Dogue de Bordeaux AKA French Mastiff

History and Origin of the Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff, is an imposing breed of dog that is very strong and powerful. The French Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds of dog originating in France. The Dogue is a very powerful breed that is usually of the brachycephalic molossoid type which has a muscular body but is very harmonious by nature.

There have been many theories as to the origin of the breed. It has very commonly been said that the Bordeaux was created from the Tibetan Mastiff, the Roman and Greek Molossus, and the Bulldog. On the other hand, the Alans brought mastiffs to Europe that was descendants of the Spanish dogs from Bugos or the dogs of Aquitaine. This is a very old breed that acted as both body guards and cattle drivers toward the end of the Middle Ages. Over the years the breed has held many duties including cattle herder, war dog, guard dog, flock guardian, and has been trained to bait bulls, jaguars, bears, and to hunt boars.

A more sad part of Dogue history is that many Dogue de Bordeaux were killed during the French Revolution. Following the war the number of Dogues rose. In fact, a man named Raymond Triquet began a Dogue de Bordeaux club which was credited with saving the breed from extinction. They are now well established as a breed in France and most parts of the county; including the United States.

Appearance

These are very powerful dogs with muscular bodies. This breed is one whose body is longer than it is tall. These dogs do not appear “leggy”; instead, they should be stocky and be visibly muscular with a deep chest and a heavy, broad head. According the breed standards, the females should weigh a minimum of 100 pounds and be from 22 and a half to 25 and a half inches tall at the shoulders. It has been specified that males are a minimum of 115 pounds and somewhere between 23 and a half to 27 inches tall. If the dog has deviations of the slightest bit it is considered a fault. The coat should be fine, short, and soft to touch.

The coat will vary in color from a fawn, light, coppery red to a dark brown colored mahogany-color. The dogs will feature a facial mask which will be red, brown, or black in color; the red mask is preferred in the breed. White is allowed on the chest or tips of the toes; however, white anywhere else on the body is considered a fault. They are one of few large breeds that are considered hypoallergenic as they are very light shedders.

Dogue de Bordeaux Temperament and Personality

This breed is known for its exceptionally calm and good temperaments. They tend to be very patient, devoted, and loyal to their families. In fact, they are confrontational and fearless when met by a stranger. They make some of the best guard or watch dogs. If you want to have a happy, healthy household you will need to socialize your Dogue early, especially with smaller animals. Some Dogues have been known to be aggressive with other dogs.

They are great family dogs not only because of their excellent guarding ability, but also because they are very gentle with members of the family, especially children. The breed does drool and snore. The owner of a Dogue de Bordeaux should not be an inexperienced dog owner, and should remain calm and consistent with natural authority over the dog.

Health of the Breed

The breed tends to be rather healthy, but of course can suffer from hip dysplasia. French mastiffs have also been known to suffer from ailments such as hyperkeratosis, epilepsy, and heart problems. Much like the bulldog, most dams require a c-section during puppy birth.

Exercise and Other Care Requirements

This is a large breed of dog that is rather easy to care for. If you live in an apartment or other home that does not have a yard, this can still make a good dog for you because they do not need large amounts of exercise. As long as you walk the dog each day, providing sufficient exercise, the Dogue will do fine in an apartment as they are inactive indoors. The breed is a light shedder, so in terms of grooming there is little to no grooming involved; so it is a light maintenance dog. That is great for lazy owners.

Something you may not know about the breed…

The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America is now tracking Dogues that live to be 7 years or older. The breed has a rather short lifespan of usually only 5 to 6 years. However, the oldest on record was 12. In order to celebrate individuals who outlive the average Dogue they log the records as a remembrance.

Dogue de Bordeaux AKA French Mastiff