The Dogue de Bordeaux is a giant dog breed that originated in France where it was primarily used as a guard dog and to pull carts. It is known by a variety of different names including the French Mastiff, Bordeaux Dog, Bordeaux Mastiff, Bordeaux and the Bordeaux Bulldog. The Bordeaux has been in existence for nearly 600 years and is thought to be related to such other breeds as Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs and Tibetan Mastiffs. They served many purposes including guarding property and livestock, pulling carts, herding cattle, and hunting wild boar. Some were also used as war dogs and to bait bulls or bears.
This is a massive dog that is strong, powerful and muscular. It’s very wide and has short legs. Its massive head and powerful jaw are crucial breed characteristics, just like its dewclaws. Its coat is fine and needs occasional grooming. DDBs also drool a lot. This is a giant breed that can weigh anywhere from 120 to 150 pounds or more. The Dogue de Bordeaux has short hair that can come in various shades of fawn, mahogany or red. It has a massive, wrinkled head and rounded, drop ears that reach just above the cheeks. The muzzle is somewhat short, and the nose is typically red or light brown. The body of the Bordeaux is extremely muscular, and the tail is left long.
Personality
DDBs are very affectionate and bond closely with their masters. They live to protect their masters or families. They are very alert and make excellent guard dogs. They need regular moderate exercise but are not very agile. If they don’t get enough exercise they will get bored. The DDB is very hard to train and can be stubborn, disobedient and arrogant. They are good with kids if they see them as part of the family. They can be aggressive towards strangers and strange dogs but never attack without reason. Although the Bourdeaux is quite gentle and loving with its family members, it can be very distrusting and aggressive with strangers and other animals. Additionally, due to its large size, this breed is not recommended for families with young children. The Dogue de Bourdeaux is also not recommended for people who have other pets such as cats, rabbits or smaller dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Mastiffs |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 8-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | French Mastiff, Bordeaux Dog, Bordeaux Mastiff, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bulldog |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Dogue De Bordeaux Build Information
This is a massive dog that is strong, powerful and muscular. It’s very wide and has short legs. Its massive head and powerful jaw are crucial breed characteristics, just like its dewclaws. Its coat is fine and needs occasional grooming. DDBs also drool a lot. This is a giant breed that can weigh anywhere from 120 to 150 pounds or more. The Dogue de Bordeaux has short hair that can come in various shades of fawn, mahogany or red. It has a massive, wrinkled head and rounded, drop ears that reach just above the cheeks. The muzzle is somewhat short, and the nose is typically red or light brown. The body of the Bordeaux is extremely muscular, and the tail is left long.
| Size: | Giant |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
DDBs are very affectionate and bond closely with their masters. They live to protect their masters or families. They are very alert and make excellent guard dogs. They need regular moderate exercise but are not very agile. If they don’t get enough exercise they will get bored. The DDB is very hard to train and can be stubborn, disobedient and arrogant. They are good with kids if they see them as part of the family. They can be aggressive towards strangers and strange dogs but never attack without reason. Although the Bordeaux is quite gentle and loving with its family members, it can be very distrusting and aggressive with strangers and other animals. Additionally, due to its large size, this breed is not recommended for families with young children. The Dogue de Bordeaux is also not recommended for people who have other pets such as cats, rabbits or smaller dogs.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | High |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Moderate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
This is a dog that requires little grooming other than an occasional brushing with a hound glove. However, you will want to be sure to keep the folds clean on its face and neck. Bathe only when necessary and clean its ears using the tip of a damp cloth. Check the nails regularly, and if necessary, clip only the tips of them with a pliers-type nail clipper.
| Colors: | Fawn, Mahogany |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Dogue De Bordeaux Common Health Conditions
A healthy Dogue de Bordeaux can live anywhere between eight and twelve years. However, just as with most other dog breeds, there are some health issues that are common to some of these dogs. You will find these issues listed below: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Hyperkeratosis, Heart Problems, Brachycephalic Syndrome, Obesity and Ectropian. If you are looking for a dog that will make a great guardian and companion, the Dogue de Bordeaux may be the perfect breed for you! These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and will fearlessly protect them when necessary. However, due to their large size, they are not recommended for households with small children, cats, rabbits or small dogs.
Dogue De Bordeaux Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The dog named Hooch in the movie Turner and Hooch was a Dogue de Bordeaux. Years ago, brindle was an accepted color for the Bordeaux. The Dogue de Bordeaux is an inactive dog that will adapt well to apartment living so long as you provide it with sufficient exercise.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | Yes |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
