The Bouvier Des Flandres
My-Dog.info > Getting a Dog or Puppy
by Estella Z. Jones, D.V.M.
Bouvier des Flandres is French for "cowdog of
Flandres". He originated in Flandres, a former province of
France and was used as a guard, cartpuller, cattle protector and
drover. During World War I, the Bouvier pulled supply carts,
delivered messages and detected the living-wounded from the dead
on the battlefield. World War II was a difficult time for the
Bouvier, especially in France, where long-term breeding programs
were lost to a large extent. The World War II Nazi atrocity is
illustrated by the fact that registration levels in Belgium
during the 1930’s were estimated at 1,000 dogs per year, and
were not approached again until the 1960’s. The modern
Bouvier evolved out of Belgian reconstruction after the war
because French breeding was predominantly an offshoot of the
Bouvier des Roulers lines. Mysteriously, the American Kennel Club
recognized the Bouvier in the late 1920s, although the first two
Bouviers in AKC records were Belgian imports that did not appear
until 1931. From 1943 through 1948, only eighteen Bouviers were
registered in the United States and the breed was considered
almost unknown. The first American standard for the breed was not
approved until 1959 and revised in 1975.
Modern times find him as a Seeing Eye Dog, Guard or Police
Dog, as well as a family friend, guardian and protector. His
intelligence and initiative enable him to also perform as a
tracking dog. He loves water and can easily be taught to
retrieve. The Bouvier is a rough-coated dog of notably rugged
appearance. He is a compact-bodied, powerfully built dog of
understated carriage and alert intelligent expression. The
Bouvier is loyal, gentle, and carries himself with power and
self-confidence. The breed is extremely hardy and males can
measure between 24½ to 27½ inches, weighing about 75 to 115
pounds. Although Bouviers can make very good outside dogs, you
will miss the strong bond of affection that develops between the
Bouvier and its owner when they live together. Since their guard
and protective instinct are strong, they will not roam far away
from home. They are very calm and will not pace inside the home.
Their calm and rational personality, coupled with the fact that
shedding is minimal, makes him an excellent in-the-home
companion. Although he needs exercise and is willing to work or
play to the extent of your energy, he is generally quiet and
non-destructive in the house, easily fitting into the domestic
routine. One very desirable attribute of the Bouvier is minimal
shedding, because the loose hair is held in the rough coat. The
Bouvier needs the rough outer coat to provide protection from the
elements and the undercoat to provide insulation.
The Bouvier is not -- and should not be -- a dog for every
family. There is certainly nothing wrong with doing your research
and concluding that you would rather own a Rottweiler, a Labrador
Retriever, a Standard Poodle, or a cat. As with other strongly
protective breeds, such as the Rottweiler and German Shepherd,
the Bouvier should go to a home where he will be taken seriously.
Bouviers require from their owners extra commitment, a
willingness to work with and train the dog, and especially the
assertiveness and confidence necessary to gain and maintain the
animal’s respect. Strangers are cautious of their appearance
and their bark, but owners can enjoy their faithful behavior and
trustworthiness. Although the Bouvier must not be obnoxiously
aggressive, a stranger approaching home or automobile will be
watched and announced, and any act of overt aggression will be
confronted. This keen balance between aggressive protectiveness
and respect for other creatures in the routine social context is
a key characteristic of the breed. The Bouvier is known for his
ability to discriminate — to use his instinctive ability to
sense the intent of a potential adversary and then respond
accordingly. Most Bouviers are known for having excellent
capacity to react appropriately to the situation. Bouviers are
accepting of family members and guests, but are also known as
dogs that will give a potential troublemaker something to think
about. Beyond the protection element, most people obtain a dog to
provide companionship, because they expect living with a dog to
be a fun, enjoyable experience. The properly bred and raised
Bouvier can be a fearless protector, a competitive sport dog, a
guardian of livestock, and a most faithful companion.
Much of the character of the adult Bouvier is the consequence
of his environment and upbringing. Assertive, strong dogs - like
fast and powerful automobiles - are among life’s greatest
pleasures but are potentially dangerous when treated as casual
diversions. There is simply no more loyal and loving a companion
than these unique beasts. Changes in technology have created new
work for the modern Bouvier. It is a simple but significant fact
that the emphasis for the Bouvier breed must be work, even with a
practical modern application (i.e., protection, tracking and
searching). Breeding communities must come to the realization
that such protective-heritage working breeds must be maintained
through selection based on the working test as well as on
conformation.
|
 |
|
|
Save big on quality brand name pet meds and other pet supplies!
Pet Shed is the premier source for discount pet supplies on the Internet. Heartgard heartworm, Frontline Plus flea control, Advantage flea control, Revolution flea & heartworm, and many other pet medications.
|
