Dogue De Bordeaux
Group 6: Utility
Height: 58 – 68 cm
Energy Level: Low to moderate
Original Function: Guarding, fighting
Lifespan: 8 – 10 yrs
Recommended for: Dedicated handlers & families.
About This Breed
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds. They were used for hunting large animals such as boar, for the guarding of houses and cattle and in the service of butchers. The breed, which had suffered greatly during the two world wars, to the point of being threatened with extinction, got off to a fresh start in the 1960s.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very powerful dog, with a very muscular, stocky, athletic body. They are gifted for guarding, which he assumes with vigilance and great courage but without aggressiveness. They make a loyal companion and are very affectionate. They bond closely with their family.
They are not suited to homes where they will be left alone for long periods of time, as they associate this separation as a punishment. They will protect their family and territory if threatened. They are very good with children and will accept other household pets if introduced to them when young.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Large sized strong body. Wrinkled oval shaped head with hazel to dark brown eyes. Jaw is undershot. Ears semi erect, tips fall down forward. Tail is long, skin is loose fitting.
Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Calm, Balanced
Characteristics: Dogue de Bordeaux is gifted for guarding, which he assumes with vigilance & great courage, but without aggressiveness. A good companion, very attached to his master and very affectionate. Calm, balanced with a high stimulus threshold. The male normally has a dominant character.
Coat: Self-coloured, in all shades of fawn, from mahogany to Isabella [lightish fawn]. A good pigmentation is desirable. Limited white patches are permissible on the chest and the extremities of the limbs. Types:
- 1. Black mask: The mask is often only slightly spread out and must not invade the cranial [skull] region. There may be slight black shading on the skull, ears, neck and top of body. The nose is then black.
- 2. Brown mask: (Used to be called red or bistre [darkened or swarthy]). The nose is then brown; the eye rims are also brown.
- 3. No mask: The coat is fawn; the skin appears red (also formerly called “red mask”). The nose is then reddish or pink.
Colour: Skin: Thick and sufficiently loose fitting. Hair: Fine, short and soft to the touch.
Grooming: The coat is easy to take care of. A rubber grooming mitt over the short coat once a week, to remove any loose or dead hair is all that is needed. The skin folds on the face should be cleaned regularly to stop any skin infections from starting.
Exercise: They do not require as much exercise as may be expected. Several walks throughout the day should be sufficient, allowing short periods for free running and playing. It has to be remembered that even when this dog is 6 months old, and is relatively large, it is still a puppy. Too much exercise too young can lead to bone and joint related health problems in later life.
Health: This breed is generally sound but some can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia so it is recommended to seek out a reputable breeder who is willing to show you proof of scores. Remember the LOWER the score the better!