| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a noble dog of French origins, also known as Bordeaux Mastiff, French Mastiff or Bordeaux Dog; it is a well-muscled strong colossus; and it is famous on the small and the big screen.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the French “canine” symbols, and according to some studies it comes from the Great Dane (not the Great Dane we know nowadays, but the one that was the companion of the Indo-European population in the old continent).
The Aquitaine Region, in France, was the place where these ancient dogs gave life to the Dogue de Bordeaux. Back in time, it was mainly used as a guardian dog of European palaces, but also it was used with other purposes due to all its fantastic characteristics.
In fact, butchers from the region of Bordeaux, build small carts for the Dogue de Bordeaux to transport meat from the slaughterhouse to the store. The Dogue de Bordeaux was also used as a “Gladiator” (fighting dog) during the bullfights.
Due to its fascinating and peculiar appearance the Dogue de Bordeaux has been a protagonist on TV and in Movies, in films such as: “Turner & Hooch” with Tom Hanks and in the American TV series “Tequila and Bonetti”.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a Dog with Great Strength
It is impossible not to fall in love with the Dogue de Bordeaux’s adorable wrinkles; this giant colossus has become very popular in Europe. This is a well-muscled and powerful dog that went through many things in its past, from pulling carts to hunting wild boars or watching over the cattle; but maybe the historic role this big boy had, was being the tireless defender of the nobility European’s castles.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a tall, solid, harmonious and well-balanced dog. Females weigh at least 99 lb (45 kg.) and males around 110 lb (50 kg.). Its most striking characteristic is its head; some people say that is the biggest head in the entire canine World in relation to the rest of its body. The varieties of this beautiful dog breed are differentiated by the color of the mask which can be black or red.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Temperament
This dog is capable of intimidating any opponent due to its size and weight. The Dogue de Bordeaux has excellent qualities as a guardian dog, but unfortunately as we mentioned before, it was used as a fighting dog.
However, the Dogue de Bordeaux’s temperament has become less aggressive and nowadays this dog breed is docile and well-balanced, also it has a strong bond with its owner and it is very patient with children. As we always say, it is important to train your dog since puppyhood to develop a good temperament and to be a perfect guardian dog.
In fact, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a territorial dog. It is quiet, a little sedentary, lazy and friendly with the entire family. But watch out! The Dogue de Bordeaux can be fierce and bold against strangers.
Nevertheless, to assure an ideal relationship between the dog and the owner, it is necessary to establish leadership as soon as possible, but remember, always with sweetness and avoiding using violent techniques.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Common Uses
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a giant-sized dog, and for this reason needs a lot of exercise and daily walks, these activities are beneficial to its physical and psychological health. On its territory it must feel free; the most appropriate would be to have a big fenced backyard.
This dog breed is considered one of the best guardian dogs; it is possible to train your dog so it is not distrustful with strangers. The Dogue de Bordeaux’s nature and built are the perfect characteristics to protect its owner’s house and its family. Having this dog means having tranquility and feeling safe in its presence, but it is very important that it does not excessively distrust other dogs or strangers.
However, the Dogue de Bordeaux is also an excellent “interior” dog, even if it does not have a big space it knows how to adapt without any problems. Basically, the most important thing for this big boy is spending time with its owner; it does not matter if it has a small house or a huge piece of land.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Health
Like all the giant-sized dog breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux does not have the same life expectancy as a medium-sized or small-sized dog. Even though some of these dogs can live 10-12 years, the average lifespan of this dog is around 8-9 years. Some of the most common issues that this dog can suffer are brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, various respiratory problems and heat strokes.
The head’s anatomy of the Dogue de Bordeaux might be a conditional factor to develop ectropion, an abnormality of the eyelids in which the lower eyelid “rolls” outward; this might cause conjunctivitis and bacterial infections. Hip dysplasia is another common issue this dog breed could present because of its bone structure.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Feeding
Regarding the food, this dog is not really demanding, during its first years of life it is recommended giving it a lot of meat to help your puppy grow up healthy and make sure that its bone structure does not develop any deficiencies.
Once the dog reaches adulthood, the Dogue de Bordeaux must eat around 1.5 lb (650 g.) of meat and 1 lb (350 g.) of boiled rice; or any other balanced diet recommended by your veterinarian, according to the specific needs of your dog. You must be careful, especially if the dog does not exercise, your pet might be prone to obesity or overweight, and could develop more severe health issues.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Relationship with the Owner
The ideal owner would be the one who knows how to guide this big fluffy friend as it tends to have a strong temperament: so the owner must be determined, self-assured and coherent, and must have a great emotional balance.
Like all the giant-sized dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is not an “easy” dog and should not be the first dog of a beginner, however if the dog is well trained will it give a lot of satisfaction to its owner.
The main concerns with this kind of dog are its potential physical strength and should be treated carefully as might cause some problems; however, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a dog with a quiet nature.
The Dogue de Bordeaux must have an owner who knows how to deal with a fluffy friend of over 110 lb (50 kg.) and has many muscles, overall a proper owner must enjoy spending time with its dog, and for this big cutie it is essential the relationship with its owner. In return the owner will get tons of love and dedication.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Relationship with Children
The relationship between this dog breed and children is excellent, most of the time the Dogue de Bordeaux acts like a protector and guardian.
But we must be careful, remember this dog is quite big and it is not always conscious about its strength and size, so it is not recommended having the dog close to little children.
If the dog has been carefully trained, the Dogue de Bordeaux would not have a hostile attitude to unknown children, but just in case it is convenient having the dog leashed whenever there are many people around, so your friend does not get stressed.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Relationship with Other Dogs
With other dogs the Dogue de Bordeaux shows different behaviors defined by its own personality. However, if the dog is well trained it will not be aggressive unless it gets attacked.
The coexistence with other dogs in the same house is not so difficult, but this big fluffy dog is territorial and has its special temperament. It is ideal to follow some tricks, like introducing it “the new member of the family” during puppyhood.
In case there are two males dogs with strong temperaments, it is necessary to be a determined owner to avoid any kind of tension. On the other hand, if the Dogue de Bordeaux or the other dog went through some negative experiences, unfortunately might be impossible a peaceful coexistence between them.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Price, Breeders, and Puppies For Sale
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an extremely popular dog; there are specialized and registered dog breeders in the UK and the US, but also you can find a puppy in Australia, India, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and South Africa.
A Dogue of Bordeaux’s puppy from a certified dog breeder, who will provide the entire puppy’s documentation, will cost around 800-1400 dollars, around 700-1200 English pounds.
It is important to get your puppy from a reliable breeder so you will be sure that your dog has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
You can always ask for a pedigree; this is another important aspect, as this proves you are getting a purebred dog.
Now you have the most important points to know, you can go for your new four-legged friend, who surely is waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Eurasier
- Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Saarloos Wolfdog
- Akita
- Landseer
- Kuvasz
- Fila Brasileiro
- Dogue de Bordeaux
