18/03/2024
There was a question posed on another Bouvier site and while i wanted to answer it honestly i was afraid that my lengthy rendition of a bouvier would raise ire and cause an issue with the other members of the Facebook sits so I chose to post it here:
Why did you choose to get a Bouvier?
I did not choose the Bouvier Breed it chose me. I had a Golden Retriever that was not the classic Golden. He was a Bouvier in a Golden's Suit. When I started to train animals for Six Flags and then subsequently my Golden, I went to a Schutzhund School and learned that He was a Bouvier in Spirit. I started Training Bouviers at that point with my Golden's help he mentored the ones that needed a visual on how to behave, how to do things in a way that made sense. Bouviers love to learn from doing and the Golden and my first Bouvier worked in tandem which looking back on it was a very odd couple of breeds but Robbie was NO normal Golden Retriever and Hannah the Bouv knew it! The bouvier classically does not shed, they are a thinking breed capable of extreme love and devotion. They think through the situation and do not make a snap decision about what to do, keying in on their handlers' demeanor and their needs. Their strong character makes for a forcefully resilient dog who loves you (even your flaws) all the while trying to fit into your needs as a human. A good Bouvier has a sense of humor that can translate to doing things that may frustrate you, but ultimately, they are endearing qualities that allow them to make you laugh and lighten your mental load. Just like Humans they need to be exposed to various things early to take down their loathing of those tasks, nail clipping or grinding, bathing, grooming and things that seem mundane. If they are exposed and realize how relaxing the tasks are they will enjoy it just for you! Bouvier do not like repetition they love to do new things with you as their leader in this exposure. Training for a Bouvier teaches them the tasks that you need of them like controlled herding (they will herd naturally) if you have a farm or even children that need to be kept safe. Guarding with rules so that they dont intimidate every person who enters your home or business but to guard in a way that suggests power with parameters, Remarkably Bouvier are extremely good at this job and just need a little guidance as to your expectations. Ultimately the extra very interesting habits a Bouvier does like watching TV, or enjoying morning coffee with you in a way that is both a close friendship but also supportive is the most endearing portion of their love and their intricate personality.
What do you love specifically about the breed?
The one thing that after all the above, that at least three Bouvier have done for my family in our lives with Bouvier, is step up when we needed literally physical protection. These incidents were demonstrated without any expectation or preparation on our part. To be honest each situation was totally unexpected when they occurred. The dogs who took on each Protective Moment had never been formally trained in IPO or Shutz Hund but were naturals at the task at the precise moment the act of violence occurred, or the threat presented. Each time after the incident, it dawned on me how incredibly the dog had paid attention to the moment and reacted with measured but appropriate force, never needing guidance to make that call of what needed to be done in the moment. The realization that the dog I loved, loved us back to the point of giving their life if need be, just was so shocking. That gentle soul had such power and mental acuity all at once was amazing. While I would never wish this sort of situation on anyone, if you ever get a chance to experience the power, the grace and the intelligence of this breed to protect you, will never look at them the same again. The goofball that does those funny things is the same dog that saved you and kept you from harm. The Bouvier always has your back as long at they can breathe. They are truly an amazing dog that can't be underestimated.
