Dogue De Bordeaux Dog Breed: Complete Guide
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, is one of the most ancient French dog breeds. This breed is known for its imposing stature, distinctive wrinkles, and endearing temperament. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a rich history and a powerful presence and remains a beloved family companion and guardian dog. This comprehensive guide will cover the key characteristics, history, temperament, health concerns, and care practices necessary to ensure this extraordinary breed’s happy and healthy life.
Contents
Overview of the Dogue de Bordeaux
- Breed Group: Working
- Height: 23-27 inches
- Weight: 99-150 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 5-8 years
- Origin: France
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large, muscular dog with a powerful build. Its most notable feature is its massive head, covered in deep wrinkles, adding to its charm. Despite their intimidating appearance, these dogs are known for their loyalty, affection, and calm demeanor when properly trained and socialized.
History and Origins
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient breed believed to date back to the 14th century in France. Historically, they were used for various working purposes, including guarding castles, pulling carts, and even hunting large game such as boar and wolves. Over time, they became more specialized in guarding and protecting, particularly in the French countryside.
Their most prominent historical moment came during the French Revolution when they were nearly driven to extinction due to their association with the aristocracy. However, the breed survived, and by the 19th century, it began gaining popularity. In 1863, the first Dogue de Bordeaux was shown at a French dog show in Paris, solidifying its place in canine history.
Today, the breed enjoys a more peaceful role as a family companion, although its guarding instincts remain strong.
Key Physical Characteristics
Size and Weight
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an extremely large and muscular dog. Males typically stand between 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 110 to 150 pounds. Females are slightly smaller but still impressively large, with a height of 23 to 26 inches and a weight between 99 to 130 pounds.
Coat Varieties and Colors
The coat of the Dogue de Bordeaux is short, fine, and smooth. They have relatively low grooming maintenance but shed moderately throughout the year.
- Coat Colors: The breed is typically seen in shades of fawn, ranging from light to dark red. Some dogs may have white markings on their chest or feet, but these are not always present.
- Distinctive Features: Their massive, wrinkled head is the most distinguishing feature of the breed. They also have a short muzzle, a broad chest, and a muscular build.
Temperament and Behavior
The Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its calm, loyal, and affectionate nature. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are gentle with their families and can form deep bonds with their owners. However, they are also highly protective and can be wary of strangers.
Key Temperament Traits:
- Loyal and Devoted: These dogs are incredibly loyal to their families and make excellent companions for experienced dog owners.
- Protective: Their history as guard dogs means they are naturally protective of their home and loved ones, making them excellent watchdogs.
- Calm but Confident: While generally calm indoors, they have a confident demeanor and can be assertive if not properly trained.
- Affectionate: Despite their size, they often see themselves as lap dogs and enjoy cuddling and being close to their human family.
Proper socialization and training are essential early to ensure they grow well-behaved and manageable, especially given their size and strength.
Health and Common Issues
Unfortunately, like many large dog breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to several health issues. Their relatively short lifespan of 5-8 years can be attributed to genetic and breed-specific conditions.
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this affects the elbow joint and can lead to pain and arthritis.
- Bloat (Gastric Torsion): This life-threatening condition can occur when the stomach twists, leading to a blockage of blood flow. Immediate veterinary attention is required if bloat is suspected.
- Heart Conditions: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common heart condition in this breed, which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
- Skin Infections: The breed’s deep wrinkles can sometimes harbor moisture, leading to skin infections if not kept clean and dry.
Routine vet visits, health screenings, and a proper diet are crucial to maintaining the health of a Dogue de Bordeaux.
Care and Grooming Needs
While the Dogue de Bordeaux’s short coat doesn’t require intensive grooming, regular care is still necessary to keep them in top condition.
- Brushing: Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and promotes a healthy coat.
- Wrinkle Care: Due to their deep facial wrinkles, cleaning these areas regularly is essential to prevent infections or irritations.
- Nail Trimming: Their nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth, which can cause discomfort or issues with walking.
- Dental Care: Like all dogs, maintaining good oral hygiene is important. Regular teeth brushing and dental check-ups are recommended to prevent gum disease.
Dietary Requirements by Life Stage
Puppy Nutrition
Dogue de Bordeaux puppies grow rapidly, so it is important to feed them high-quality, large-breed puppy food that supports slow and steady growth. Overfeeding can lead to joint issues later in life, so portion control is critical.
Adult Dog Nutrition
Adults require a diet that maintains their muscle mass and supports joint health. A large-breed dog food with added glucosamine and chondroitin can help keep their joints healthy.
Senior Dog Nutrition
For senior Dogue de Bordeaux dogs, a lower-calorie diet that maintains lean muscle and supports joint and heart health is essential. Supplements like fish oil can be added to their diet to promote healthy skin and coat and joint flexibility.
Training and Exercise
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an intelligent but sometimes stubborn breed. Early training and socialization are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed, as they respond well to praise and treats.
Exercise Needs: While they don’t have boundless energy like some breeds, regular daily exercise is important to keep them fit and healthy. Two to three moderate walks a day are ideal, along with some playtime. Be cautious about over-exercising puppies; their growing joints are vulnerable to injury.
Cultural Significance and Unique Traits
The Dogue de Bordeaux has been featured in popular culture, perhaps most famously in the 1989 film Turner & Hooch, where the breed’s loyalty and charm shone through.
Their unique traits include their incredibly strong jaw and protective instincts, earning them a reputation as reliable guard dogs. Their deep, intimidating bark can deter intruders, yet their love and loyalty toward family make them gentle giants at home.
FAQs
Are Dogue de Bordeaux good family dogs?The Dogue de Bordeaux can be an excellent family dog when properly trained and socialized. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature.
Are Dogue de Bordeaux expensive?Yes, Dogue de Bordeaux puppies can be expensive due to their pedigree and health screenings, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
Are Dogue de Bordeaux dogs friendly?Yes, they are typically friendly with their family members but can be aloof or wary of strangers. Proper socialization from an early age is crucial to ensure they are well-mannered around new people and pets.
What is the Dogue de Bordeaux used for?Historically, the Dogue de Bordeaux was used for guarding, hunting, and working tasks such as pulling carts. Today, they are mainly kept as family companions and protectors.
Conclusion
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a unique and ancient breed, beloved for its loyalty, protective instincts, and gentle nature with its family. While they require consistent care, training, and health monitoring, they reward their owners with years of companionship and protection. Understanding their needs and providing the right care ensures they live a healthy, happy life, continuing the proud tradition of this distinguished French breed.
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