In eighteenth century Bouvier des Flandres (a region of Belgium and northeastern France) horses were primarily owned by the upper classes, and farmers used dogs for a variety of chores, such as pulling carts and churning milk. All cattle dogs were called bouviers (cowherds), and each region stuck its own tag on the dog to identify its origin; hence, the Bouvier des Flandres. In fact, most early breeders of the dog were farmers or butchers, and the Bouvier didn’t develop uniform characteristics until the nineteenth century, when veterinarians noticed discrepancies among dogs of the type and began documenting desired traits.
In the twentieth century, the breed began its famous assignment as an international courier to the French Resistance in northern Europe. Its dark coloring, speed, and intelligence aided its undercover efforts, but the Nazis caught on to the ruse and began shooting Bouviers on sight. Few of these dogs survived World War II; many of those that did were recruited by police departments for their superior sensory abilities.
The Bouvier des Flandres as he was simply named, the 'pik", has existed for much longer than the breed standard. Ordinary hard working folks, who could not even read or write, developed the breed. They bred the dogs solely for their usefulness and their ability to lighten their own tasks. Those people wanted a dog which could herd cattle, but also protect the farm. He had to have sufficient courage and character. His looks were unimportant, as long as he gave the impression of strength and pluck.
That these illiterate people, in spite of their lack of schooling and computers, were yet able to breed dogs to meet their requirements and needs, is no wonder. lust think of the horses which were also bred solely in function of their usefulness. I know, from personal data, that these dogs were already present in farms and agricultural concerns as early as 1880. They were called "pik" in those days. This is an old Flemish expression (jet black - inky black strong character short tempered sharp). The name "pik" was then very common for this type of Bouvier des Flandres dog. As to his color, we can deduce from his name that these utility dogs must always have had a dark or black coat in the Belgian Flanders. It would be utopian to believe that the Flemish Cow Dog only started to exist at the time the standard of the breed was made up, in the early days of 1900.
Internationally, the standard of the breed belongs to its country of origin. For the Flemish Cow Dog Bouvier des Flandres (France and Belgium), no other standard may be recognized. In case of dispute, mostly due to incorrect or erroneous translations, the standard of the breed of the country of origin will be casting. Just imagine the muddle if each country were to make its own standard for each existing breed!
This separation has existed for years for the Bouvier des Flandres. There are those which are bred by fanciers for their remarkable qualities as a utility breed, known worldwide for its character, courage and keenness. And there are those which are bred exclusively for the show ring, where as a rule these characteristics can no longer be found. If we keep giving international and national titles to Bouviers des Flandres (a work breed) to specimens not possessing a work certificate, then a separation will not only be unavoidable, it will be necessary.
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