When I was in elementary school, my neighbors had a Bouvier. Sweetest dog in the world if you were in their house. Try walking past the yard though and you were in trouble.
That's the only time in my life I've ever seen that kind of dog and I've never heard it mentioned in dog circles....and that was 30 years ago! Is this breed still around? I'm not interested in getting one, I just wonder why it isn't common around here and if it thrives somewhere else. Anyone own one of these dogs? Do they all live in France? LOL...
2006-11-16 01:36:01 · 14 answers · asked by KJ 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Bouviers are not one of the more common breeds here in the US. They were bred as working dogs and as such will guard their territory.
2006-11-16 01:44:59 · answer #1 · answered by groomingdiva_pgh 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bouviers are still around - it's one of the many breeds who went through asurge in popularity a few decades ago - hence had the major temperament and health problems all breeds go through when they get too popular. I knew a very sweet bouvier years ago who had to be put down because of her severe hip dysplasia. I have an extremely aggressive one living next door - the dog's totally out of control with any other dogs, but somewhat better with people (and he's got a heart murmur!)
They're still visible at shows and there are some really nice ones out there again.
2006-11-16 10:47:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's a fair number of them around here. The full name is Bouvier des Flandres, and they are from Belgium. They are high-maintenance grooming-wise, and can be a handful for novice owners. Otherwise they are great dogs.
2006-11-16 10:05:20 · answer #3 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, their stll around. One of the most interesting stories concerning the breed, was when it met Adolf Hiter. Hitler was looking for a guard dog for his Third Reich. If he found a good breed, they would become the official guard dogs of the state. When he reached out to pet a Bouvier it bit him. Hitler then decreed that all Bouviers were to be killed. He didn't wipe all of them out however, and the breed survived.
2006-11-16 09:51:28 · answer #4 · answered by Count Acumen 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I see one at my sister's obedience club (near Cincinnati, Ohio) quite often...his name is 'Houston' & he is a hoot! When he has had enough of the commands & gets tired of the class, he will just bark when his owner gives a command. Bad, but funny...because it is not happening to us!
They have never been a popular breed (which is good - keeps the puppy mills & backyard breeders from ruining the breed), but there are some around. Go to www.akc.org & you can find breed & club info, plus AKC show listings. If any shows are close, go to one sometime. Shows are fun & educational, plus many have booths selling neat stuff from dog toys to beds, too.
2006-11-16 10:25:19 · answer #5 · answered by mustanglynnie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in NYC, and I see a few every once in a while. There's one in my neighborhood. He's a very nice and gentle dog...not at all aggressive when I've seen him on his walks with his owner. I guess if they can seem intimidating because they are such big dogs. Their long thick hair makes them look even bigger than they really are!
2006-11-16 09:42:02 · answer #6 · answered by Genmai Cha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My neighbors had one years ago.
They are very sweet dogs and very nice tempermant.
I do not see many here but see pleanty at shows.
I think it is not a overly popular breed. They are beautiful dogs and
I like them but would not own one becasue of the grooming requirements.
I like my weimaraners and dobermans easy to groom and we hunt upland game birds so they work well for what we do.
2006-11-16 09:42:45 · answer #7 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bouvier Des Flandres - yes, they still exist. I've seen a couple, though they're not common.
2006-11-16 09:59:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Very popular in USA. Great gaurd dogs too. I knew a breeder in New York .
2006-11-16 09:56:58 · answer #9 · answered by st.lady (1 of GitEm's gang) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not so common here in Texas (don't see them everyday) but my boss has one :) it is the sweetest thing and very protective. He got hooked on the breed when he lived in Europe, that's where he bought his first one.
2006-11-16 11:56:02 · answer #10 · answered by hpurvis01 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋