Welcome to the Gaines Bouviers
page. Why did I get into the Bouvier
des Flandres breed? 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 it was time to put him
down. I couldn't see myself ever getting another one, I owned the best!
I looked into many of the herding breeds and settled on the Bouvier
des Flandres. I knew that working lines animals had a greater degree of "hardness" and were more able to
protect than show lines animals. It seems that show lines animals are more "watered down" in the talent or ability
fields! My search lead to purchase of Bear in the states and Rock from Belgium. Both are out of working lines kennels!
The Bear and Rock Story
My Female Bouvier...Bear
Liberty's Bear is from Butch Henderson's Liberty Kennels near Washington D.C.
and is out of Butch's male, Egon. He has a Schutzhund II title and Bear's grandfather, Kai v.
Zuudloar was titled as a KNPV PH1 (Met lof) and Schutzhund I. Kai was also the dog I certified on with the DVG as a trial
helper... what a big critter! 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. Bear has the blend of size and prey drive, both elements I want for protection work and working livestock.
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. They should be able to handle the pressures of herding or
any other training venue. Rock is a 60/40 blend of defense and prey. While on the farm, he is NEVER far from me and recalls
at lighting fast speeds. His bite pressure and willingness to "fight" make him a top pick for the "Bouncer
of the Year" title on this farm!
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!
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
breed is for you! These dogs should be viewed as
prospects for: Police and Service Work, Tracking, K-9 Personal and Estate Protection, the K-9 sports of Schutzhund, PSA, SDA,
APPDA, and Ring. Additional uses could be farm/herding work, property guarding, and as great family pets.
