Happy New Year Members,

It is with excitement and also some nervousness that I begin this term as President of our National Club.  Our first mandate will be to fill the vacant director’s positions with members who are willing to represent each province and be involved with the advancement of the Bouvier.

First we have to ask ourselves what is the  state of today’s  Bouvier des Flandres in Canada.

There has been a steady decrease in the number of Bouviers entered in both Conformation and Obedience events, but Rally-O is attracting new exhibitors.  In 1999, 70 Bouviers won a CH title and 12 Bouviers earned a CD title.  Ten years later only 35 CH titles and only 5 CD titles were awarded, less than half.  Is the reason for this decrease the economy, the dominance of some breeders, the lack of responsibility of some breeders and/or a change in our lifestyle?

There has been little change in the total numbers.  In 1999, the number of Champions (70) was approximately 11% vs pups born the previous year, while in 2010 the number of Champions (35) was still 12% despite using the same comparison.  In 1998, the CKC registered 658 Bouvier des Flandres while in 2009 only 287 were registered.  The 11% still represents the average here as there are some breeders who have over 25% of their puppies titled while other breeders have 0%.....but they sell them as easily and possibly at the same price!

One fact: There is the same percentage of titles but the average entry has dropped.  In 1997 there was 4.8 Bouviers entered per show vs 2.9 entered per show in 2010!  Some will say, the reason is there are dogs that should not have their CH and it is all relative.  You are right and this is  because of the large diversity of the Bouvier type that is being awarded a CH but there is only one STANDARD.

Communications and information has become easier with access to the internet.  Potential buyers no longer need to attend a show to meet breeders.  This allows the tool of choice, the “Back Yard Breeder” to compete with the Reputable Breeder without even leaving home. And yes, it is easy these days to create an image, a reputation, a champion line, a breeder for 25 years, using beautiful photos and forged health certificates of the parents….But this wonderful communications tool, the internet, can be used against them if we take the time to direct people to relevant information.  For example:  Champion lines with reference to the Bouvier Pedigree Database  www.bouvierpedigrees.com or health clearances with reference to the OFA www.offa.org and explain how to find the information.  So it is up to us!!

Yes, the project is large, but we need to solidify our base.  It will ultimately lead to the well being of our wonderful breed.  During the restructuring, the members will be consulted so changes are beneficial to the Bouvier des Flandres.

Serge Bilodeau
President - BdFClub of Canada