Unlike some of the more "noble breeds", the Bouviers nobility exists in his heart and heroics. The result of selective and purely practical breeding between various cattle herding type dogs from the Flandres region (it is said some mastiff influence also), the Bouvier was bred to be an adaptable farm worker and guardian. The Bouvier de Flandres achieved it's official breed standard and recognition in 1912.

Having achieved breed recognition the Bouvier was then threatened with extinction during the war. His traits of intelligence, courage, endurance and strength led to his employment as  messenger, stretcher bearer and protector to the allied forces. His alliance resulted in the enemy order being issued that all Bouviers be shot on sight ! On conclusion of the war the few remaining Bouviers were carefully preserved and bred to produce our modern day Bouvier - a genuinely heroic breed.

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What has always struck me about the Bouvier is his enduring working instincts. "You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy".

Large, rugged and with a very measured consideration of life, the Bouvier always appears to be "going to work" in preference to some of the more frivolous pastimes of other pampered canines.

A natural guardian, the Bouvier will happily substitute cattle herding for the responsibility of humans, horses, and the favorite - small children. A "Bouvier chaperoned" child is in safe paws and will be gently guarded and guided by their diligent, long suffering Bouvier companion.

It should be said at this point, without a job, without a companion, without a family - a Bouvier is the most desolate and confused creature imaginable. An isolated or rejected Bouvier can literally "give up the will to live" and unless you can commit to a long and full-time life with a Bouvier - Please just get a gold fish instead.

The abundant, harsh, double coat of the Bouvier also requires some commitment to grooming .. The beautifully presented Bouviers witnessed in the show-ring are the result of almost daily grooming - THEY ARE NOT JUST BORN THAT WAY !

A more unobtrusive and dignified member of the household would be hard to find, once clear rules and boundaries are established. Though quietly asleep or pottering in the garden, be under no illusion, a Bouvier ALWAYS has one watchful eye on his boss. An un-aggressive breed as a rule, the Bouvier uses his size and presence in his role of family guardian  and very few unwelcome guests ever trouble a Bouvier Household.

As a hopelessly smitten lover of the Bouvier, I cannot imagine a more staunchly loyal friend to have, but as this site is really about the dogs, perhaps it would be more appropriate to view things from the Bouviers perspective. . . . . . .

A well known slogan and car sticker, if written by Bouvier paw would read  "A Human is for life, not just for Christmas!"

COMPETING WITH DOCKED OR CROPPED DOGS IN THE UK

DOCKED DOGS

Dogs which were docked before 6th April 2007 (28th March for shows held in Wales).

If your dog was docked either in the UK or in a foreign country before 6th April

2007 (28th March for shows in Wales) then it may compete at all Kennel Club

licensed events.

Dogs which were docked on or after 6th April 2007 (28th March for shows held in Wales).

If your dog was docked on or after 6th April 2007 (28th March for shows held in Wales and irrespective of where it was docked) it will not, under the law, be permitted to be shown at any show in England or Wales where the public are admitted on payment of a fee.

However, if your dog was legally docked either in the UK or in another

country on or after 28th March/6th April 2007, you will be permitted to

compete with it at:

(a) all shows held in Scotland

(b) all shows held in Northern Ireland

(c) those shows held in England and Wales where the public do not pay to be

admitted.

Shows where the public are admitted on payment of a fee

All shows which charge the public for admission must state this on the show

schedule and entry form - but you should check carefully whether or not your dog is eligible before entering.

CROPPING

No dog with cropped ears is eligible to compete at any Kennel Club licensed

event.