In the Netherlands, during the early 1900’s, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Politiehond Vereniging was founded. KNPV was first created because there was not a organization whose goal was to organize training of police dogs. These founders wanted to spread the knowledge of this type of training. KNPV conducts police dog trials and then offers certificates. The certificates that they give out to the dogs are respected and coveted by many around the world. In the early days of KNPV the organization would put through the trials many different breeds such as the Bouvier des Flandres. Other breeds such as German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois , and Dobermans were also among the breeds tried in the KNPV trials.
Most breeds are not cut out for these types of trials. That is because each trial requires a dog that has great nerves, physical strength, agility and stamina. One breed that fits all of these qualities is the Bouvier des Flandres. The Bouvier des Flandres, often referred to simply as the Bouvier originated in Belgium as a work dog around the farm. The types of tasks they would perform would be things such as cart pulling, cattle herder, and a messenger dog. The Bouvier is powerfully built, rough-coated, and all around a strong looking breed. Its tough double coat protects this breed in all weather, which allows them to perform their best always.
The Bouvier, in today’s world are no longer being used for the KNPV program, for they have been bred incorrectly and cannot do the sport of KNPV. This breed is also not a good option to make a good personal protection dog for they are too weak in the nerves. The only breeds that are recommended to handle the work of a Protection Dogs in today’s world is the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and the Dutch shepherd, and with these breeds, there are only 1% of that can do the work.
Remember that KNPV has always been a sporting title and a certification program for civilians to train dogs. I no way does the KNPV represent a title or a quality of a Personal Protection Dogs. The tests that are put forth through the trials of KNPV do not even come close to all of the qualities, skills, and nerves that a great personal protection dog embody.