FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We respond very quickly, usually in less than 24-hours, when you email us through the contact page on this site. (We'd include our email here, but spam web crawlers will pick it up and start sending us junk mail!) We are often busy with the Bouvies, or our day-job, when you call us (814] 800-0084, EST Time Zone NYC). However, we are very quick to reply. Just let us know the best time to contact you back and we'll work it out. We typically reply with our personal cells (area code 412 number) and not the business line when we are traveling to/from the groomer, a vet check, etc. We understand spam filters on your phone and will leave you a message identifying ourselves and that we are calling you back. Please do the same for us. Once we connect, and we have you in our Contacts, texting is the fastest way to reach us with quick questions. In these times, we all tend to filter calls we don't know and we are all cautious of scammers. (Yes! Even breeders get scammed!) We hope you grow confident in us pretty quickly - because we are very open and active on social media and our website very uniquely reflects our transparent practices. FYI: We never sell to anyone we haven't spoken to by phone. We aren't a mail order business. We like to get to know our Bouvie buyers a little and make new Bouvie friends.

Absolutely! YES! YES! YES! Since we have day-jobs, house chores and families (like most of you!), we do not have walk-in hours/days. However, we are more than happy to set a time for us to meet-up and visit with the Bouvs. We will restrict visitors when we have pups at home under 5 weeks of age. Before 5 weeks old, the pups have no vaccinations and are very vulnerable - just like newborn humans! When pups are this young, we are happy to arrange Zoom or FaceTime video calls. Check out our location (Oil City/Franklin, Pennsylvania) and ask us how to make your visit into a cool day trip where hunting, fishing, microbreweries, elk farms, and the Amish are tucked away in the forest and mountains. Experience the history of the birth of oil drilling in America!

Yes! Setting up a time to talk with us is an excellent idea! We know what it's like to not know what you don't know about a pet you're thinking of adding to your family. Informational calls have saved us a lot of time, money, and heartache (let alone the pet's anguish too!). Every week, we take 1-3 informational calls, by appointment, and share with you what it's like to own a Bouvier des Flandres, what makes them a bit different from other breeds, and what you can expect from one of our Bouviers. These calls take about an hour, and we will happily answer your follow-up questions by text or email. A WORD OF CAUTION: I (Shana) have Asperger's Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. When I speak on a topic that's a niche interest to me - like Bouviers - I can tend to get into the weeds. I know a lot and I love to share it! Feel free to interrupt and re-direct me if I am long-winded. I prefer you to be very honest, polite, and direct rather than let me ramble excessively on a topic.

We are so sorry for your loss! We can truly empathize with the grief you must feel. You and your family deserve time to grieve and your future puppy doesn't deserve to be constantly compared (negatively) to the dog that just passed away. It will never measure up to the one that's been lost. It often takes 3-4 months before you can enjoy a new puppy. Children seem to recover faster and a new puppy is a distraction for them. It's advisable, though, to let children learn to mourn losses and learn how to work through the pain. (Smart, Sylvia; Dog Breeders Professional Secrets Ethical Breeding Practices) You may want to seek help here: The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) www.aplb.org

Yes, IF you are a person who is willing to commit to walking your dog twice daily to do their business, sniff the air, and stretch their legs. It also helps if you have a hobby: biking, hiking, nature walks, etc. that you will do regularly with your Bouvier. Without a chance to be a dog, and do dog-things outside, a Bouvier will get bored, cabin fever, and the zoomies (run playfully through your home!). I have owned a Bouvier in a duplex without issues. I also spent a large portion of our COVID-19 Quarantine in a two bedroom townhouse with a Bouvier. We did just fine when we followed the guidelines I mention above. Another great resource for socialization and persons living in small spaces are doggy daycares and dog walking services. Bouviers are not excessive barkers. They are alert dogs and then they sit quietly and watch for trouble. As a result, our neighbors were never disturbed and only saw our Bouvier on his daily walks. WORD OF CAUTION: If you are renting, or have a community Homeowner's Association (HOA), you need to check with your pet restrictions to be sure you are permitted a 85-110 pound adult dog and that you are within the number of pets permissible after you add-in a new pup.

Despite all that fur, his coat is low-dander and doesn't shed much. And while no dog is truly hypoallergenic, the Bouvier is considered the largest allergy-friendly breed and might be a good choice for some who sneeze around dogs. (from DailyPaws) Shedding and dander, with a Bouvier, is also minimized by weekly combing and every 6-8 weeks taking your furbaby to a groomer. Like humans, with hair, Bouviers drop a few hairs - especially when you brush their coat. This is the natural processes of attrition. Bouviers are NOT like your typical seasonal shedding dog, that does not requiring grooming, and may leave a trail of hair on their bedding, your furniture, clothing and carpeting.

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. They should not be difficult to handle if you take the responsibility of Puppy Class and Obedience Training very seriously. A novice can learn to handle a Bouvier WHILE the Bouvier is still a puppy. If left without a "boss," the Bouvier will become his/her own boss. Then, as your puppy matures into a full-sized adult dog, you'll have a very strong, stubborn animal on your hands that thinks very independently. In this case, yes, Bouvier's who have been left to their own thinking are difficult to retrain and to handle. Not impossible, but they'll take a more experienced handler to reform their ways. Obviously, it's always best to stay ahead of your Bouvier. Plan ahead: look for a good Puppy Class at a place where you can grow and learn with your Bouvier. Have an idea of where you will register and when the next class starts by the time you bring your Bouvie home. The number one reason any dog ends up in a shelter, homeless, is because the dog failed to live with its human in a way the human expected. In essence, the owner and the dog lacked the skills to communicate their expectations and needs to each other. Do all that you can to have a long-lasting, pleasant, experience with your Bouvier. If you cannot keep your House Of Bouvs pup, for any reason and at any age, please contact us. Your furbaby always has a home at our home.

SIZE Our females range from 70-85# as adults and are typically about 25-27" tall at the withers (shoulder). Our males range from 90-110# as adults and are typically about 27" tall at the withers (shoulders). TEMPERAMENT AFTER STERILIZATION Almost exactly the same. Occasionally, especially at puberty, will be more protective. At this stage, some males need an alert owner to correct unwanted protectiveness. Although this behavior is fairly rare with the temperaments we breed, it is a known quality in many lines of the breed. ALL Bouviers, have the natural instinct to protect their family, pack, and herd - any sentient being with which they live. Therefore, even if you choose a female Bouvier, you'll have a great home companion that is discerning and observant for in-coming trouble. ANATOMY Obviously, males have external plumbing. Sometimes, honestly rarely for us, a male will get excited to see you. When he's happy, you may know it. ("Clap your hands!") We have not had our pups "hump" children or pillows. However, this is a natural display of dominance that is not always sexual. Pre-pubescent puppies, both male and female, may exhibit this behavior. Females, for their hips/ligament health, should have 2-3 heat cycles before they are spayed. Some people consider this a nuisance to protect against breeding with the neighborhood Don Juan. Or it's seen an unsanitary part of having a girl. Today, there are many options for keeping a girl "under-wraps" with inexpensive "bitch pants" that attach like a cute, Velcro diaper. This also helps provide a barrier for Don Juan down the street.

We aren't called EUROPE'S NANNY DOGS for our herding skills! YES! We love children! Traditionally, in Europe, Bouviers would "herd" small children by keeping them in the yard or away from danger. Bouviers have been known to guard both home and their families, including small children, with the love and devotion of a mother bear. Instinctively, Bouviers know children need protection and gentle their ways around the littlest humans. With this in mind, Bouviers are still dogs - animals, even (It's hard to even type that word!)! Always be careful when leaving small children alone with any animal. They are not perfect substitutes for human sitters. Any dog can be tolerant of a little bit of poking fingers and pulled fur. Not all dogs react the same way to being startled or stepped on unexpectedly. Make sure you teach your children how to handle your Bouvier - without abusing it - from a very young age. Then, your Bouvier will respect and bond closely with your children.

When raised with pets, Bouviers are good with other pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Most Bouviers will always remember being dominated by a cat's "murder mittens," even when they are 8-10x larger and heavier than the cat. They live playfully with cats and typically are not cat-killers. Problems arise when Bouviers are rescued later in life, have no experiences with cats, and see them as prey or "triggering" to capture because cats move quickly and erratically. And then there is the cat... Not all cats are curious about or want to play with a Bouvier. In general, though, think about how Bouviers on farms are raised in the barn. This is to make the livestock part of it's family, the Bouvier's "pack." Puppies growing up with any animal in their daily life view that animal as a friend and something to protect.

If properly socialized, our Bouviers welcome any guest that you welcome into your home. Our lines have a watchful nature in them, but they also have discernment and intelligence before reacting aggressively. Bouviers kept isolated or home without visitors tend to become tightly bonded to their families and more suspicious of outsiders. Overall, Bouviers love to be a part of a family, a circle of friends and a neighborhood. They are social creatures and never forget a friendly face!

Yes, with early and regular exposure to water as they are growing up, Bouviers can become confident swimmers. Many of our Bouviers also enjoy boating, from canoes to outboards, and pontoons, with their families. Without regular introductions to water, showing them the safe way to access and exit swimming pools, Bouviers can become as hesitant as cats to swim in pools or lakes. (Most Bouvs are obsessed with you when you're in a bathtub or shower, though!) At The House, we begin bathing your pup at 4 weeks old to introduce them to the pleasurable, safe, experience of warm water. By the time they leave, most pups are playing with their littermates in a bathtub or a kiddie pool. From there, it's up to you to develop the aquatic lifestyle you want with your Bouvier.

Yes, like most dogs, the first few times you try to load them into smaller boats: kayaks, canoes, row boats, they will be unsure about it and uneasy with the boat's anchored movement in the water. Even if you Bouvier knows how to swim, boats are a different experience and a bit scary at first. Wear a lifejacket and make sure your Bouvier does too - at least until they get their "sea legs!" It's not uncommon, in smaller boats, for new boating Bouvs to jump overboard a few times before they get the hang of it. The larger the boat, the smoother it rests on the water, the more natural it is for a Bouvier to board the boat and enjoy the ride. The more often you go boating, the more confident your Bouv will be.

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Young Bouviers, under 24 months of age, should be taken for walks and work their way up - slowly - to jogging. This is primarily to preserve and protect their hips as their growth plates do not close until they are 2 years old. Dogs are not born with bad hips. Bad hips develop from weight, age, accidents, or exercise-induced, repetitive, damage. Here is a great article outlining many ways to exercise while having fun with your Bouvier des Flandres. Within the article, it also links to a how to build up endurance and stamina. Bouviers are endurance walkers, following cattle, and short-sprint, bursts of energy that may last 15 minutes at a time under normal conditions. One good way of thinking of your Bouvier, immediately after you bring it home, is as if you have a newborn baby, or a toddler. Could they go running a 5k with you? No, but you could get a jogging stroller, zip them into the enclosure, and bring them along for the ride!

Absolutely, yes! Bouviers can hike with you! Take precautions to prevent dehydration and overheating. Bring along a collapsible bowl and a water bottle. You can even rig up a vest on your Bouvier so he/she can carry their own gear! Hiking is a great mental and physical exercise. Be aware of: other dogs, wear bear bells, and alert in-coming hikers you have a dog. Give flea/tick prevention before you head on the trail as well as combing through your Bouvier for external parasites after the trail. Don't let your Bouvier drink from puddles or streams: giardia is a horrible, common, internal parasite that strongly affects dogs' intestinal system. You'll need to seek out a vet for an antibiotic within a week if you Bouvier drinks from contaminated water.

It depends on the service/therapy needed and the specific dog. Are there Bouviers who are service dogs? Yes, absolutely. We have had some pups grow into service animals or live with physically handicapped persons. We are told they are remarkable in their intuition and gentleness. Are there Bouviers who are therapy dogs? Yes, definitely! Formally and informally, some of our pups have fallen into therapy work. It suits their nature to bond tightly to their owner/handlers. The lower standards for therapy dogs make this rank more achievable for Bouviers and all other dogs. However, not all dogs and not all Bouviers will qualify even to be therapy dogs. All dogs are born with certain aptitudes and abilities: herding livestock, police work, military service, cart pulling, nose-work, are some of the Bouvier's fortes. A dog with an excellent ability to work in the military may not make the best dog to bring to a classroom of autistic children. We breed for companion temperaments: away from Schutzhund, IPO, and protective sports. Companion dogs will often make great therapy dogs. Our litters are very homogenous in temperaments - just like their parents are of similar demeanors as well. Beyond these temperament goals, we do not aim to produce service and therapy Bouviers for individuals or training companies. Likewise, while we have provided police agencies with Bouviers, these have often been rescues outside of our breeding lines. We do not aim to breed and supply Bouviers for protection work. We want EXTRAORDINARY BOUVIERS FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE. Bouviers aren't the best to be assisting with balance and bearing your weight: pressing down on them from the top. Just like all children are not able to be formed into medical doctors, not all dogs can take-on all jobs either. We don't believe in temperament testing a puppy, picking it, then handing it to a trainer to mold into the perfect service animal for you. We believe professional training programs will provide the patient with a qualified service animal. If you examine the tried-and-true, professional, service, animal programs, like Leader Dogs for the Blind, even they cannot select dogs at a mere 6-9 weeks of age. Leader Dogs will send a puppy to a puppy trainer for a year and then begin their selection and training. Even along the way, dogs will be eliminated and rehomed.

Link to AKC article referenced in the video: https://www.akcchf.org/research/impact-stories/early-spay-neuter.html

Also see FAQ: Can I go running with my Bouvier? and FAQ: Can Bouviers live in an apartment?

No. If you keep ears groomed (hair plucked and trimmed) and you keep their ears dry (after baths and walks in wet weather), you will not have problems with ear infections. Cropping ears has been illegal in most of Europe since 2006 (many countries banned ear cropping earlier). Since the ban, there has been no measurable spike in canine otitis externa, media, and interna (ear infections). The House Of Bouvs will crop, or leave natural, puppies' ears as you desire. Cropping is surgery and there is an additional expense to the buyer. It's a very serious, traditional, Bouvier look that we, personally, like in our BdFs. All of our European imported Bouviers have the natural ears and natural tails. They came to America without being cosmetically altered and we chose to keep their homeland aesthetics. NOTE: This video on our YouTube page has no audio, no sound.

Our Bouviers are within AKC Breed Standards. Watch this video to get a better feel for the Standards, proportions and size of a Bouvier:

Book your Bouvier in advance. Your pup will need regular grooming, every 6-8 weeks, starting at about 5 months old. However, before 5 months old, you should be taking your pup to the groomer to get familiar with the sound of blow dryers, industrial vacuums, snipping scissors and buzzing clippers. It can be overwhelming for any dog if their first experience is the day they need a full-service spa day! Go early and go often! Let the groomer bathe and blow-out your Bouvier. Get his/her nails trimmed. Make it a positive experience with lots of praise and treats!

Using a large, steel-tooth, grooming comb, we suggest working through your Bouvier's coat 2x weekly. Especially focus on the beard, where food gets stuck and water can cause matting by the lips. The combing process should not take longer than 1 or 2 full commercial breaks and can be quality, bonding, time spent with your Bouvier.

We bathe pup at least once a week here at The House. YOU should not need to give your dogs weekly baths at home. We do this because they, as a litter, can get very messy with food and walk all over each other (food/dirt). We also bathe them often as a part of an early introduction plan to water, water-play, and the total grooming experience. Under normal conditions, a Bouvier would not need to be bathed more than once every 6-8 weeks. Of course, with the right shampoo to protect the skin and prevent the coat from getting overly dry or oily (a byproduct of some moisturizing/shine shampoos), there is no harm in bathing your Bouvier more often. STINKY? No. Bouviers do not have an natural body odor. Often, odors arrive with oily-coated breeds. Bouviers are typically not oily unless their coat is dirty.

Typically, a Bouvier will take 3 hours to comb, wash, dry, and cut. As you can imagine, this is 1-3x longer than smaller, less hairy, breeds. Therefore, Bouviers will cost more to groom. Time is money for groomers. In our area, grooming is very inexpensive, about $70; in the nearest major city, grooming will cost $125-$140 (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia). All professional, trained, groomers have a breed book to guide them. However, very few have ever groomed a Bouvier. Be prepared to tell them what you want your dog to look like and to share photos or instructions. We have attached a .pdf guide from Jim Engel's book The Dogs of Flandres Fields here to assist you and your groomer. Many people learn to groom their own Bouviers and find it is the best way to get what they want. Anything you can do, in advance, to make their job easier is going to make your groomer happier to see your Bouvie in the future. Groomers especially appreciate it if you spend the night before your appointment giving your Bouv a good comb through to ensure their coat is knot-free.

Yes! Many people have tried to save a little time and money by grooming their own Bouviers, and discovered they have a real talent for it! We recommend buying the best tools you can find, from name brands, if you want to try a little DIY beauty shop. Ask your current groomer for tips, techniques, suggestions, and an idea of what products have durability. We like Wahl and Oster clippers. You can find the products we use and recommend in the HOB Supply Store under Grooming. BREEDER'S SECRET: BEST SHOT Ultra Finishing Spray works well to painlessly release a tangle in a beard.

Probably not. We are breeders - not professional trainers. I also have a day-job that keeps me extra busy. If you're interested, we can make a few referrals to Doggy Boot Camps with boarding included in their training costs.

You SHOULD NOT need to hire private lessons from a professional dog trainer. Some people choose to do this as a matter of convenience or due to lack of time. It's best to get training soon/early rather than wait even if you hire help. You should attend Puppy Classes and Basic Obedience with your Bouvier. Some people are capable of learning how to train their Bouviers through books and YouTube videos. In either situation, the essential ingredient is CONSISTENCY. You need to show consistent, positive reinforcement of desired behaviors. Bouviers want to please you and never forget the people who show them love/treats.

It depends on the service/therapy needed and the specific dog. Are there Bouviers who are service dogs? Yes, absolutely. We have had some pups grow into service animals or live with physically handicapped persons. We are told they are remarkable in their intuition and gentleness. Are there Bouviers who are therapy dogs? Yes, definitely! Formally and informally, some of our pups have fallen into therapy work. It suits their nature to bond tightly to their owner/handlers. The lower standards for therapy dogs make this rank more achievable for Bouviers and all other dogs. However, not all dogs and not all Bouviers will qualify even to be therapy dogs. All dogs are born with certain aptitudes and abilities: herding livestock, police work, military service, cart pulling, nose-work, are some of the Bouvier's fortes. A dog with an excellent ability to work in the military may not make the best dog to bring to a classroom of autistic children. We breed for companion temperaments: away from Schutzhund, IPO, and protective sports. Companion dogs will often make great therapy dogs. Our litters are very homogenous in temperaments - just like their parents are of similar demeanors as well. Beyond these temperament goals, we do not aim to produce service and therapy Bouviers for individuals or training companies. Likewise, while we have provided police agencies with Bouviers, these have often been rescues outside of our breeding lines. We do not aim to breed and supply Bouviers for protection work. We want EXTRAORDINARY BOUVIERS FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE. Bouviers aren't the best to be assisting with balance and bearing your weight: pressing down on them from the top. Just like all children are not able to be formed into medical doctors, not all dogs can take-on all jobs either. We don't believe in temperament testing a puppy, picking it, then handing it to a trainer to mold into the perfect service animal for you. We believe professional training programs will provide the patient with a qualified service animal. If you examine the tried-and-true, professional, service, animal programs, like Leader Dogs for the Blind, even they cannot select dogs at a mere 6-9 weeks of age. Leader Dogs will send a puppy to a puppy trainer for a year and then begin their selection and training. Even along the way, dogs will be eliminated and rehomed.

We love old school crate training! It comes in handy to have a Bouvier who is accustomed to their crate. Of course, there are many methods to achieve crate training and housebreaking your puppy. You can Google different ideas that may work for you and find many YouTube videos on the subject. Here are our thoughts on the art of crate training your new puppy:

Bouviers can be TRAINED to ignore chickens. Most Bouviers, being a herding breed, will be "triggered" to chase or follow any moving animal (even children). Some Bouviers are klutzy and will step on chickens - sadly "unaliving" poultry by accident. Other Bouviers may have an instinct to capture and eat chickens. We are told (we don't have any chickens) that training a chicken-safe Bouvier can take a year of constant supervision and correction, but it has been done (successfully) many times. Bouviers are native farm dogs. If raised with any livestock, they grow to consider them their family and embrace them under their protection.

We ship to the United States and Canada via one of the following methods: In-Cabin and Air Nanny, Air Cargo, or by Ground Transport. All buyers are welcome, but not required, to visit us at The House Of Bouvs to pick-up their new puppy. TRAVEL HEALTH CERTIFICATES All USDA Veterinary Health Certificates required are secured by the House Of Bouvs in a timely manner for the traveling puppy when third party agencies are involved. This paperwork is paid for by the buyer and will travel with the puppy. All puppies traveling via a third party agency must receive a Bortetella (Kennel Cough) vaccination. TRAVEL CRATES AND SHERPA BAGS Airline approved cargo crates are provided by The House Of Bouvs at the cost of the buyer. Airline approved sherpa bags may be provided by The House Of Bouvs or buyers may bring their own if they are traveling by air to bring a puppy home In-Cabin. Air Nannies and Ground Transports typically provide their own crates. DISCLOSURE House Of Bouvs assists buyers with transportation. The ultimate decision for how, when and which entity is chosen to bring your puppy is with the buyer. HOB is not responsible for third party agencies and will receive payment in full for pups before they leave The House. Third party transporters (airlines, drivers) should carry professional liability insurance and licensures. It is the buyer's burden to verify and request this information from the third party in advance of the transport.

Our transporters often meet Canadian buyers at a border Customs Office in provinces closest to Pennsylvania. Some parts of Canada make the import of live animals difficult or impossible. All buyers are welcome, but not required, to visit us at The House Of Bouvs to pick-up their new puppy. Specific rules, tariffs, regulations, import taxes, bridge fees, COVID vaccination requirements, etc. are the responsibility of the Canadian buyer to research for their specific province and time of travel. All payments are made to The House Of Bouvs in US Dollars ($) not Canadian currency. USDA information on taking pups from the USA to other countries: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country

We probably can't ship to you. Most countries require a long quarantine for puppies coming from the United States. We do not feel it's fair, nor socially appropriate, for a Bouvier to stay in an import quarantine kennel. Therefore, we will not ship to countries where that require our pups to be quarantined. We WILL RECOMMEND a breeder closer to you. Not all countries' pups are required to be isolated and evaluated for lengthy periods of time upon entering a country. We hope we can help you to connect with a Bouvie and enjoy the special love and companionship of this amazing breed!

Shipping costs vary by the size (height), weight, age (vaccinations required), crate required (size), and airline used. It also makes a difference if you are shipping by Ground Transportation, Air Cargo, Air Nanny, or if you're coming to bring your puppy home in-cabin (on the flight with you). The time of year, availability of flights, etc. are also variables that impact price and access to services. While flight and fuel prices are constantly changing, it's still best to book 30 days in advance for the best deals (on any transport where you need a human ticket). Ground Transporters will sometimes lower pricing after booking after they get additional pets going the same way. Air Cargo can only be booked 10 days to 72 hours in advance. Unless you are able to use a Ground Transporter (fairly close-by us) or drive here (or to the Safe House) yourself, the cost of an airline ticket for one adult to Pittsburgh International Airport, us meet you there with the pup ready to fly, and you purchasing a pet "seat" back to your home destination is the SAFEST, EASIEST, and nearly exactly the same cost as other options. In-Cabin flights are very low-stress and a great bonding experience for Bouvie pups and their new owners. For airlines, we prefer American Airlines for both Air Cargo and In-Cabin transports. They seem to be the easiest to work with and very reasonably priced. Their Air Cargo weight limits for pricing are: above 25# and below 25# (including the kennel and travel food); it's very a very simple price structure. In-Cabin they are also easy to work with and pet-friendly to our customers. Typically, Ground Transportation starts at $500 - except to the HOB Safe House. Safe House trips are often split transportation costs among those buyers whose pups are going there for pick up. Costs range from $150-$200 to the Safe House. You do not need to buy a kennel for Ground Transports. Transporters provide kennels and the Safe House has temporary crates for overnight. Air Cargo, Air Nanny, In-Cabin and professional Ground Transports require: - a USDA health certificate and approved veterinary exam, - depending on the pup's age, additional vaccinations may be required. Air Cargo, Air Nanny, In-Cabin ALSO require: - food/water bowls (we send along collapsible), - food/water for a day, - airline approved kennel or sherpa bag (In-Cabin, Air Nannies often have their own bags). In-Cabin and Air Nanny ALSO require: - pet fee to travel with you as baggage (about $125) Obviously, there is no one price fits all structure. We will assist you with recommendations and making calls to arrange transportation options if you need help. We'll arrange the necessary vet visits to get your required paperwork. Then, depending on which travel means you choose, and where exactly you are located, you should have a couple of decent options for ways to travel.

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Only certain flights and aircraft are permitted to fly animals via Air Cargo. Air Nannies require the cost of an airline ticket plus their time and service fee. Our customers often save money buy flying to the largest airport near us and having us meet you there with your new furbaby. Then, for a small fee, you can board your return flight with your pup. AIR CARGO: VARIABLES IMPACT THE BOTTOM LINE Weather conditions, ground/air temperatures, flight availability (booking a spot for your crate size/weight), and your timing preferences impact the travel costs, destination airport, flight availability. Likewise, the heavier and bigger a puppy is, the bigger the Air Cargo crate. This impacts costs and airline options. Sometimes, even if you can fly from one city to another inside the aircraft, a puppy cannot fly to the city via Air Cargo. In these cases, if the puppy needs to fly to you, an Air Nanny or (more cost-effectively) you will need to book an In-Cabin ticket to carry your puppy home. Any way you choose to travel with your pup, we can help you work through the options and research costs as they pertain to your exact travel requirements.

Air Cargo is booked 10 days to 72 hours in advance - not like human seats that can be booked much further in advance. Typically, this means your pup flies without a human escort onboard the same aircraft. Although you can fly on the same plane, send your pup to cargo, and you stay in a seat. Here is a cute video from American Airlines about their Air Cargo procedures and requirements. We will help you secure the appropriate kennel and other requirements.

An Air Nanny is a reliable transporter able to fly your puppy to you quickly and safely inside the cabin of an aircraft. Nannies meet us at an airport (Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland) and take charge of the puppy. They fly your furball right next to them in the cabin. You are expected to welcome them at the Arrivals terminal, and receive your very special delivery. Air Nanny's have a huge responsibility to keep the animal safe, clean, and comfortable on it's way to you. Travel by Air Nanny is not about moving crates. Instead, it’s about providing safety, speed, reliability, and connecting the puppy and their owners on a human level. Nannies are part guardian and part chauffer for your baby Bouvie.

In-Cabin transports, like Air Nanny'ing, means the pup flies in an approved bag onboard the aircraft - where people sit! We say In-Cabin when we mean you, or another adult you choose, comes to an airport near us (usually Pittsburgh International Airport PIT) to pick up your pup and return home with it onboard with you. We think this is the BEST and SAFEST way to travel with your pup if you cannot drive to the House Of Bouvs. It also ends up being very cost-competitive with other means of travel.

Also known as a Professional Pet Transporter, this is when anyone other than you is paid to transport your pup, by vehicle, from us to your home destination. Under most conditions, this service is regulated by the USDA to ensure the health and safety of the puppy.

The House of Bouvs' Safe House is a private residence in the beautiful, Main Line, suburbs north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has an unassuming appearance because it's not a kennel or even a home with any breed of canine. It's simply a trusted, best friend of The House for many decades, a location where pups on their way home can hang out and take shelter until their new family arrives to pick them up. Having the Safe House, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, offers us the ability to save east coast buyers 5-1/2 hours of driving, each way, to reach The House of Bouvs in northwestern Pennsylvania. It is such a time, gas, and possible hotel cost-savings, it makes it a easy, no-brainer, for 1-3 families each litter to split the transport from our House to the Safe House. Buyers are in direct communication with both the transporter and the matron of the Safe House to coordinate timing and pick-ups. Typically, pups do not spend more than 1 overnight there before Mom and/or Dad arrive.

When biological functions such as respirations, heartrate, and sleep/wake state syncs up with an external source of music, this is music entrainment. Think: lullabies at bedtime = sleeping baby. At The House Of Bouvs, we use different paces of music to sync puppies to daytime vs nighttime vibes. This helps to set the schedule for pups and puts them into a deep sleep state quickly when they need to rest. It also helps you to have fewer sleepless nights when you go home with your new puppy. Sleep is critical for pups' growth and development - just like human babies. So, we try to make it as easy and natural as possible, from the moment they are born (even before they can hear, they can feel vibrations!) to get a head start in life! To learn more, check out this article:

Just like human babies, when Bouviers leave to go home they are too young to fully control their bowels and bladder. Many, however, are starting to get the idea of keeping their living space clean by separating living vs potty space in the whelping box. Recently, we started introducing Potty Pads in the box for pups who are inclined to get ahead on their housebreaking. We also begin crating pups at about 6 weeks of age to further encourage them to keep their confined, personal, space clean overnight. Early crating also helps Bouviers to better accept a crate at your home.

At The House Of Bouvs, socializing with outside people is a bit difficult - but not impossible. We never introduce pups to anything from outside The House until they have their first series of vaccinations at about 5 weeks of age. It's simply too risky for their health. After vaccinations begin, we LIGHTLY SOCIALIZE pups because they're not fully vaccinated yet. To give you some concrete examples: pups will only travel to/from a vet (unless our vet pays a home visit) before they are 5 weeks old. We do not show pups to potential buyers because it puts everyone's pup at risk. You are still welcome to visit, but you won't see the Puppy Club (whelping room and puppies) or the puppies' mother (because she can carry diseases into the box). After 5 weeks of age, we will have a few visitors each week to The House, but even still we will not show you pups that are sold. We go the extra mile to keep everyone safe. We will take our pups once a week to our groomer's shop after hours where we will now bathe, blow-dry, and photograph them for you. Beyond these events, pups are a bit young to be heavily socialized with humans. If a pup is at The House after 8-9 weeks of age, when they have had their second series of vaccinations, they will run errands with us: post office, farm store, hardware store, etc. to become familiar with the unfamiliar sounds, sights, smells, and hands of people petting them. They also learn to ride in a car, without getting car sick, in this way.

The day reserved puppies are chosen by their forever-families is called "Draft Pick Day," because there is a method, an organized order, to the madness of it. BEFORE the 3rd day of life, reserved (pre-ordered) pups are selected by their families - not usually by us! We know this is different - even controversial - among all dog breeders. We can explain, and we believe you'll be happy some input and options on the furchild who comes into your home. We try hard to respect your preferences and interests - and it's made all the easier to do this because we breed for temperament. At the end of the day, all our pups are very homogenous in their aptitudes, abilities, affability, and adaptability for you. Why BEFORE DAY 3? Tail docking. Tails must be docked between day 3-5 of life in Pennsylvania. If our vet has an emergency and cannot see our pups on Day 5, we plan our visit on the earliest possible day. Not everyone wants tails docked, so we need to have our Draft Pick Day before docking day to ensure those who want it, get it (and vice versa). WHY DON'T YOU PICK FOR US? We are confident in our breeding. We have worked hard to breed for companion temperaments - the best quality family Bouviers in America. We avoid IPO, Schutzhund, and protective sports zealots. Our lines are traditional, show-quality, Bouviers who have the discernment and flexibility to fit into family life. We've studied puppy temperament testing. We are even AKC Temperament Test certified! And in the end, we don't believe it's highly distinguishing for our Bouviers until they are older, leave The House, and have real world experiences that shape their personalities. In fact, the AKC does not have a puppy temperament test. (See FAQ on Service/Therapy dogs and testing pups) HOW DOES IT WORK? When reservations are made for a pup, we ask you: gender, color, and other preferences you may have for your dream Bouvier. We try hard to deliver you the Bouvier of your heart's desire - but we aren't 100% in control of what fate brings us on delivery day! If you want a fawn (blonde) female and our litter has exactly one fawn female. Even if you are third in line, if you are the only reservation for a fawn female, we will as you: 1) Is this pup what you want? 2) Do you want to change your preference now that they have arrived? or 3) Do you want to wait for another litter? This is assuming all people ahead of you have no color preferences. If they do, then first fawn female preference, of course, gets first pick of only the fawn females. If, once the pups are born, you change your preferences, then you step back in line by the order (timing) of your deposit. What if you don't care what color your pup is? You just need a boy or a girl? Then, in order of deposit date, we will call you and ask how you'd like to see pups: text images/video, email images/video, FaceTime, Zoom? Be warned: they look a bit like tiny squirrels when they are born! So, there isn't a lot to see, but I can tell you which ones will likely be brindle, black, fawn. I'll let you know what I see in their shape and let you hear their baby squeaks and murmurs. Because we need to contact each family in a relatively short period of time to secure pups a home, identifying which tails will stay natural and which will be docked, we will need to come to an answer during our 15 minute call. WHY DIDN"T I GET TO PICK THAT PUP? If there is a stud fee we need to pay, in the form of a puppy(ies), we will reserve some pups as Breeder's Choice and they will not be included in Draft Pick Day. Or, in some cases, we set pups aside because we are considering adding one to our own home. At a later date, maybe even before the pups are 8 weeks old, this pup may again become available.

Short answer: no. We follow a weaning schedule for the physical, social and emotional development of the pups. When pups start to get teeth, Mom doesn't want to nurse any longer. Does she still like to take peeks into the box and see them? Yes! Most mothers observe their pups without BEING OBSERVED BY PUPS. When they see her, they will incite a riot to nurse and when Mom is done, she is d-o-n-e! Typically, around 4 weeks of age, pups are transitioning to solid food. By the time they go home, they haven't nursed or slept overnight with their mom in about a month. We doubt they miss their mom as much as their littermates and some familiar sounds, smells and routines. Dogs tend to live in the moment - one great gift of the canine is to not hold onto the past forever. So, they quickly adapt to enjoy the new attention, love, affection, foods, smells and routines of your home.

We are a little bit crazy... You don't have to be so "extra" when you feed your House Of Bouvs pup at home. Below is a video to show you what we are feeding by the time they go home with you. The basic kibble we prefer is IAMS Large Breed Puppy Food (yellow bag). We suggest keeping pups on this for one year so they get the right level of protein as pups. After one year of age, we use IAMS Large Breed Lamb and Rice to keep protein under 27%. High protein diets, after 12 months of age, are hard on Bouviers' kidneys. We also like Lamb and Rice formulas because they are easy to replicate if you run out of IAMS and need to grab it at virtually any corner store or grocery. The recipe is simple, safe on the gut, and low-risk for allergic reactions. (No, we don't get kick-backs for recommending IAMS! We wish we did! We spend a fortune on their food!)

YOU are the owner of your Bouvier. We do not register microchips. Yes, you can/should register your chip to you! When you pick up your Bouvie pup, you will find instructions in their go-home-bag for how to register a microchip with AKC Reunite. We are authorized and trained to implant chips, but we choose to leave them for you to register. JUST A REMINDER: Not all House Of Bouvs pups receive a chip. Chips are implanted based on the owner's preference or purchase options. All 100% European pups come with a chip included at the higher purchase price. Other buyers may elect to purchase a chip for their pup.

We always offer pedigrees for the parents (dam/sire) AKC and European if applicable. We always send your pup home with an AKC litter certificate (pedigree certificate).

We use a variety of vets with different specialities: tail docking, ear cropping, USDA certified health exams, emergency needs, etc. This video will help familiarize you with your veterinary habits and routines. NOTE: Currently (2023), we are going to Cleveland, Ohio for ear cropping services, but seeking a more cost-conscious alternative with Bouvier experience.

We're so glad you asked! Check out your YouTube video (linked here)!

Yes! There are some amazing Air BnB's we recommend from luxurious, Victorian, homes to The Caboose Motel (Yes! It's a real train!) and rustic hunting and fishing lodges - and everything in between! We have it all! - Except hotels. The best part of coming to see us is opening the secrets of the forests and hills! When you're ready to visit, let us know and we will send you a Local Guide so you can imagine the possibilities your getaway weekend!

At one point, Google had The House Of Bouvs erroneously listed in Philadelphia. We have reached out to Google and verified our actual location in Hasson Heights, Pennsylvania (northwestern PA). HOWEVER... We have an awesome transportation Safe House, a close and trusted friend, near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (north of Philadelphia off the Main Line). The Safe House is a great location for buyers interested in saving time, gas, and sometimes hotel costs to travel across Pennsylvania. We are often able to split transportation costs among multiple, east coast, buyers from the same litter by sending pups via Ground Transport to the Safe House for pick-up. We do everything we can to help you save on costs and connect with your new, furever-friend and family member.

Typically, no. Sometimes, yes - for a small, daily, housebreaking fee. If the pup will need an additional vaccination while it's here, the owner would also be required to pay for the vet visit to keep it up-to-date (UTD) on its shots. We do not have a Boarding Kennel license and it's not typically our preference to keep pups here. They are ripe for bonding and they need to be with their new families - not bonding with us and our Bouvies. Further, I have a day-job and often after pups leave us it's time to hustle and catch up with things I've put off - or even go on vacation! Ask, don't assume. Ask if you want to pick up past your pup's due date. We will try to make arrangements for 1-2 pups if we can, but certainly growing babies are difficult to accommodate for a week or more beyond their time to fly the nest.

No, we cannot be a Boarding Kennel. We do not have a license to board animals. It is also not a line of work we are interested in doing, BUT... We do have a kennel in Pittsburgh that we highly recommend. They can also do some training and grooming with your Bouvier while it's visiting!

Rather than re-write what's been perfectly said, here is a link to a great article written by Breeding Business on the history and meaning of AKC Limited and Full Registrations. To protect our breeding program, ALL House Of Bouvs pups are sold as Limited AKC Registrations. Our Limited Policy includes pups due for stud fees or other breeding services: they are sent as Limited.

No. To protect our breeding program, ALL House Of Bouvs pups are sold as Limited AKC Registrations. Our Limited Policy includes pups due for stud fees or other breeding services: they are sent as Limited.

Yes and No. You are able to show your AKC Bouvier des Flandres for one year with an AKC Limited Registration. Beyond one year of age, your Bouvier will need a Full AKC Registration. Unfortunately, the AKC does not have a registration status that allows for showing without breeding. The intent of showing is to determine the Best Of Breed and to keep those favorable lines in the AKC Bouvier des Flandres. Therefore, if you show you must also be able to breed your show dog. To protect our breeding program, ALL House Of Bouvs pups are sold as Limited AKC Registrations. Our Limited Policy includes pups due for stud fees or other breeding services: they are sent as Limited.

You are able to show your House Of Bouvs AKC Limited Registration Bouvier des Flandres until it is 1 year old without obtaining a Full AKC Registration. If your pup is showing well, and you're interested in a Full AKC Registration, we will require certain proof of accomplishment and health testing before reviewing your Full Registration options.

Yes. We are Amazon Associates, aka Amazon Affiliates, we get (literally) a few pennies (about 3%) from your purchases using our links. Of course, this is not tax-free income. We pay taxes on everything we earn. Recommend products are only items we want, use, or need in our work with Bouviers. Otherwise, we could post links to the entire Amazon pet catalog, but we are more selective - showing you our preferred list of products. Some of the products we use and recommend are not found on Amazon. We drop ship these to you from local vendors. We are Associates for two reasons: 1) You asked us for a recommend list of products we use, foods we feed, and puppy supplies. Now it's all conveniently located in the HOB Supply Store! 2) Making a little commission allows us to pay down our ever-growing expenses and keep your costs stable. In general, these are items you would normally need, want, or be buying from Amazon or your local pet store anyway. It doesn't increase your costs. It saves you, and future buyers, on cost increases.