THE
FIRST THING every Bouvier owner should know is that their chosen
breed is distinctly different than any other. It may be mistaken for a
"tall Scottie", a "short Irish 'Wolfhound" or a "docked Briard" ...even
an untrimmed Giant Schnauzer". but these breeds can not really come close
to what a Bouvier des Flandres really is.
WHAT IS A BOUVIER? He is a combination of all the very best traits of every breed and has a smattering of all the bad traits too. Once owned by a Bouvier des Flandres all the bad traits are smothered out and overcome by the sheer weight of the loyalty and love he can bestow on his family. He is a big shaggy beast of incomparable character. He is a resolute, fearless, staunch, steadfast fellow who is intimidating and at the same time curiously beckoning. She can be a coy, mischievous troublemaker and at the same time a warm friendly, tongue licking big bear ready to jump in your lap. Firm and continuous training from 8 weeks on will turn your baby bear into one of the most endearing and delightful canine companions you have ever owned and as years go by memories of that special Bouvier will always come fondly back to you.
A BOUVIER IS LOVE, LOYALTY AND COMFORTABLE TO LIVE WITH. He can be brought out of the stubborn and naughty or cute and mischievous puppyhood into the very epitome of well-behaved, well-mannered canine if his master or mistress will just take the time to seriously potty-train and house train him upon his arrival. This immediate and most important training time is critical in the overall bond and affection the Bouvier and his family have for each other. The easier a Bouvier is to live with, the more he is loved, the more love he will give in return- by being that wonderful "good boy!"
THE ONE TRICK Bouvier owners must learn when first owned by a Bouvier is that in house-training, stay outside those extra ten or fifteen minutes with your puppy until your little bundle of joy has dumped not once but twice. Puppies are forgetful and without those extra minutes, (don't give up) they will inevitably remember on the dining room rug. That extra time outside will pay you back in weeks of less accidents.
A BOUVIER IS A HANDFUL. "Spare the rod and spoil the child/dog". That is not to say don't hit the bugger when he is bad, but there are those times when you must come down hard on the animal that could take over your lives if he isn't taught manners. Put your foot down hard, even on the paws, or a quick karate chop to the muzzle (for nipping) if he is mouthy on one's arm, leg or body. A willow switch across the rum will accomplish more on a pup that wants to chase the kids or the cars, and a cage for those quiet times when you don't want him digging up the azaleas or chasing the neighbors cat. Punishment must be at the immediate moment of offense, followed by positive reinforcement of petting and praising.
A BOUVIER IS PROTECTION. Even an ill-mannered one can be very intimidating towards strangers and visitors who don't know what a real charmer you own. While the perfect Bouvier will show his resolute nature and fearless friendliness, he can sense from body language and verbal tones if the situation calls for him to stalk, stand and bark - that alone will back anyone off. The nature of the Bouvier is to be trusting until there is a reason to be suspicious and this he will be with most strangers. Instinct seems to tell him when to protect his family/flock and just his presence and his ability to sense danger will give the family a lot of comfort through the years.
THE BOUVIER IS A CLOWN. From drinking and eating from his bowl in a spread eagle position, to lying with all fours in the air, this breed enjoys being dressed up in costume, pulling a cart or a sled full of kids, and carrying binkies and toys around in their mouth for approval. Most will chase a ball and retrieve until you loose interest and they are good swimmers when taught young even able to dive under water. Hunters they are not. On a high grade good dog food they usually are odorless - they do not shed, but need to have their undercoats raked out from time to time as puppy coat and old hair will ball up here and there.
BOUVIERS GET HIT BY CARS ...as do other breeds, but for some unknown reason it appears that many of the great Bouviers of the last decade have been victims to impulsive dashing hither and yon and several of the greats in our breed have met an untimely vehicle death. Obedience commands are really important for your dog to know, especially the "down" and come".
BOUVIERS DO GET BLOAT. Though it isn't something to worry about as it mostly occurs in dogs around six or older, or active breeding dogs, it can happen at all ages and at any time. There is still no known reason why it occurs, but caught in time the dog can be saved. Look for restlessness in the dog, trying to vomit with no result, inability to get comfortable, whining, chewing or snapping at its flanks and distended stomach - get to the vet immediately. What you feed has little to do with your dog getting bloat, and again is fairly a rare occurrence.
BOUVIERS DO HAVE HIP DISPLASIA. Despite what some breeders may claim all lines do have the occurrence of HD and it is no more prevalent in some lines than in others. Two parents certified free of HD can produce it in their offspring, and a pair with mild HD can produce offspring with good hips. The more dogs certified free within a pedigree would lessen the percentages of afflicted offspring within a litter, but would not guarantee it would be a litter HD free. It isn't as important for a Bouvier to be HD free as long as he or she isn't bred. A slightly displastic hip condition (mild) can take 20 years to acutely affect the animal and the life span would end before the hips gave out. If a dog is to be used in agility or other activity it is good for the owner to know of his hip condition if he has any suspicion of a problem, otherwise enjoy your pet as he is.
BOUVIERS DON'T SHED. As stated the puppy coat will mat and eventually blow out in hunks, but the usual shedding of many well known breeds is not present in the Bouvier. Some coats take a lot more work than other coats, but the correct coat is easy to maintain. It is rough, tousled and 2 1/2 inches long and harsh to the touch. A well groomed Bouvier is one that is combed every two weeks or there abouts, while a farm Bouvier can be left untouched except for spring cut down and general ears and head and beard maintenance.
BOUVIERS ARE TERRITORIAL AND BONDERS ...to their masters, to the kids, to the family, anyone who gives them attention, They follow, stay close to and keep a guarded, watchful eye on the family. Go from room to room, your pup or dog is right with you. It is not unusual to hear about the Bouvier who never leaves his unfenced yard. With the advent of the Invisible Fence, more owners rely on it, but in most cases it isn't needed.
BOUVIERS ARE CHEWERS, BARKERS AND JUMPERS. So are all dogs as a rule, but Bouviers are so only in stages and only if not trained. The chewing stage is always the teething stage so put chew sticks and bones around the house and yard or you will loose a chair or a post , toy or bowl or two. As an adult it is the rare Bouvier that still chews destructively. They can go over four or five foot fences if they want to but they have to have a good reason and normally want to stay home. They will bark for you if they can't see you and know that you are around (especially pups). That is why cage breaking is the best way to assure the pup he is o.k., and not being a pest that fusses constantly. Pups learn to like their cage as it appears as a den to them, protecting them and giving them seclusion from the world outside. Learn to cage your puppy and go away where you can't hear him and he can't hear you and he will learn very fast that the cage is for quiet time.
GOOD LUCK with your new Bouvier, or if you are thinking of getting a good friend for your life, be assured, as other breeds of dogs go, the Bouvier des Flandres is Unique and Challenging but he will repay you for the lifetime of the dog. With love, care and understanding, patience and pride, this companion will be with you a good 12 years with 15 as a distinct possibility. They can do anything you want them to do, and will give you their heart and soul to do it.
God Bless the Bouvier!
