Everything You Need to Know About the Dogue de Bordeaux: The Ultimate Guide

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a large, powerful, and affectionate breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers for centuries. This gentle giant is known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by its massive head, wrinkled face, and muscular body.

History and Origin

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century. The breed originated in the Bordeaux region of France, where it was primarily used for guarding and hunting big game, such as wild boar and deer. Due to its strong and determined nature, the Dogue de Bordeaux was also employed as a war dog and a protector of property and livestock.

Physical Appearance

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a striking breed with a unique and impressive physical appearance.

Head and Face

• Head: Massive and well-proportioned, with a broad skull and a pronounced stop
• Face: Short and broad, with deep wrinkles and folds
• Eyes: Dark brown or hazel, with a serious and intelligent expression
• Ears: Small and V-shaped, carried slightly forward
• Muzzle: Black or blue-black, with a powerful jaw and prominent teeth

Body and Structure

• Body: Muscular and compact, with a strong and well-balanced build
• Chest: Wide and deep, with well-developed ribs
• Back: Straight and level, with a pronounced tuck-up
• Legs: Short and strong, with well-muscled thighs and well-defined hocks
• Feet: Large and round, with short and thick nails
• Tail: Short and thick, carried low and without a visible curl

Size and Weight

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large breed, with males typically weighing between 54 to 70 kg (120 to 155 pounds) and standing 57 to 65 cm (22.5 to 25.5 inches) at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 45 to 65 kg (100 to 145 pounds) and standing 52 to 60 cm (20.5 to 23.5 inches) at the shoulder.

Temperament and Personality

The Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its protective, loyal, and affectionate nature. Despite its imposing appearance, this breed is gentle and patient with children and is highly devoted to its family.

• Temperament: Calm, stable, and confident, with a strong protective instinct
• Personality: Affectionate, playful, and eager to please
• Training: Intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times
• Socialization: Essential to prevent shyness or aggression towards strangers and other animals

Care and Maintenance

To ensure the health and well-being of a Dogue de Bordeaux, proper care and maintenance are crucial.

Exercise

The Dogue de Bordeaux requires moderate daily exercise, such as brisk walks or playtime in a fenced-in area. This breed enjoys activities that involve mental stimulation, such as training and puzzle games.

Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the Dogue de Bordeaux's health and vitality. The breed has a tendency to gain weight, so portion control and regular monitoring are important. It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations.

Health

The Dogue de Bordeaux is generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. However, like other large breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions, including:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Degenerative joint disease that causes pain and lameness
• Bloat: Severe abdominal distension that can be life-threatening
• Cardiac disease: Heart conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy
• Dental disease: Common in large breeds due to excessive plaque buildup

Grooming

The Dogue de Bordeaux's short and dense coat requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. The wrinkles on the face and body should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also important for maintaining good hygiene.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When owning a Dogue de Bordeaux, it is essential to avoid common mistakes that can compromise their health and well-being.

• Overfeeding: This breed has a tendency to gain weight, so portion control and monitoring are crucial.
• Lack of exercise: The Dogue de Bordeaux requires a moderate amount of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
• Ignoring socialization: Early socialization is essential to prevent shyness or aggression towards strangers and other animals.
• Treating them like small dogs: The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large and powerful breed that requires proper training and handling.
• Ignoring health screenings: Regular veterinary checkups are important for detecting and managing health conditions early on.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Dogue de Bordeaux

Pros:

• Loyal and affectionate companion
• Protective and watchful watchdog
• Gentle and patient with children
• Intelligent and eager to please
• Relatively low maintenance grooming needs

Cons:

• Large and powerful breed, not suitable for all homes
• Prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia and bloat
• Can be stubborn at times during training
• Requires a moderate amount of daily exercise
• May have a tendency to drool and snore

Tips and Tricks

• Introduce socialization early: Expose your Dogue de Bordeaux to various people, places, and experiences from a young age to prevent shyness or aggression.
• Positive reinforcement training: Use treats, praise, and play to reward desired behaviors and avoid punishment.
• Proper nutrition: Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet and feeding schedule for your Dogue de Bordeaux.
• Regular exercise: Ensure your dog gets plenty of daily exercise to maintain physical and mental health.
• Health screenings: Schedule regular veterinary checkups to detect and manage health conditions early on.

Call to Action

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a magnificent and loyal companion that can bring great joy and love into your life. If you are considering adding one of these gentle giants to your family, do your research thoroughly to ensure that you can provide the proper care and environment they deserve. With the right care and attention, a Dogue de Bordeaux can make a wonderful and devoted companion for many years to come.

FAQs

1. Are Dogue de Bordeaux dogs aggressive?

• No, Dogue de Bordeaux are not typically aggressive dogs. They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.

2. How much do Dogue de Bordeaux puppies cost?

• The cost of a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy can vary depending on the breeder, location, and bloodline. Generally, puppies can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000.

3. What colors do Dogue de Bordeaux come in?

• Dogue de Bordeaux come in a variety of colors, including mahogany, red, fawn, and brown.

Table 1: Dogue de Bordeaux Size and Weight Chart

Table 2: Common Health Conditions in Dogue de Bordeaux

Table 3: Dogue de Bordeaux Care and Maintenance