Bouvier des Flandres Puppy Dog Care Information

Photo of an attractive
Bouvier des Flandres puppy dog

Bouvier des Flandres Health Information:

As with most large breeds, hip dysplasia can be a problem. That is the malformation of the ball and socket of the hip joint. As it can be passed on to puppies from the parents, responsible breeders screen for this by x-raying their breeding stock and certifying them "clear" with either the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) or PennHip, or in part of Canada - Ontario Veterinary College(OVC), to prove each dog is clear of this problem.

Elbow dysplasia, heart conditions and thyroid problems are more common. The only way to prevent them is by genetic testing BOTH parents. Many of these problems can be tested for and certified clear with different organizations. Ask to see health certificates.

Bloat and gastric torsion involves a twisting of the stomach. It is seen in large deep bodied breeds of dogs, and the Bouvier des Flandres is no exception. There are many guidelines to feeding you dog, but to date there is no known cause or solution for the problem.

Hereditary eye problems such as cataracts, entropion and glaucoma are known to appear in the breed. Eye checks are used to screen for these problems and yearly clearance and certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation(CERF) at Purdue University.

Despite the fact that most breeders will perform genetic health tests to help minimize the risk of passing on any problems,sometimes something unforeseen will happen in a puppy. When it comes to buying a Bouvier des Flandres from a breeder, take the extra care to check the health certificates and ask for copies of those that you feel may be missing or hard to read.
Be sure that your contact with the breeder covers genetic problems that may occur and what the breeder is willing to do in terms of guarantee. Most reputable breeders will take great care to ensure that they provide screened healthy dogs and lots of good advice should you encounter problems.

Bouvier des Flandres Exercise Information:

The Bouvier des Flandres requires regular exercise. Bred to run with the flocks and herds - these dogs can get bored if not given something to do regularly. A minimum of a daily walk is a good starting point. Room to run would be great for these dogs, if you have a dog park or a place to let the dog play.

Bouvier des Flandres Grooming Needs:

Bouviers des Flandres are sometimes considered non-shedding, but in fact do lose hair, like all dogs. Most of the hair that they lose is caught within the double coat which results in matting.
They require regular grooming and in many cases a brushing every few days to minimize matting or entangled debris in the thick coat. The bearded snout can also be a catch-all for the Bouvier's meals, so some owners recommend a daily rinse with perhaps some mild soap and warm water in your hand to clean things up a little.
Depending on your Bouvier's role, whether working dog, show dog or just family pet, may determine the amount of grooming you choose.
In addition to weekly brushing, the coat should be trimmed approximately every 3-5 weeks if it is to be a show-dog.
If you aren't planning to show your Bouvier des Flandres, you may even consider taking up home grooming to keep your dog cooler in the warm months, the coat is thick and grows back quickly - though the double coat may also make it more tricky to groom for the inexperienced groomer - so do get some advice and use the proper tools.