Bouvier Des Flandres: Breeder selection and lines
When choosing a Bouvier Des Flandres, verify the named records and the issuing scheme before relying on a breeder's description. Treat the record as background information, not proof of how this individual dog will respond. Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine. Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.
What to verify before choosing
Bouvier Des Flandres's recommended parent-club health tests is recorded as ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']. Here, that matters because it identifies a record to verify, not a diagnosis of the dog in front of you.
Read the record, not the promise
- Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine.
- Keep the recommended parent-club health tests in view (['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
- Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.
Walk away or pause if
Do not proceed on verbal assurances when required records are missing, unverifiable, or inconsistent.
References
Height: 24.5-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-26.5 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 70-110 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Bouvier's coat needs brushing once or twice a week. A good slicker brush or pin brush and large comb will work for this. The beard may need cleaning at the same time, and the dog's toenails should be trimmed every week or two.
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Bouvier was bred to do everything that needs doing in a barnyard and pasture except milk the cows. They are happiest when they stay busy. A bored Bouvier can be a very destructive one. They are an excellent fit for an active household with an owner who hikes or jogs or even bikes. The Bouvier needs a large, enclosed exercise area where he can romp and…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Bouvier is happiest when he has a job to do, whether that job is babysitting, herding, obedience, or guard dog or rescue work. Bouviers are easily trained to do almost any type of dog sport or activity, and they usually excel at it. They have a strong prey drive so should be well socialized from the start. They are consummate showmen and enjoy working…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: They don't build 'em like this anymore. Burly and broad-chested, the tousle-coated dog of Flandres is from a time and place where a dog had to work like ' well, a dog. These smart and steady all-purpose workers make excellent watchdogs.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BouvierdesFlandres.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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