Let Me Tell You About the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff or Bordeaux Mastiff, is a powerful and ancient breed with deep roots in French history. Here's a comprehensive look at this impressive dog:
🐾 Overview
Origin: France (especially the Bordeaux region)
Group: Working Group
Other Names: Bordeaux Mastiff, French Mastiff
Life Span: 5–8 years
Height: 23–27 inches (58–69 cm)
Weight: 99–150 pounds (45–68 kg)
🧬 Physical Traits
Coat: Short, fine, and soft
Color: Various shades of fawn—from light to dark red; may have white patches or black/brown masks
Head: Massive and wrinkled, with a Bulldog-like undershot jaw—considered the largest head proportionally in the canine world
Build: Muscular, stocky, and low to the ground; moves with surprising agility
🧠 Temperament & Personality
Affectionate: Deeply loyal and loving with family
Protective: Natural guardian instincts; excellent watchdog
Gentle Giant: Despite their intimidating appearance, they are calm and sensitive
Stubborn: Requires firm, consistent training from an early age
Kid-Friendly: Generally good with children, but supervision is essential due to their size
🏡 Care & Lifestyle
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high—daily walks and playtime are important
Training: Needs early socialization and obedience training; can be headstrong
Grooming: Low maintenance coat, but they drool—a lot!
Health Concerns: Prone to heart issues, hip dysplasia, and skin infections; regular vet checkups are crucial.
🐶 General Appearance
Build: Powerful, muscular, and stocky with a harmonious outline
Proportions: Not leggy or overly low to the ground
Expression: Forbidding yet noble; alert and confident
🧠 Temperament
Nature: Vigilant, courageous, and affectionate
Guardian Instincts: Strong protective drive without unnecessary aggression
Disposition: Calm and devoted to family; excellent with children when properly socialized
🦴 Head & Skull
Size: Massive and broad—head circumference in males roughly equals height at withers
Skull: Slightly rounded, broadest at the ears, with a pronounced stop
Wrinkles: Fine, symmetrical wrinkles on each side of the median groove
Muzzle: Short, powerful, slightly upturned; square when viewed from above
Jaws: Very strong; lower jaw curves upward with a well-defined chin
Lips: Thick and pendulous, forming an inverted wide “V” in front
👀 Eyes & Ears
Eyes: Oval, wide-set, expressive; hazel to dark brown depending on mask color
Ears: Small, slightly darker than coat, falling forward and down close to cheeks
🐕 Body
Neck: Strong, muscular, slightly arched with loose skin forming a dewlap
Chest: Broad, deep, and well let down
Back: Broad and muscular with a straight topline
Tail: Thick at base, tapering to tip, carried low
🚶 Movement
Gait: Free, supple, and powerful; shows good reach and drive
🎨 Coat & Color
Coat: Short, fine, and soft
Colors: Fawn, mahogany, red, isabella; may have white patches or black/brown masks
❌ Faults & Disqualifications
Faults: Overly aggressive, timid, exaggerated features affecting health or function
Disqualifications: Viciousness, marked shyness, disabling defects
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a rich and ancient origin rooted in France, particularly in the Bordeaux region, which lends the breed its name. Here's a deeper look into its fascinating history:
🏰 Ancient Lineage
The breed likely dates back to the 14th century, with some theories suggesting even earlier origins in the 12th century.
It is believed to descend from ancient war dogs, possibly related to the Roman Molossus and Tibetan Mastiff, brought to France by Julius Caesar’s legions.
These dogs were bred with local French breeds, resulting in a powerful mastiff-type dog used for various tasks.
🐗 Historic Roles
Originally used for hunting large game like boar and bear.
Served as guard dogs for estates, castles, and vineyards.
Also used for pulling carts and driving cattle, showcasing their strength and versatility.
⚔️ Near Extinction & Revival
The breed suffered greatly during the French Revolution and World Wars, nearly disappearing by the 1960s.
A French professor named Raymond Triquet played a key role in reviving the breed, refining its standard and promoting responsible breeding.
The Dogue de Bordeaux gained international attention after appearing in the 1989 film Turner & Hooch, starring Tom Hanks.
🌍 Modern Recognition
First exhibited in France in 1863.
Recognized by major kennel clubs worldwide, including the AKC in 2008.
Today, it’s cherished as a loyal companion, show dog, and guardian.
Living with a Dogue de Bordeaux is a unique blend of calm companionship, slobbery affection, and gentle giant energy. Here's what daily life typically looks like with this majestic breed:
🏡 Daily Routine & Lifestyle
🐕 Morning
Wake-up cuddles: They’re affectionate and often start the day with snuggles.
Short walk: A brisk morning walk helps stretch their legs and stimulate their mind.
Feeding: High-quality food in measured portions—often split into two meals to avoid bloat.
🧠 Daytime
Relaxed lounging: They’re not hyperactive; expect lots of napping in sunny spots.
Playtime: Moderate play sessions—tug-of-war, fetch, or puzzle toys.
Training moments: Reinforce basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” They respond well to positive reinforcement but can be stubborn.
🧼 Grooming & Care
Facial folds: Clean daily to prevent infections.
Drool patrol: Keep towels handy—drooling is part of the package.
Brushing: Weekly brushing keeps their short coat healthy.
🌆 Evening
Second walk: A slower stroll to wind down.
Family time: They thrive on closeness—watching TV beside you or lying at your feet.
Feeding: Second meal, followed by quiet time.
❤️ Personality in the Home
Gentle with kids: Patient and protective, though supervision is key due to their size.
Loyal to the core: They often bond deeply with one or two family members.
Watchful but calm: Reserved with strangers, but not aggressive without cause.
Heat-sensitive: Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather; they prefer cool environments.
🧠 Challenges to Expect
Size awareness: They’re massive and may unintentionally knock things over.
Stubborn streaks: Training requires consistency and patience.
Health upkeep: Prone to joint issues, heart conditions, and skin infections—regular vet visits are essential.
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