Bouvador

Because the Bouvador is a modern breed, their documented history is limited.  The parent, the Bouvier des Flandres, originated in Flanders and was bred to be a herding and farm dog in the 1700s.  Local monks are believed to be the earliest breeders of the Bouvier des Flandres.  The monks at Ter Duinen monastery bred local farm dogs with Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds. The Bouvier des Flandres means, "Cow Herder of Flanders" in French. The breed not only herded and protected the flocks from predators, they also were strong enough to pull cargo carts.  It was not until 1965 that the breed standards were agreed upon by several kennel clubs. Today the breed can be found working as guide dogs, police and military dogs.  The Bouvier des Flandres also compete in dog agility trials, carting, obedience, dog showmanship and herding events. The Labrador Retriever originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada. They were originally called the St. John's dog, after the capital city of Newfoundland. The Labrador Retriever is believed to be a direct ancestor of the Avon.  The Avon was a breed that originated in Newfoundland and was used for hunting and as a draft dog.  It is believed that the first direct descendants of the Labrador were exported into England in 1820. During the 1880s, the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury, the 6th Duke of Buccleuch and the 12th Earl of Home developed the first standards of the breed. Today’s Labrador makes an excellent hunting dog, therapy dog, search and rescue dog and service dog. He is highly trainable and excellent in agility and obedience competitions.