Everyone wants a beautiful dog.  Some people want a dog to show, some a dog to work, but we all want a healthy and sound companion.  It is your responsibility as a breeder or a buyer to make certain your companion has the best chance to fulfill those needs.

Be aware and beware of dogs that come from parents that are not health tested - Caveat emptor - Buyer Beware.  Don't just take a breeder's word for it, ask for an actual copy of the health certificate.  If a breeder tells you, "I don't test because I don't have any health problems in my lines", please find another breeder!

Although parents that have passed all tests can still produce affected offspring, your odds are much better if you are dealing with a breeder that is conscientious enough to spend the time and money to test their breeding stock. Do not hesitate to contact me concerning health issues. If I cannot answer your questions, I will find someone that can.

Tests screened and reviewed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) ~ 

HIP DYSPLASIA – x-ray screening for hip dysplasia and malformation of the hip joints.  (bad hip jointd result in arthritis and pain which make it difficult for the dog to move about and rise from lyding dow.)

ELBOW DYSPLASIA – x-ray screening for elbow dysplasia and malformation of the elbow joints. (Bad elbows can result in arthritis and pain.  A dog with”bad” elbows might show slight outward rotation in the paws, as well as a stiff or stilted movement of the forelegs.)

THYROID – Blood screening for thyroid/endocrine system inconsistencies.  (Poor thyroid function or imbalances can result in a myriad of problems including hair loss, weight gain/loss, immune system problems and infertility.)

CARDIAC – Heart screening for cardiac defects.  (Subaortic Stenosis “SAS”, a possible cardiac disorder in Bouviers, ranges from having little or no impact on the dog’s quality of life to severe cases, which cause sudden death.)

For additional information about OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), please use the following link. You can obtain details about the testing as well as search for dogs that have been tested. www.offa.org

Tests screened and reviewed by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF): 

CERF - (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) - Ophthalmological screening for genetic defects of the eye. Includes screening for cataracts, glaucoma and other changes of the eye.

 AKC Official Breed Standard      American Bouvier des Flandres Club

  Breed Health Assessment Results 

  Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

Poison Control Center       Don't Buy a Bouvier, by Pam Green

Canine Good Citizen

Email us at: fatimakennels@comcast.net

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