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| Bouvier des Flanders |
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No, the Bouvier is not particularly related to a Giant Schnauzer nor any other rough coated large breed. In fact, the Bouvier emerges as the unique and specific answer to the needs of farmers in Belgium who dedicated great effort to its development. Multi-talented, the Bouvier was created as the all around farm dog, a herder (of many types of livestock including cattle), drover and protector. Today this same versatility can be noted as the Bouvier excels in a variety of dogsports. To the fancier that is smitten with their intelligence and powerful good looks, be warned, with this package comes the NEED to be worked. Any true lover of Bouviers will be committing some amount of time every day to training and exercising their beloved companion as well as keeping in mind socializing and groooming needs. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Herding |
Height: 23 1/2 -27 1/2 inches |
| Weight: usually 65 to 80 pounds |
Longevity: 10-12 |
| Colors: fawn to black, salt and pepper, grizzled or wheaten |
Coat type: soft dense and fine undercoat with harsh outercoat |
| Recognized Registries: NCA, FCI, UKC, AKC and others |
| Overall Appearance: Compact, atheletic dog with square skull, penetrating expression and weather impervious coat. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate to high |
| General Nature: |
intense, hardworking and rather serious |
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with Children: only with well mannered, responsible children under good supervision |
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with other pets: varies with individual and training/socialization received |
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with dogs: generally good, again individual with some basis on socialization/training received |
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| Socialization requirements: HIGH - this breed is exceptionally intelligent and will overwork situations where they are unsure, this can result in excessive shyness and/or aggression |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that appreciates this exceptional individual and its demands for training, grooming, socializing and exercise. |
| Temperament Notes: Reasonably demanding and strong willed. Very intelligent. Strong work ethic. |
| Training requirement: moderate to high; this is not a breed that will be happy as a sofa cushion. The bored Bouvier is likely to be a nuisance and/or destructive. |
| Trainer notes: Much of the same character and other breeds known for exceptional intelligence and work ethic (like the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Border Collie and Pit Bull Terrier), the Bouvier that is bored is likely to be either a menace, nuisance (excessive barking, jumping on people and more) and/or destructive. This is NOT the breed for an inexperienced home without knowledgable help or a home that lacks the resources of time, energy or interest to devote to the grooming, exercise, training and socializing that this dog requires to be an exceptional companion. If these requirements can be met however, this breed can easily meet and exceed the expectations of the most ambitious trainer. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: late 1800s |
| Country of Origin: Belgium |
| Original Function: herding and protection |
| History: Developed from several breeds to be an ideal farm dog with herding, protection and droving capabilities. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: heavy head, light eyes, poor dentition, oversized |
| Health Notes: hip dysplasia, eye issues, thyroid issues, autoimmune issues, subaortic senosis, |
| Health Testing: CERF, OFA (hips, SAS), thyroid panel, |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
- How long have you had Bouvier?
- How long have you been breeding them?
- What health issues are you aware of in the breed?
- What health clearances do you seek for your breeding stock?
- Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
- What titles do you seek for your breeding stock?
- What do you consider to be a correct Bouvier temperament?
- What would you consider the ideal Bouvier home?
- At what age do you send your puppies home?
- Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
- Do you microchip your puppies?
- How often do you have puppies?
- Do you have training and socializing suggestions for the new puppy owner?
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| Web Sites: http://www.bouvier.org/ABRL/rescue.html -National Bouvier Rescue |
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| Other Resources |
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