Dogue de Bordeaux Dogs

Breed: Mastiff

Height: 23-30 inches

Weight: 120-145 pounds

Coat Type: Short and soft

 

Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful and muscular French breed of dogs. Also known as Bordeaux Mastiff, French Mastiff and Bordeaux Bulldog, this breed has a congenial nature with a relentless strength. The trademarks of this breed are a massive head and stocky body. The dog serves as a war dog, flock guardian, cattle herder and guard dog. It is trained to bait bulls, bears, jaguars and a hunter of boars. Though it is patient, it can be stubborn at times. It is very intelligent and balanced, and has a keen sense of smell and hearing. The dog is very sensitive to people’s moods and events. Read on further to find more information about Dogue de Bordeaux dog breed.

 

Various stories revolve around the origin of Dogue de Bordeaux. The dog is known to have descended from Bullmastiff, Bulldog and Tibetan Mastiff, and from the Greek and Roman Molossus. It is also believed to originate from the mastiffs brought to Europe by the Alans, the dogs of Aquitaine or the Spanish dogs from Burgos. The dog was mainly used as a cattle driver and personal bodyguard. The French Revolution saw the death of many Dogue de Bordeaux dogs. However, the number rose after the end of the war. The breed was saved by Raymond Triquet and his French Dogue de Bordeaux Club. Presently, the dog is common in France and is gaining popularity in other countries as well. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2008.

 

Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful dog with a strong, imposing muscular body. The dog is a short, stocky Molosser breed with a heavy, broad and wrinkled head. The wide, powerful and thick muzzle is 1/3^rd of the total length of the head, with a pronounced stop. It has a large nose with wide-open nostrils. The upper lips hang thickly down, over the lower jaw. The neck also has thick, loose skin, forming a noticeable dewlap. The eye color can vary from hazel to dark brown, depending on the color of the dog. The small, hanging-down ears are darker in color and proportionate to the dog. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point towards the end. The dog has a short and soft coat, with loose fitting skin. The coat color can be found in various shades such as fawn (light, coppery red) and mahogany (dark, brownish red), with a black, brown or red mask. White markings can sometimes be found on the chest and tips of the toes.

 

Though it is muscular, Dogue de Bordeaux has a harmonious temperament. Extremely loyal, patient and devoted to its family, the dog has a good and calm disposition. Since it is fearless and confrontational with strangers, it makes an excellent watch and guard dog. It is capable to socialize with other pets, if trained so in the young age. It is gentle with children and other family members. The dog can do well in an apartment, if provided with sufficient exercise. It should be taken on a daily, long walk.

 

Though Dogue de Bordeaux is a healthy dog, it is prone to hip dysplasia. It is also known to suffer from epilepsy, heart problems and hyperkeratosis.

 

Dogue de Bordeaux is an average shedder and requires very little grooming on the part of its owner.