The mission of the American Bouvier Rescue League, the rescue arm of the American Bouvier des Flandres Club, is to coordinate breed clubs, breeders and fanciers into a rescue network to assist in the rescue of purebred Bouvier des Flandres. An all-volunteer organization, the ABRL provides ongoing information and support to interested clubs, breeders and fanciers to ensure the humane and effective rescue of any Bouvier in need. The ABRL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, funded by the Ralph Goldman Rescue Fund, which was created solely for the welfare and protection of the Bouvier through the American Bouvier des Flandres Club.

We are here to protect and serve our breed. We are dedicated to finding responsible and loving homes for misplaced, neglected and unwanted Bouviers. Our goal is to educate the public, breeders and fanciers on responsible dog ownership. This includes spaying and neutering of pets, behavioral guidelines to ensure problem behaviors are dealt with before the dog is abandoned, and informing prospective Bouvier owners of the special qualities, characteristics and requirements of our breed before they acquire a Bouvier. With proper education of future Bouvier owners, we hope to eventually eliminate the purebred Bouvier from any and all rescue programs.

Bouviers end up in rescue for many reasons through no fault of their own. A common situation for a Bouvier in our rescue program involves an owner who dies or due to health reasons, is no longer able to care for the dog. Sometimes families move, including overseas, and are unable or unwilling to take their Bouvier along. Often, people buy a Bouvier without thinking about the long-term commitment. Many people decide to breed their Bouvier without a real understanding of the work and money involved or the responsibility required to do it right. Some new owners just do not know how to take care of a dog, and then there are some Bouviers that come to us from abusive situations. Some of our rescues have come from shelters, picked up as strays and then not claimed.

Oftentimes, Bouviers in rescue have received little, if any, training. This is one of the primary mistakes new Bouvier owners make. As a result, Bouviers coming into rescue might be exhibiting herding behavior, many times with small children as the recipients of their work. Herding—interpreted as chasing—might be accompanied by nipping at heels, or bottoms, particularly if the “herdee” is running and screeching. Again, because of the Bouvier’s lineage as a protector of the flock, they can exhibit protective behavior, including barking or growling at strangers or other visitors to the home. Many Bouviers have high prey drives, resulting in the desire to chase, and sometimes kill, small animals such as squirrels, rabbits, and, yes, cats. Resource guarding of food bowls or items is also not uncommon. Socialization of the Bouvier puppy is critically important; for in those dogs not properly socialized, we often see extremely timid and fearful dogs, who either withdraw when afraid, or lash out. And some Bouviers in rescue might have health problems due to neglect, genetics or for other reasons. These could include hip problems, heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, or allergies. We also see just as many grossly overweight Bouviers as we do underweight.

Fortunately, the ABRL has a network of knowledgeable volunteers and experts who are available to assist in troubleshooting when we are faced with these kinds of issues.

Why Consider a Rescue

Why should you consider opting for an adult rescue? ABRL Bouviers available for adoption have been evaluated for temperament, examined/treated by a veterinarian and have had spay or neuter surgery performed (except for young puppies).

An adult rescue has already been through the teething/chewing, housebreaking (most likely) and general puppy wildness. And many dogs have some obedience training. But at the end of the day, some people just like the idea of giving a deserving dog a good home. Adopters will attest that there is no greater reward than making a difference in the life of a Bouvier who has been forgotten or fallen on hard times.

Still Interested?

Then spend time on this website learning more about the Bouvier, including reading the classic “Don’t Buy a Bouvier” by Pam Green. We also encourage you to get out and meet Bouviers at dog shows, in your neighborhood, and, if possible, spend time with some rescue Bouvs. Read books, join email lists, and do your research. Bouviers are magnificent dogs but, indeed, as our rescue program shows, are not for everyone.