Giving a home to a Bouvier in need can be a very rewarding experience. It can also start as a difficult and emotional journey. Some, but not most, rescue Bouviers are “wash ‘n wear”… that is, ready to go and assimilate seamlessly into your home. Some might have behavioral or medical issues that with proper care will go away or lessen over time. Others may have more serious issues that will require lots of time, love, and patience, and still might not ever completely resolve.

A Bouvier is, in our eyes, one of the most magnificent breeds of dogs. Highly intelligent, with a working heritage − nothing compares to a proud, confident Bouvier. But many of our rescue Bouvs have been deprived of the proper beginnings that would set them on that path. A poorly bred, under-socialized and/or untrained Bouvier will most likely have behavioral problems that can range anywhere from aggression to severe timidity, or anywhere in between, and possibly medical issues. (That said, note that aggressive dogs will not normally be considered for placement!) You will be provided beforehand with as much information as we have gathered for the Bouvier whom you are considering adopting, and offered resources and references to consult for any issues we anticipate you may encounter.

The AKC Standard describes the Bouvier as “… an equable dog, steady, resolute and fearless. Viciousness or shyness is undesirable. He is agile, spirited and bold, yet his serene, well behaved disposition denotes his steady, resolute and fearless character. His gaze is alert and brilliant, depicting his intelligence, vigor and daring. By nature he is an equable dog.” And, indeed, this is why we love the breed. But a poorly bred and/or poorly raised Bouvier can result in a dog who does not fit this description, one who will require extra time and care to have the chance to grow into a Bouvier who more closely resembles the standard.

A rescue Bouvier is not for everyone. Things to think about include:

• Do NOT expect a rescue Bouvier to replace your prized Bouvier who passed away. Every Bouvier is different, and depending upon genetics and upbringing, each will have vastly different temperaments and personalities.
• Do NOT adopt a rescue Bouvier if you are in a hurry to bring a dog into your home. Instant gratification is oftentimes what eventually caused the Bouvier to come into rescue in the first place. A proper placement takes time. If you don’t have it, we suggest that you consider contacting a reputable breeder about a puppy.
• Do NOT apply for a rescue Bouvier if you are looking for a guard dog. A proper guard dog will have been bred and trained for that role. Individual character, temperament, training and blood lines of a dog carry more weight than simply the fact that the dog is a Bouvier.
• Do NOT adopt a Bouvier if you “just want a dog,” rather than another member of your family.
• Do NOT adopt a Bouvier if every member of your family does not want to.
• Do NOT adopt a Bouvier if you want a hypo-allergenic dog.
• Do NOT adopt a Bouvier if you do not have an excess of time, patience, love, and compassion to give.
• Do NOT adopt a rescue Bouvier if you are unwilling to attend training class or hire a professional to help with behavior modification.
• Do NOT adopt a rescue Bouvier if you are unwilling to accept the fact that some friends will not feel the same about the dog as you do.
• Do NOT be offended by a Coordinator who elects not to place a particular Bouvier with your family. Sh/e knows the dog best, and is trying to make the best decision for both you and the dog.
• DO adopt a rescue Bouvier if you want to learn more about dogs and dog behavior than you ever had before.
• DO adopt a rescue Bouvier if you want to increase your physical activity.
• DO adopt a rescue Bouvier if you want a constant, often underfoot, usually devoted companion.
• DO adopt a rescue Bouvier if you want to meet people whenever and wherever you go with the dog.
• DO adopt a rescue Bouvier if you ready to be rewarded many times over for the love and care you give to your Bouv.