Our Response to “Do Not Buy a Bouvier!” pt 1 of 2

30 years ago, Pam Green wrote a timeless piece for prospective new Bouvier des Flandres buyers/owners. It's titled "Don't Buy A Bouvier!" and it's (appropriately) still in circulation and posted on websites today.

A few weeks ago, a caller asked me what I thought of it. I've never thought deeply about it or referred people to it; albeit, there probably have been a few times I should've sent it out.

In this post, I'll go line-by-line and give you my experience and opinon on the points Pam made in her public service announcement. I am, in no way, disagreeing with Pam and I mean her all due respect. Her piece has withstood the test of time. I'm simply giving my experience and suggestions that will sometimes soften her direct precautions.

Pam is right to wordsmith her piece very firmly. There are buyers who can be so full of themselves, their confidence and arrogance, that they wouldn't otherwise alter their naive view that the Bouvier is "a dog like any other dog" when it comes to owning one. These people might not read a mitigated statement and refocus their dreamy dog-ownership ideas with the Bouvier reality.

You will be committing yourself for up to 15 years.

Yes, you need to consider the years of commitment for any animal or being you adopt responsibility for in your life.

According to the AKC, maximum life expectancy is 12 years. I support the AKC's 10-12 year range with the rare outlier at 13-15.

DON'T buy a Bouvier if you are attracted to the breed chiefly by its appearance.

Behavior, temperament, and trainability are what you actually live with. Be sure that the Bouvier personality truly suits your own personality and lifestyle.

100% true. To be fully honest, MOST OF US are first captivated by the unique movement, confident gate, of a well groomed Bouvier. No shame in it. They are stunning!

However, there always comes a day when you get a bad grooming or you need to shave your Bouvie. I remember the first time I did this: it felt like I had a new, different, dog.

When you fall in love the sentient soul inside your Bouvier, it's like your favorite relative or friend getting a new hairdo. Your love just keeps on going strong no matter what he/she looks like on the outside.

DON'T buy a Bouvier if you are unwilling to share your house and your life with your dog. Bouviers are family-oriented housedogs ; they do not make good “outdoor” dogs. (Actually few dogs are happy if “exiled” from house and family.)

For myself, I agree. I don't want or have any kennel

or barn dogs. I don't want my pups to live a limited life in a kennel because I've seen how it alters their personalities and makes them more like animals than they are in their full potential as house dogs.

The housemate Bouvier, as an adult, is like having a gifted 12 year old child with a willingness to help, the most curious and supportive companion for whatever you pursue.

This being said, Bouviers were originally bred to be estate protectors and livestock herders. In the working capacity, the best working dogs are raised with their livestock. This way they consider sheep, pigs, cows, and/or chickens their "family" to be protected. Naturally, living outside the home, they were the first line of security before an intruder entered the home.

Today, Anatolian Shepherds and Kuvazes, big and brave, on farms in my area they often to sleep outside with their livestock in pastures. They are capable defenders against a pack of coyotes, and more often serve in these roles than do Bouviers.

DON'T buy a Bouvier if you don't intend to educate (train) your dog.

Basic obedience training is a MUST if your Bouv is to be a pleasant and well-mannered housemate. and you yourself must do it (with help in class) ; no one can do it for you.

Yes. The one regret I have is not knowing how, or seeking help to, train for recall. Bouviers are not sight dogs and run after prey senselessly, but they need to be able to be controlled off leash (like any dog) for their own safety.

The Number 1 reason most dogs (any kind) are given up to rescues, shelters and re-homed, according to the ASPCA, is due to lack of training. Essentially, without training any dog will be a dog and dog dog things. With training, we are teaching a dog how to live in a multi species home by our rules and under our leadership.

Bouviers are a bit more likely to think they can call the shots than the average dog. So, early intervention, educating the Bouvier in a language it understands, is where consistent training is the key to successful cohabitation.

DON'T buy a Bouvier if you lack leadership (self-assertive) personality. Bouvs are NOT submissive natured ; they tend to take advantage of wishy-washy non-alpha owners. You must be self-assured, consistent, and calmly firm.

Yes, I largely agree as stated above. However, I would add: alpha role parenting does not mean you roll over your Bouvier as a puppy, bite it's neck or ears, and stare it down. It doesn't work that way.

###End of Part 1###