Breeders

We love this breed, but they are not for everybody. They are a joy, but their coats take regular maintenance, and they require gentle, firm training to make them happy, well-behaved family members. Send in the Contact Us form, and we will forward it to the Club’s health-testing breeders and Rescue Committee.

When you connect with them (or any breeder), here are questions to ask before you meet the puppies. (Because once you meet them, you will lose your heart to the adorable fluff-balls.)

Have the parents been health tested and if so what tests were done? You want to know about X-rays of hips and elbows, comprehensive eye exams, heart exam, plus any genetic testing.

How long have you been breeding? Can I meet the parents? Information on prior puppies from these parents? What health problems, if any, have you had in this line? As a future owner, you want your puppy to live a long and healthy life. Consider reviewing the Bouvier Health Foundation website and take note of both their ongoing health studies as well as the survey of issues affecting the breed.

Do you have an ownership contract? Reputable breeders will have a detailed contract concerning their and your responsibilities toward the dog. They will want to know as much about you as you do about them, before they trust you with a puppy.

Puppy or adult? Do you have the time to raise, train and socialize a puppy? Bouviers take several years to mature, so perhaps an adult dog would be better for your home? Often an owner’s passing or other unfortunate circumstances result in the need to rehome an adult Bouvier. There are lovely dogs waiting for forever homes accessed through our Club rescue and the American Bouvier Rescue League.

Additional resources are available on the American Bouvier des Flandres website and the Bouvier Health Foundation website.