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Gaines Bouviers
There are some folks out
there in state government who don't see herding dogs as farming tools. I have two breeds: the Border Collie and
the Bouvier des Flandres. I'm not sure how they think the farmer is capturing and containing livestock
for shots, dewormings, and general inspections. I guess we just holla out, "Hey ya'll get over here" and they
fall into place! The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies these breeds as a HERDING breed animals. The
dictionary defines the word "Herding" as: to gather, to move together, to place in a mass
or group. We are blending the use of the Bouvier des Flandres into our farm use, doing herding and estate protection are
part of the jobs given to Rock and Bear. Several years ago, I owned a Giant Schnauzer from working lines and I trained him for
the sport of Schutzhund. Cody was a very different type of dog. He was always on the defensive side and never far from me.
When cancer spread into his body, I knew then that I had to put him down. I couldn't see myself ever getting another one,
I owned the best! I looked into the many herding breeds and
settled for the Bouvier des Flandres. The
Bear and Rock Story My Female Bouvier...Bear Bear is from Butch Henderson's kennel dog, Liberty's
Egon. Egon has a Schutzhund II title. Bear's grandfather is Kai v. Zuudloar. Kai has a strong
KNPV PH1 (Met lof) and Schutzhund I background. Bear's mother is from Karen Allhoff's, Liberty's Leila Elle De Nuit.
The lines on both sides go back to Nottingham's Sergent Brinks. My
Male Bouvier...Rock My Belgium imported
male is called Frock, but his call name is Rock. Rock is also from working lines and his father is Bill v.d.
Barbierhoeve. Bill is an IPO 3, Dutch National Champion and placed second in the World Champions for
Bouviers in 2004. His lines include the Heukske and Fokrohof kennels. Rock's mother is from Emmy Van Goethem's, Bijoux and
her lines include the kennels of Heukske, Barbierhoeve, and Greuske. When you look at these dogs, working
lines are running deep in both. I see no reason to have a show lines dog that "looks good" and yet cannot or will
not work. I want Bouvier that bring it to the table. They should be able to handle the pressures of herding or any other training
venue. Thinking
about a Bouvier des Flandres? The
Bouvier des Flandres is a powerfully built dog, we're taking working stuff folks! Bred as a Belgium cattle dog, they should
be bold and yet aloof, calm and still ready to defend the owner and the family. This is a breed which as a watch dog is very
high, as a guard dog they are excellent too! I would not want to tangle with one. They can be very fierce if pushed into defense. Body size, we're talking big, weights range around 60-100
pounds. Both of my dogs hit about 80 pounds in the summer and 90 in the winter. They can stand around 23 to 28 inches tall,
with females being slightly smaller and lighter. Health concerns, depending upon the lines are bloat, hip dysplasia, glaucoma,
and some cancers. This is one breed which has a high pain tolerance, so taking pain is something you will want to watch for
in your puppy. Maintaince is minor if they have
an "old world style coat." They are low shedders and if groomed short, require just a little brushing. I have Bear
groomed twice a year and Rock requires very little care. Both of my Bouviers are outside dogs, I always watch
for stuff in their beards and hair: greenbrier, seeds, leaves, and grass trimmings. They get the name of "Dirty Beards"
because of their thick mustache and beard. It seems like stuff just hangs out there! In short, if you want a powerfully built, low shedding dog, one that will be a strong protector of
the family, and don't mind some grooming...this one's for you! Now check out these photos of Bear and Rock. The
Dogs Form and Function... If you're still
not sure about this breed or if it's the right dog for you, then here's some points to ponder. I like the breed because it is big, but not large. When it comes
to giving folks second thoughts about robbing you, I feel the size alone makes some stand back! The Bouvier is a natural protector
of the family, if you get a good one. The
low shedding is a plus. I don't mind some grooming and if kept short, I think most will not have an issue with the coat. What are some uses of this breed and from my lines? They
should be viewed as prospects for: K-9 carting, agility, police and service work, tracking, K-9 personal protection,
K-9 sports of Schutzhund, PSA, SDA, APPDA, and the many ring sports. Additional uses are farm work and guarding, herding
livestock, and act as great family pets. I
know folks let them remain as inside dogs, but mine are outside dogs and love it. Lastly, mine are pets and working dog
critters! I see no difference in owning a male or a female, both are loyal and fun to own. Try one and you may never own another
breed again.
Training Photos of Bear and Rock Just some of the action with
Bear, Rock, and the puppies. Addition photos to help share the Bouvier experience...Bouviers are
an Obsession. |
