Gaines Bouviers
The Bear and Rock Story
Several years ago, I owned a Giant Schnauzer that I trained 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 wanted something like the Giant Schnauzer, something to be used in K-9 personal protection training and farm style herding.
I looked into the many herding breeds and settled for the Bouvier des Flandres. There has always been this mindset that any dog that will act in prey (herd or do retriever work) does so because they want to please their owner. These dogs want to work in partnership with the K-9 handler. Today, I own two Bouvier des Flandres. Both are from strong working lines; my female Bouvier, 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 Belgium import male is called 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.
Thinking about a Bouvier? Some facts which will be useful in helping you make the right choice.
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 wise they are a big dog, weights range around 60-100 pounds. 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. They are low sheders, making them great for folks with allergies. I have mine groomed twice a year. As outside dogs, you want to watch for stuff in their hair, brushing helps. 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. If you are interested in a Bouvier des Flandres puppy from this breeding...mid April 2008 is YOUR time!
