Criteria for the appearance of the Bouvier Ardennes, temperament and health characteristics of the dog, grooming of hair, ears, teeth, diet, walking. Puppy cost. The Ardennes Bouvier or Bouvier des Ardennes is a breed of herding dog, originally from Belgium, namely, the woodland of the Ardennes. The breed was bred in order to be the guardian and guide of cattle.
After the events of the world wars, Bouvier de Ardennes were considered extinct, but in the 1980s and 1990s two small surviving populations were discovered. Since that time, breeders and hobbyists have worked diligently to restore the breed and increase the number of its representatives in order to return the species to its former status and popularity.
Bouvier des Ardennes is known for its "rustic" appearance and sharp mind. Also, the dog gained popularity due to its dedication and talent to perform shepherd's, as well as hunting duties. These canines are also known by the following names: Ardennes Cattle Dog, Ardennes Droving Dog and Petit Bouvier.
Criteria for the appearance of a dog Bouvier de Ardenne
Bouvier des Ardennes has probably the most unique appearance of all European herding dogs. While the breed is broadly similar to other continental herding varieties, especially the Belgian and Dutch Shepherd Dogs, this similarity is likely not to be misleading for either breed.
The Bouvier Ardennes is a medium to large animal. The height of males at the withers usually reaches from 55, 9 to 62, 2 centimeters, and the weight varies from 27, 2 to 34 kilograms. The height at the withers for females usually ranges from 50.8 to 55.9 centimeters, and they weigh from 20.4 to 27.2 kilograms.
- Head - somewhat small in relation to the overall size of the dog, especially when taking into account the length of its body. The skull is flat, rather long than wide. The prominent brow ridges are accentuated by the brows.
- Muzzle - rather thick, almost equal to the width of the skull, and distinctly shorter in length. The stop is clearly delineated, but without brute force. The lips are tightly closed, close to the teeth.
- Nose - wide and must be black, regardless of the color of the dog's coat.
- Eyes Bouvier des Ardennes are small enough in size, oval in shape and preferably as dark as possible in color. Many members of the species have an intelligent and slightly tense facial expression.
- Ears - are small in size and triangular in shape. Erect ears are preferred and in fact the most common, but curved pink ears are also acceptable.
- Neck - strong, muscular, cylindrical, slightly arched, sufficiently raised, without dewlap.
- Frame - square format, that is, the length of the animal from the chest to the sacrum should be equal to its height from the shoulder to the floor. Bouvier de Ardenne is very flexible and incredibly muscular, but his "coat" often creates the effect of fullness and makes the dog look less athletic than it really is. In general, the body of this animal is similar in appearance to the body of the Belgian Malinois, but, as a rule, it is more compact. As a working dog, a pet does not have to meet characteristics that are very different from the criteria that would impede its ability to work.
- Tail The Bouvier des Ardennes is thick at the base and set high. Traditionally, it is stopped, although this is not necessary. Many specimens exhibit a naturally short tail, although there are those with a longer tail.
- Front limbs - Moderately long, strong bone structure, muscular. Hindquarters - with moderate angulation and muscular thighs.
- Paws - oval, well-knit toes.
- Coat Bouvier Ardennes Bouvier de Ardennes is thick and tousled, with an undercoat and fully adapted to all weather conditions. The coat is thick and stiff enough. Hair length on most of the body is approximately 6, 3 centimeters, but the coat is shorter and thicker on the head. The Bouvier Ardennes should have a beard and mustache about 5 centimeters long, which falls to the corners of the eyes. The ears are covered with short, straight hair. The undercoat of the breed is very dense throughout the body regardless of the season and is approximately 2.5 to 3.2 centimeters in length.
- Coloration all colors and patterns other than white (a color that has a proven genetic link to deafness) are perfectly acceptable. Breeders do not attach importance to colors. In practice, the vast majority of members of the variety - either brindle or mixed color - are a chaotic alternation of gray, fawn and black hairs. A small amount of white is acceptable only on the chest and legs.
The temperament of the Ardennes Bouviers
The Bouvier de Ardennes is primarily bred as a herding working pet and has exactly the temperament one would expect from such a breed. The dog is known for his love of family and dedication. Also these dogs are famous for their correct loyalty. They say that the breed longs for the constant company of those it loves and to whom it is attached, which can be a problem, because in such a situation, the pet will follow the owner everywhere and spin under his feet. It is also known that the Bouviers of Ardennes often suffer severely from a phobia of separation and loneliness.
The dog, as a rule, communicates well with children with whom they are brought up together, although many representatives of the breed do not trust unfamiliar children. Despite the good intentions, the pet does not always realize that it needs to treat young children more carefully and may knock the toddler off his feet while trying to play with him. As is the case with most herding dogs, many Bouviers des Ardennes will "graze" and watch over small children, following on their heels. This behavior can sometimes become a real problem, but usually it can be corrected.
The Bouviers of Ardennes have a strong defensive instinct and are naturally suspicious of strangers. These traits are usually less pronounced in this species than in dogs such as the Belgian Shepherd Malinois and the German Shepherd, but they are certainly present. Correct socialization is indisputably necessary in order for the pet to be able to distinguish between a friend and a threat, otherwise problems with unreasonable aggression may arise.
The Bouviers des Ardennes is very vigilant and quite closely guards its territory, making it an enviable watchdog, barking alone can scare off most offenders. The Bouvier Ardennes is also a very capable guard dog. Pedigree specimens have a natural tendency to do whatever they can to scare off a threat without the use of brute force, from formidable appearance to growling. The dog will attack only when it considers it extremely necessary. They say that breed representatives are fearless and completely devoted to protecting their families and home. Bouvier de Ardennes will not back down, even if his chances of winning are extremely slim.
The Ardennes were bred both for work alone and in groups and therefore are quite tolerant towards other dogs. Many individuals, after proper training and socialization, will accept other dogs, although some of these Bouviers are reserved and not particularly friendly with their "brothers". Problems with aggression towards other dogs are not particularly common in this species, but the expression of excessive aggression in its territory, dominance and same-sex conflicts, of course, do occur.
Although the Bouvier de Ardennes is primarily used as a herding dog, it is also frequently featured in history as a hunting dog. Many members of the species exhibit very high levels of aggression towards non-canine animals, and many Bouviers of Ardennes will attack and kill such animals if the opportunity presents itself. This breed can accept small animals if it has been socialized by interacting with them from an early age, but breed specimens are much better suited to working with large animals such as cattle and pigs. Most Ardennes will get along with cats they know well, although some are not to be trusted.
Health features of the Ardennes Bouviers
Little research has been done on the health of Bouvier de Ardennes. The breed appears to be at risk for a range of genetically inherited health conditions as it has a small gene pool, but has also likely benefited from decades of breeding due to its propensity to work. Some sources claim that the breed's lifespan is between 11 and 12 years, but it is unclear where this estimate comes from. All owners of pets of this variety need to constantly check them for health, not only by a veterinarian, but also in special institutions.
Although no health studies have been conducted on Bouvier des Ardennes, they have been associated with a number of closely related and similar breeds. Some of the issues of greatest concern are: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, volvulus and eversion of the eyelid, progressive retinal atrophy / PRA, digestive tract problems, and retinal dysplasia.
Requirements for the maintenance and care of the Ardennes Bouviers
- Wool such dogs do not need complex maintenance, but if they are not periodically brushed, they can get confused and form mats. It will be good if the owners carefully comb their pets with a comb and slicker 3 times a week. They have a coarse coat and it rarely gets dirty, therefore, "bath procedures" are not often carried out. Bathing requires the use of branded products that must be completely rinsed off the animal's fur so as not to create skin problems. The pet should dry naturally, the use of a hair dryer is not required.
- Teeth Ardennes Bouviers, like other dogs, are best cleaned regularly. This way, tartar will not form on them, and as a result, teeth will not be affected by other dental imperfections. They clean the dentition using a special soft brush for dogs and a tasteful paste that does not need to be washed off.
- Ears these dogs are erect and therefore well ventilated, but this does not mean that they do not need cleaning. Nevertheless, at least once every two weeks, sulfur must be removed from them. Special lotions for animals perfectly soften sulfur. The tool only needs to be applied inside the auricle and after massaging it, leave it alone for a while. After it has passed, all the sulfur that has come out is wiped off with a cotton pad or a damp cloth.
- Eyes Be sure to check the working Ardennes dog after the pet has returned from grazing. Examine them for injury or contamination. If dust or other foreign particles get on the mucous membrane of the eye, you will need a cotton pad and a remedy that relieves inflammation. They need to soak a cotton pad and rub the dog's eyes towards the inner corner. All traumatic injuries should be treated by a purely specialist - a veterinarian ophthalmologist. Self-intervention can lead to irreparable consequences - the complete blindness of a beloved animal.
- Claws Bouvier de Ardennes cannot be ignored. First of all, you need to ensure that their length does not grow more than expected. When a four-legged pet is constantly engaged in one or another mobile activity, the claws on its paws are naturally grinded when moving. But, as soon as you notice that they are unnecessarily branching, immediately shorten. It is possible to use claws, which are selected individually.
- Feeding herding working dogs should be such that their body is in a vigorous state. For this, the correct balance of all vital products is selected. In addition, vitamins, minerals and even chondroprotectors should be present in the pet's diet to strengthen ligaments and tendons. For a balanced natural diet, the owner needs to choose the right ratio between the amount of meat (beef, veal, lamb, turkey), cereals (buckwheat, barley, wheat, rice) and fermented milk products (kefir, lean cottage cheese). It is important to know what portion should be and how many times a day you need to feed a four-legged pet. Wrong selection can create depletion of the body, or vice versa, oversaturation of the dog's body. On the issue of the correct organization of the natural diet of his animal, it is better for the owner to turn to the veterinarian or breeder from whom the dog was purchased for detailed advice.
- Walking. Bouvier des Ardennes or Bouvier des Ardennes never get tired and are very dedicated to their work. Therefore, the dog is always ready and, moreover, is able to vigorously engage in physical activity for hours on end. As a result, this breed needs a lot of regular daily exercise. Bouvier de Ardennes should get at least an hour of physical activity every day, but preferably more. Such a pet will be an excellent jogging companion, but will not miss any opportunity to run without a leash in a spacious and safe fenced area.
Due to the needs of this species, it does not adapt well to life in an apartment and feels better when there is a large yard where the dog can frolic. If the dog is not properly exercised, it is likely that Bouvier des Ardennes may develop behavioral problems such as destructiveness, excessive barking, hyperactivity, increased excitability and aggression.
Raising the Ardennes Bouviers
The Bouvier des Ardennes is considered a very intelligent and trainable breed. This dog quickly learns even the most advanced herding tricks, and there is probably no task that would not be beyond the powers of the Bouvier Ardennes. When he is well trained, he shows unquestioning obedience and immediately obeys even the most difficult commands. While this breed is primarily used for hunting and grazing cattle, it will almost certainly outperform other varieties in almost any canine sport such as obedience, agility or flyball.
These dogs are difficult to train for inexperienced trainers. The species is not a complex animal, especially prone to dominance, but it is smart enough to understand when its owner is not in control of the situation and take on the role of leader. Because of this, it is imperative for Bouvier owners to maintain a consistent leadership position.
In Belgium, Bouvier de Ardennes is best known for his flexibility and adaptability. This breed is capable of working in a wide variety of environments, from mountains to swamps. Also, dogs are able to solve any task assigned to him, whether it be the work of a guard dog, a shepherd dog, a hunter or something else. This adaptability is characteristic both for the breed as a whole and for its individual representatives.
The cost of the Ardennes Bouviers
The high activity level of this breed makes it highly desirable for active families, and it is a dog that will willingly accompany its owners on any adventure, no matter how extreme.
The price of a puppy is $ 800-900. What the breed looks like, see below:
