There is also elbow dysplasia, which is similar to hip dysplasia but dealing with the elbows. Although not as prevalent as the hip problem, many breeders will screen their dogs to lessen the chances of passing on any problem. OFA has a registry to certify and issue certificates, stating that the dog is free of the problem.

Heart problems, such as Sub Aortic Stenosis (SAS) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy has also been seen in Bouviers. Currently the OFA is the only organization that has a heart certification registry. There is requirements that the dog must pass and can be certified by a regular vet or a cardiologist. There is also a study underway in attempts to find out the genetic predisposition and possibly a future genetic test to see if a parent will carry or pass on the gene for the problem. For information see

Eye problems such as cataracts, entropia and glaucoma are also known to be hereditary and appear in the breed. Eye checks are used to screen for these problems and certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) at Purdue University. This is performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist within 1 year prior to  breeding. Although CERF will issue a certificate, that only includes any problem causing blindness. There are some problems (thought or known to be genetic) that will not cause the dog to "fail" certification. Make sure you see copies of the eye check to ensure that there are no problems that exist.

The OFA also offers a registry for thyroid certification. Although thyroid problems exist in the breed, a thyroid certification is not absolute proof positive that the dog is not affected. As any testing can be "cheated", you must deal with a breeder who is trustworthy and will guarantee for any genetic health problems that may occur in the offspring they produce.

Also seen are skin problems or allergies (food and environmental). It is usually thought that dogs moderately affected will pass the problem to their offspring and should not be used for breeding.

Bloat and gastric torsion involves a twisting of the stomach. It is seen in large deep-bodied dogs which include the Bouvier. There are many guidelines to feeding your dog but to date there is no known cause or solution for this problem. These problems, although not proven to be genetic, there is a large hereditary factor for the tendency for these. Precautions should be taken by the owners. You should also inquire if parents or grandparents of any litter have suffered or died as of the result of this.

There are other problems that are seen in the breed and should be discussed with each breeder you interview. Don't accept from breeders that these problems don't exist or they have been unaffected by them. The only way is to prevent them by genetic testing of BOTH parents (and grandparents, etc). Ask to see the certification (and get copies) and inquire as to the written health guarantee. Regardless of tested or not, a good breeder will include all known or unknown genetic problems in the written guarantee that you get with each dog. That is one of the most important thing that should determine if you want to purchase a dog from any particular breeder. Not only the contract but the trustworthiness that it will be honoured!

Also ask the life span of the grandparents, great grandparents, uncles/aunts, cousins, etc. Dealing with a healthy line, you should expect a average life span of about 12 years. Althought with a healthy diet and proper care, we all hope that that is an underestimate.