Dogue
de Bordeaux
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Description:
The Dogue de Bordeaux is muscular, powerful,
stocky, athletic and structurally built low
to the ground. The most distinguishing feature
is its enormous head which is believed to
be the biggest of all canines. The Dogue de
Bordeaux short fine coat can be any shade
of red and the color is darker around the
muzzle and eyes forming a characteristic mask.
The breed was mostly owned by wealthy French
as well as nobility and were used to guard,
hunt and fight.
As with many breeds, the origin of the Dogue
de Bordeaux is up for debate and has numerous
theories. There is little doubt among historians
however, that the Dogue de Bordeaux is an
ancient French breed. The first documented
reference of this breed was in 1863 in Paris,
France at the Jardin d'Acclimatation dog exhibition.
A female by the name of Magentas won and was
then given the name - Dogue de Bordeaux -
which is the name of the capital from the
region where she originated. In the following
twenty years, there were three known varieties
of the Dogue - the Toulouse, the Parisian
and the Bordeaux - all named after the region
from which they came. While these types had
several differences from the modern Dogue
de Bordeaux such as coat color, size and body
structure, there were also many general similarities.
Therfore in the late 1800s, breeders came
together to develop one type for this breed.
The first standard was written in 1896, but
has changed several times since then.
Both World Wars and the French Revolution
put a strain on the survivial of the Dogue
de Bordeaux breed - particularly WWII when
historians tell us Adolf Hitler ordered these
dogs executed because of their devout loyalty
to their masters.
The first documented Dogue de Bordeaux to
enter the United States was in 1959, although
it is believed it arrived much earlier in
1890. The Dogue de Bordeaux was fully recognized
by the American Kennel Club in the Working
Group in 2008.
Height:
When measured at withers, the height for a
Dogue de Bordeaux is 23 - 27 inches (58 -
69 cm).
Weight:
The weight of the Dogue de Bordeaux according
to AKC Standard should be at least 99 pounds
(45 kg).
Coat Type:
The Dogue de Bordeaux coat is short, fine
and has a soft texture. Grooming of the coat
is minimal and requires a brushing once a
week. In addition, bathing is recommended
every week and a half to two weeks particularly
to rid of doggie odor.
Color:
The color of the Dogue de Bordeaux coat can
be any shade of red.
Temperament: The Dogue de
Bordeaux is affectionate, very loyal, devoted
and has well balanced disposition. Properly
raised Dogue de Bordeaux makes for a great
companion and family pet. Training and socialization
are extremely important since this breed's
ancient background includes fierce fighting.
This is an intelligent breed, and although
it can be stubborn, once it learns something,
it does not forget. Anyone considering a Dogue
de Bordeaux must realize the importance of
being the pack leader, dominant, consistent
and confident. The Dogue de Bordeaux must
be given rules and must obey them. These dogs
are fearless, courageous, natural guardians
and very keen to notice something out of the
ordinary - all traits which make for an excellent
watch dog. Dogue de Bordeaux are playful and
need daily exercise.
Health
Problems: The Dogue
de Bordeaux is susceptible to several health
issues which includes cancer, heart disease,
epilepsy, hip dysplasia, kidney disease, bone
/ joint problems, obesity and bloat. Notes:
This breed does not do well in the heat and
exercise should not be strenuous until it
is fully mature due to too much stress on
developing bones could cause injury. The average
life expectancy of a Dogue de Bordeaux is
between 8 - 10 years.
Special Interest:
•
The Dogue de Bordeaux is also known as the
French Mastiff, Bulldogue Francais, Bordeauxx
dog and DDD among fanciers.
• In
the Tom Hank's 1989 comedy movie Turner
& Hooch - a Dogue de Bordeaux (real
name Beasley the Dog) played the part of Hooch.
• The Dogue de Bordeaux is a rare
breed in the United States and very expensive.
Classifications:
AKC: Working Group
ANKC: Utility Group 6
FCI: Group 2 Section 2 Molossoid breeds
KC: Working
NZKC Utility
UKC: Guardian Dogs |
