat make a perfect wrap adapted to abrupt climatic changes characteristic of the breed's country of origin.  It must be rough to the touch, harsh and dry neither too long nor too short (about 2 1/2 inches /6.3 cm), slightly tousled without being woolly or curly.  On the head the coat is shorter and almost shaven on the outside of the ear, but the inside is protected by fairly long hair. On the top of the back, the coat is harsh and dry; it becomes shorter on the lower legs, while still harsh.  A flat coat is to be avoided since it indicates a lack of undercoat.  Soft, woolly, silky, or too long or short a coat are considered faults.  Undercoat - wadding made of fine and course hairs grows under the overcoat and forms with it a waterproof mantle. Lack of undercoat is a fault.

COLOURS   The coat of the Bouvier des Flandres is fawn or grey often brindle or dark grey, or black. Light-coloured coats (white, cream) and washed-out colours or chocolate brown with white spots are not desirable. A white star on the chest is allowed.

HEAD   Massive, appearing more so because of his beard and mustache, it is well proportioned to his body and size.  To feel, it is finely chiseled. Skull well developed and flat, longer than its width. The top lines of the skull and muzzle are parallel. The pro-portions of the skull to the muzzle are 3 to 2. Stop is barely perceptible, more apparent than real because of the raised eyebrows. Muzzle wide, powerful, bony, straight in upper profile, diminishing toward the nose but never pointed.  The muzzle is shorter than the skull - in proportion 2 to 3 and the circumferencee just below the eyes is about equal to the length of the head.  Cheeks flat and dry. Nose - This is the continuation of the muzzle, it is slightly convex at its extremity - must be well opened nostrils.  Spotteed, pink, brown or butterfly are faults.  Mouth - Jaws should be powerful and of equal length; teeth strong, white and healthy. The upper incisors must meet the lower ones like the blades of scissors. Overshot or undershot are faults. Mustache and Beard - Fully dry, shorter and harsher on top of muzzle.  The upper lip has a mustache and the chin has a full, harsh bread which gives the gruff expression so characteristic of the breed. Eyes - Bold and energetic, neither prominent nor sunken. In shape slightly oval on a horizontal plane. The colour should be as dark as possible in keeping with the colour of the coat.  Light in colour or haggard in expression should be severely faulted. Eyelids - Black without a trace of deficient pigmentation. No haw should be visible. Eyebrows - These are made of upstanding hair which accentuate the arch of the eyebrows without ever hiding the eyes. Ears - cropped in a triangle, they are carried weell up; attached high and very mobile. It is recommended that the size and shape should match the size of the head. Uncropped ears are allowed.

FOREARMS    Seen from the profile or front they remain straight, parallel to each other, perpendicular to the ground.  They should be well muscled and of powerful bone structure. Elbows - Close to the body and parallel. Elbows out or close are faults. In action they must remain parallel to median line of the body.  Carpus - (Knee) in plumb with forearms, except for accessory carpus at back. Strong and heavy bone. Pastern - (Metacarpal) of strong bony structure, very slightly inclined forwards. Feet - Short, round and compact. The toes should be close and well arched. Nails - strong and black. Thick and hard soles.

BODY OR TRUNK    Powerful, cobby and short. The length of the point of the shoulder to ischium should be about equal to the height at the withers. The ischium is the rear point of the rump. The chest should reach to level of elbows and never be cylindrical, though the ribs are well sprung. The depth, i.e., the distance between the sternum and the last rib must be great - about 7/10th of the height at the wither. The first ribs are slightly curved; the others are well sprung and well inclined to the rear giving the desired depth of the chest. Flat, too long or overly rounded and short ribs must be greatly penalized. Flank - The flank between the last rib and the haunch must be very short, especially in males. There is very little tuck-up.

Back - Short, wide, muscled and firm - showing no weakness but remaining flexible. Long body or sway-back are faults. Loin - Short, wide and well muscled - must remain flexible but without weakness. Croup or Rump - Must follow as closely as possible the horizontal line of the back and follow (merge) smoothly into the curve of the rump. It should be wide without excess in the male, more developed (wider) in the female. A descending (steeply tilted) croup is a serious fault.

HINDQUARTERS   Thighs - Wide and well muscled. The direction will be parallel to the median plane of the body. The femurs will be neither too straight nor too inclined. The buttock will be well let down with good, firm breeches. The kneecap or patella, is situated on an imaginary line from the iliac crest to the ground. Legs - Moderately long, neither too straight nor too inclined. Powerful and pronounced musculation is demanded. Rear legs must move in the same plane as front legs. No dewclaws. Hocks - Rather close to the ground, broad, well muscled and stretched. Seen from back they will be straight and parallel in the "stand" position. In action they remain parallel. Feet - Round, strong toes; close and arched. Strong, black nails and thick, hard soles.

TAIL  To be docked to 2nd or 3rd vertebrae. The tail should be an extension of the spine and carried high during movement. Some Bouviers are born with short tails and should not be faulted for this.

GAIT  The Bouvier des Flandres as a whole must be harmoniously proportioned to permit a gait free, proud and bold. The walk and trot are habitual gaits, though hambling and pacing are also employed. A Bouvier will single track at a trot.

NOTE  A male animal should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

The foregoing description is that of the ideal Bouvier des Flandres. Any deviation from the above-described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation, keeping in mind the original purpose of the breed.
 

RESOURCES/FOOTNOTES

(1) Bouvier des Flandres, by Claire McLean. Denlinger's Publishers, Ltd.
(2) Bouvier des Flandres, the Dogs of Flandres Field, by James R. Engel. Alpine Publications, Inc.
(3) Breed Symposium on the Bouvier des Flandres prepared by Elaine Paquette.
(4) Dog Steps. Illustrated Gait at a Glance, Rachel Page Elliott. Howell Book House Inc.
(5) The Reader’s Digest Illustrated Book of Dogs, Reader’s Digest Ltd.
- Canadian Kennel Club: Book of Dogs. General Publishing Co. Ltd.
- Modern Dog Encyclopedia, Editor Henry P. Davis. Stackpole and Heck Inc for Brown and Bigelow.
- Dogs of Every Kind,  Sir Reginal St.-Johnson. Staples Press
- The fair Face of Flanders, Patricia Carson. Scientific Publications.
 

NATURE

The mature Bouvier is a quiet, even-tempered, calm, rational, intelligent and prudently bold. Bouviers are known for their overwhelming faithfulness and dedication to their family. They are a gentle giant with a soft heart.

A Bouvier's intelligence, keen sense of smell and fearlessness make them an excellent watchdog, protector, guide dog and police worker but are happiest when they can interact in a family environment.

You must keep in mind the purposes for which a Bouvier has been bred for. A guard dog often very protective of their people and their property. Usually reserved and sometimes quite distrustful of unfamiliar people and aloof toward strange dogs. A herding dog whose natural instincts have them being known to herd children. A drafting or carting dog and most love to pull sleighs or wagons (guided by adults, of course). Bouviers also have a strong prey drive and will chase anything that moves including birds, squirrels, rabbits and cats. Each of these functions has led to specific characteristics in the breed. All of these traits make it a breed that needs proper training so he will know right from wrong.

Bouviers learn with lightning speed, are capable of reasoning soundly on their own initiative and are eager to please, a combination that results with a breed that is easy to train to excel in many areas.
 

CARE

The Bouvier is a large breed of dog that requires a great deal of attention. They must be trained and socialized to enforce what is acceptable and who is in charge. Obedience training is a must.

Exercise is another consideration. Bouvs need plenty of room to play in a fenced yard and/or a daily walk.

Grooming is also a major thought. The Bouvier has a "double coat" consisting of a hard outer layer and a softer undercoat. It is the undercoat that will mat and fall out on the floor if not looked after. A Bouvier should receive weekly brushing and combing to keep the dog clean and keep shedding to a minimum. About an hour a week is needed to keep the coat from
matting and to remove any loose hairs. Grooming should also consist of trimming the nails, cleaning teeth and ears. Regular bathing and trimming are required. Usually a trip to a professional groomer is necessary at a minimum of 6 times a year.
 

CONSIDER A RESCUE DOG

Rescue dogs are usually older dogs that are given up for various reasons. Most are taken from animal shelters, either picked up as stray or turned in by their owners. Some dogs are taken directly from the owner when they can no longer keep the dog.

Special emphasis is placed on temperament and health when screened for placement. All Bouviers are spayed or neutered before they go to new homes. Some are already house-broken. Each is brought up to date on vaccinations, groomed and checked for any parasites. Special care is given in helping them adapt in foster homes.

Most dogs do need extra time and love as many have been neglected and abused but you will reap the rewards of a loyal companion for years to come.

For more information about Rescue dogs please check out: 

THE PEDIGREE

A pedigree is your dog's family tree. It shows the relationships between the dogs in a puppy's background and their
accomplishments. The basic format is;

                                                                                           GRANDSIRE (sire's father)
                                                           SIRE (father)
                                                                                           GRANDDAM  (sire's mother)
                            PUPPY
                                                                                           GRANDSIRE (dam's father)
                                                            DAM (mother)
                                                                                           GRANDDAM  (dam's mother)

There is a variety of titles that may appear on your dog's pedigree and it could show the potential of any future endeavors
of your puppy. It also shows how much time and effort has been put in to the puppy's litter. Some titles include; a CH in front of a dog's name indicates that the dog is a CKC or AKC Champion and has proven itself to be an outstanding example of the breed. CD, CDX, and UD following a dog's name indicate an Obedience Title; Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent and Utility Dog, respectively. Other titles include TD & TDX (Tracking Dog and Tracking Dog Excellent), HIC & HCT (Herding Instinct Certified and Herding Capacity Tested), and SchH I,II & III (German Protection Dog). In Belgium or France the title is IPO I to III.

Breeders use a kennel name and the registered names of the dogs they breed include that name. This way a pedigree can show who bred the dogs listed in it. In planning a litter, a quality breeder carefully evaluates the characteristics and pedigrees of the dogs being bred as well as all dogs in the pedigree.

Be sure when shown a pedigree the parents are not closely related (i.e. brother - sister, mother - son). Although breeders will occasionally breed these combinations, most inbreeding is not recommended due to problems that could occur.
 

WHAT DOES "WITH PAPERS" REALLY MEAN

It is not the actual "certification" papers that costs the amount of money breeders ask. Legally each dog's registration from the Canadian Kennel Club is to be provided at NO EXTRA COST to the buyer. A dog is not considered a "purebred" if it does not have this regardless of parentage. Buyer beware of breeders who ask if you want papers or not.

What determines the cost of the puppies includes the genetic screening of the parents, stud service of the sire, travel
expenses to and from the sire's residence, veterinary bills (health checks, deworming, inoculations), food, shelter and proper
upkeep of dogs and facility. Another expense to the breeder is "knowledge." This is usually in the form of knowing the medical and temperament ancestry of their dogs. As well as subscriptions to periodicals, membership in various dog clubs and volumes of books read.

A great deal of importance is the breeder traveling to and attending dog shows, specialties and events. This keeps the
breeder apprised to happenings in the breed and enables one to compare each breeders' dogs to another. This is one way that you can reliably know that you are breeding to the accepted standard, as each individual person interprets the standard differently thus the differences between breeders.

Breeders are continuously striving to produce better quality dogs, not only in beauty but also in health and temperament. ALL puppy buyers, including those who buy pet puppies, benefit from this effort to produce the best. Deal with the breeder that is involved in many aspects of dog ownership.

Make sure you get your money's worth. A high price does not guarantee your dealing with a quality breeder. Check around!
 

CHOOSING A REPUTABLE BREEDER

When deciding on a breeder there are many things to keep in mind. Make appointments to visit many kennels. Check for cleanliness and condition of other dogs. Be sure to see the mother (and father if possible); note the temperament and general health. Be sure to see the entire litter and not just the one pup. Once again, note the health.

Inquire about vaccinations, wormings, feeding and identification (tattoo or microchip are the only method accepted by the Canadian Kennel Club.) Ask if there are any genetic problems in the breed and get copies of certification for parental screening. Do they guarantee against genetic problems? Are you provided with a contract, medical record, food and care
instructions, pedigree (family tree), and special arrangements such as return policy, non-breeding agreements and spay/ neuter policy? Will they provide references? Is the breeder a member of any clubs (this usually ensures they follow a Code of Ethics in breeding.) Ask each breeder why it is they are breeding Bouviers. Ethical breeders breed to improve the breed. Any other reason is unacceptable.

A responsible breeder will also interview you to ensure that the puppy is going to the proper home. Visit as many breeders as possible until you find one you are comfortable with. You will become part of an extended family and you should be able to call your breeder any time down the road for help and information.
 

SELECTING YOUR PUPPY

The breeder will ask whether you are interested in show quality or a pet. Show or breeding quality usually come with some type of guarantee as to the pup's potential to be shown in conformation ring. The breeder will usually compare each puppy
against the breed standard and from here make the distinction. These are just physical qualities and makes no difference in the health or temperament of each puppy.

Most breeders will also perform a puppy temperament test on each litter. This lets the breeder help select the best matched puppy for your lifestyle. Dominant puppies or shyer puppies are not usually suitable for the average buyer. Trust your breeder to pick the best suited puppy for you.

A question frequently asked is the difference between male and female. Most people do not find a difference with the
temperament and when the dog is spayed/neutered with the proper training, there is no major differences between the sexes.
Ask each breeder you interview what their feeling about the differences.
 

THE OLDER DOG

Many breeders occasionally have older dogs that need a home. Some are older puppies, others older adults. There are many advantages the first is the avoidance of the training and chewing stage. Older dogs don't need to eat or be let outside as often as puppies. Many are house trained, leash broken, trained to stand for grooming and some may even have some obedience training. These older Bouviers will adjust to your home with a minimum of fuss. Inquire as often the breeder may have an older dog in need of a loving home.