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, containing, and working
on livestock...shots, dewormings, and general inspections do require help! The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies
these breeds as HERDING breed animals. The dictionary defines the word "Herding" as:
to gather, to move together, to place in a mass or group. My farm operation blends the use of the Bouvier des Flandres
and the Border Collie into unique herding and estate protection uses. For Rock and Bear the
skills center around personal and estate protection.
Why did I get into the Bouvier 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 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. I saw the size and drive as being
similar to the Giant...
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. Bear has the blend of size and prey drive I want for protection
work and she's easy on sheep. While neither of the Bouviers can come close to the Border Collie for herding skills, Bear does
move stock and has enjoyed the attempt.
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. 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!
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,
but around 85 pounds. 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? These dogs should be viewed as prospects for: Police and Service Work, Tracking, K-9 Personal and Estate Protection,
K-9 sports of Schutzhund, PSA, SDA, APPDA, and Ring sports. Additional uses could be farm/herding work, property
guarding, and as great family pets.
I
know folks find dogs for many reasons and uses. How you raise them and train them is something you and your family will want
to review.
