Did You Know?

Reprinted from The Wonderful World of Bouviers,

4th Edition, The Alberta Bouvier des Flandres Club

  1. That the normal canine temperature is 102 degrees F. or 39 degrees C.
  2. That the normal canine respiratory rate is 22 breaths per minute.
  3. That the normal canine heart rate is between 100 - 130 beats per minute.
  4. That the normal canine gestation period is 61 days.
  5. That canines have 7 blood group systems.
  6. That canines have 35 - 40 ml of blood per pound of body weight.
  7. That if a canine heart beat (pulse) rises 30%, they can lose 20 - 25% blood (equal to 8 - 10 ml loss of blood per pound of body weight).
  8. Acute blood loss of 1/3 blood volume can cause shock, but 1/3 to 2/3 of blood volume can be lost over a 24 hour period and still be tolerated.
  9. That canines have 28 deciduous teeth (Baby teeth) and 42 permanent teeth.
  10. That the normal value of blood sugar in dogs is from 75 to 100 mg per 100ml of blood.
  11. That a dog's normal urine volume is 20 - 100 ml per kg of body weight.
  12. With canine distemper the incubation period is 6 to 9 days but sickness may not be observed until 2 to 3 weeks after exposure.
  13. With canine hepatitis (infectious) all ages of dogs are susceptible and exposure usually occurs by ingestion of the virus.
  14. Leptospirosis in dogs (canine typhus, infectious jaundice)is greater in males than in females.
  15. Dogs may be infected by human or bovine type tuberculosis.
  16. Hip dysplasia also occurs in chickens, cats, pigs, horses, cattle and humans, as well as dogs.
  17. Histiocytoma tumors (single or multiple nodules) are found most commonly in dogs under the age of 2 years, and are frequently found on the legs and feet.
  18. Facial paralysis is not uncommon in dogs, which is related to trauma or inflammation of the inner ear and lesions in the medulla of the brain.
  19. That the Bouvier is rated as the world's greatest and most lovable dog by all of their owners!