Bouvier Breeders

[Jim Knapik,,,5154,36-655]

I am trying to get some information on Bouvier Breeders in North America. I currently
have a dysplastic dog, and as such am beginning what I think will be a long
investigation for an outstanding breeder.

I would appreciate info about breeders of Bouvier's who breed to the standard and not
over the standard with respect to size. Especially of interest would be breeder's
whose dogs are not only of good conformation but also dogs with work experience,
e.g. herding, seeing eye dogs or police dogs.

Not knowing much about breeding in Europe except what I read, I am impressed by the
guidelines which require a dog to perform rather than just look good to be a
champion and representative of the breed.

We are really happy with our Zena, but would like to avoid seeing another dog go
through the pain dysplasia if we can help it. We realize it is difficult to predict
the where dysplasia will show up, but we hope to maiximize our odds through the
best breeding we can find.

Any information would be much appreciated. I am also willing to share info with anyone
considering the purchase of a Bouvier.

---
Jim Knapik
kna...@mdd.comm.mot.com

[Paula_...@f711.n202.z1.fidonet.org]

-> Any information would be much appreciated. I am also willing to
share
-> anyone
-> considering the purchase of a Bouvier.

I'd be happy to share with you what I've found - how
successful I've been at locating a non-dysplatic Bouv remains to be
seen as The Wookie (Flanderfield's Lethal Beauty) is only 10 months
old
and can't be OFA rated for another 14 months. I understand your
concerns - my last dog, Charlie Plumetail, was a mix and severly
dysplastic during the last half of his life.
There is a group of Bouv breeders dedicated to the working
aspect of the breed - NAWBA, The North American Working Bouvier
Association. While many of them have dual titled dogs, I was drawn to
them because their dogs are expected to *work*, whether at Schutzhund,
herding, carting, personal protection, agility, obedience or what have
you, and therefore they place a great emphasis on physical soundness.
I investigated three kennels during my search and happily pass along
their names and addresses, though these are hardly the only reputable
Bouv breeders in N.A. There are several Canadian kennels of note but
I
confined myself to the geographically convenient (more or less). I
would also highly recommend a book by Jim Engel, "Bouvier des
Flandres,
The Dogs of Flandres Fields", Alpine Publications, P.O. Box 7027,
Loveland, CO., 80537; 800-777-7257. Great historical perspective and
a
useful list of Bouv breeders worldwide.

Flander's Field
P.O. Box 11
Crystal City, MO 63019
Erik & Leslie Houttuin

Madrone Ledge
P.O. Box 489
Kenwood, CA 95452
Marion Hubbard

Centauri
19007 Millstream
Marengo, IL 60152
Jim & Kathy Engel

I hope this will at least get you started - please let me
know
how your search comes along. ;}

--- WM v3.10/91-0096
* Origin: Pacific Rim Information Wildcat! San Diego, CA (1:202/711)