The
Dogue de Bordeaux also called the French
Mastiff and sometimes called the Bordeaux
Bulldog is a short, stocky mastiff with
a huge, heavy, broad, wrinkled head. The
head is a very important feature when evaluating
this breed. Top quality show males have
a head circumference of 27-30 inches (68-75cm).
The jaw is undershot and powerful. The Dogue
should always have a black or red mask that
can be distinguished from the rest of the
coat around and under the nose and including
the lips and eye rims. The nostrils are
very open. The muzzle should be at most
1/3 the total length of the head. The upper
lips hang thickly down over the lower jaw.
The skin on the neck is loose, forming a
noticeable dewlap. In general, the
skin is thick. The ears hang down. The body
is thickset with a short, straight topline
and a gentle rounded croup. The front legs
should be straight and heavy-boned. The
straight tail begins thickly at the base
and then tapers to a point. It should not
reach lower than the hocks. The short soft
coat comes in shades of fawn to mahogany
with a black or red mask. White markings
are allowed on the tips of the toes and
on the chest, but white on any other part
of the body is a fault.
Temperament
Breeders
have softened the temperament of this dog
quite a bit from his original ferocity.
Today the Bordeaux has a good and calm temperament.
It is extremely loyal, patient and devoted
to his family. Fearless and confrontational
with strangers, he is a first class watch
and guard dog. This breed can be very aggressive
with other dogs. Socialize very well with
other animals from an early age. The Dogue
de Bordeaux snores and drools. Males will
not tolerate other males. Despite his fearsome
appearance, the Dogue de Bordeaux is gentle
with children and family members. However
this is a powerful animal, and is not suitable
for an inexperienced dog owner. As of a
few years ago a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy
cost approximately $1200-2000.
The
Dogue de Bordeaux is not an easy dog to
breed. Litters are generally small. Cesarean
sections are often needed at birth because
of the puppies extremely large heads. The
dams are so broad chested that they often
lie on their stomachs to nurse their pups,
sometimes squashing them. Breeders must
watch out vigilantly for the pups or some
will probably be lost. Females can be very
protective of their puppies.
Living
Conditions
This
breed will do okay in an apartment if it
is sufficiently exercised. They are very
inactive indoors and will do okay without
a yard.
Exercise
Needs
lots of exercise. They need to be taken
on a daily, long walk.
Life
Expectancy
About
10-12 years.
Grooming
Very
little is needed. This breed is an average
shedder.
Origin
There
are numerous hypotheses about the origin
the Dogue de Bordeaux. It may be descended
from the Greek and Roman Molossus, from
mastiffs brought to Europe by the Alans,
from the dogs of Aquitaine or from Spanish
dogs from Burgos. The Dogue de Bordeaux
has had many uses over his long history.
The breed has served as a war dog, and flock
guardian, and as a combatant in dog gladiator
sports where he was pitted against bulls,
bears and other dogs. At the end of the
middle ages, he became a cattle driver and
personal bodyguard. During the French Revolution,
many dogs who tried to defend their noble
master's estates were killed. Luckily, enough
interest remained in the breed to guarantee
its continued existence. Raymond Triquet
and his French Dogue de Bordeaux Club saved
the breed. The Dogue de Bordeaux is now
thoroughly established in France and gaining
popularity in other countries. There are
currently around 3000 Bordeaux in the United
States. The breed is recognized by the FCI,
but is not yet recognized by the AKC.
