Futurity
The word “Futurity” implies looking into the future. In the case of the ABdFC it means a conscientious attempt to insure the future excellence of the Bouvier. Much time and effort has been expended in the past toward the development of the breed as we know it today. The Futurity Program is the means for the continuation of this development and improvement.
“Futurity” can also imply challenge, or a gamble on the future. The breeder has picked a certain Bitch to be bred to a certain Stud. It is his opinion that this breeding will produce offspring of the desired conformation and abilities that will win in competition over the offspring of other breedings that are enrolled in the Futurity Program. To back up his faith in his own judgment, he pays monies into a fund that will be divided among the winners of the Futurity.
The Bouvier originated as a Herding Breed, for the purpose of herding cattle. Why then, should there be so much concern about good conformation? A Herding Dog needs more than just intelligence to herd cattle. He must also have the stamina and rhythm of movement, to travel easily over all types of terrain, for long periods of time, without tiring, if he is able to fulfill his role as a herding dog. Good “conformation” is therefore extremely important.
Proper Conformation for a Herding Dog is the basis for the Bouvier Standard. This Standard describes the perfect Bouvier. While we cannot hope to achieve perfection, the Standard sets a goal for which the conscientious breeder must strive.
“Futurity” can also imply challenge, or a gamble on the future. The breeder has picked a certain Bitch to be bred to a certain Stud. It is his opinion that this breeding will produce offspring of the desired conformation and abilities that will win in competition over the offspring of other breedings that are enrolled in the Futurity Program. To back up his faith in his own judgment, he pays monies into a fund that will be divided among the winners of the Futurity.
The Bouvier originated as a Herding Breed, for the purpose of herding cattle. Why then, should there be so much concern about good conformation? A Herding Dog needs more than just intelligence to herd cattle. He must also have the stamina and rhythm of movement, to travel easily over all types of terrain, for long periods of time, without tiring, if he is able to fulfill his role as a herding dog. Good “conformation” is therefore extremely important.
Proper Conformation for a Herding Dog is the basis for the Bouvier Standard. This Standard describes the perfect Bouvier. While we cannot hope to achieve perfection, the Standard sets a goal for which the conscientious breeder must strive.