Category |
Details |
Origin |
France |
Size |
Large |
Weight |
45–68 kg |
Height |
57–67 cm |
Lifespan |
8-9 years |
Coat |
Short, smooth coat |
Colors |
Various shades of fawn, from light to dark red |
Temperament |
Loyal, affectionate, courageous, protective |
Nutrition |
High-quality, balanced diet suited to large breeds |
Exercise Needs |
Moderate; requires regular daily exercise |
Grooming Needs |
Low; regular brushing and occasional bathing |
Training |
Needs firm, consistent training; responds well to positive reinforcement |
Good with Children |
Generally good with children, especially when raised with them |
Good with Pets |
Can be good with other pets if socialized early |
Health Concerns |
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart issues, bloat, skin problems |
Living Environment |
Best suited for homes with yards; can adapt to apartment living with sufficient exercise |
AKC Group |
Working Group |
Original Purpose |
Guard dog, hunter, and fighter |
Socialization |
Needs early and ongoing socialization |
Barking Level |
Low; generally quiet, but barks to alert |
Independence |
Moderately independent; enjoys being with family |
Playfulness |
Moderately playful; enjoys interactive play |
Sensitivity Level |
High sensitivity; responds to gentle training methods |
Weather Tolerance |
Moderate tolerance to cold and heat |
The Dogue de Bordeaux, often known as the French Mastiff, is a strong, loyal, and compassionate dog breed. This magnificent dog, originally from France, has a colorful past, a unique look, and an ardent fan base among dog lovers worldwide.
The Dogue de Bordeaux typically weighs 45–68 kg and is 57–67 cm tall. It has an 8–9-year lifespan. The history, traits, temperament, care needs, and other elements of the Dogue de Bordeaux will all be covered in detail in the following article.
Origin
The Dogue de Bordeaux has its roots in ancient France, where it was used for bull-baiting, hunting, and guarding. These powerful dogs, said to be derived from ancient Molossus breeds, were highly valued for their power, devotion, and protective nature.
Over the ages, they developed into a dog breed recognized for large size, and characteristic wrinkles. They are cherished family members and estate guards.
Physical Appearance
Dogue de Bordeaux is a large, muscular breed with a height ranging from 23 to 27 inches and a weight between 99 to 145 pounds. Its broad chest and sturdy build contribute to its powerful and imposing appearance. This breed’s robust physique and solid frame make it a striking presence.
This breed features a solid, squarely built body with a broad, deep chest. Its limbs are strong and well-developed, supporting its heavy frame. The Dogue de Bordeaux’s body proportions are balanced, with a slight length-to-height ratio that adds to its imposing presence.
Dogue de Bordeaux’s coat is short and dense. Common colors include fawn, mahogany, and red. These shades often come with variations, such as lighter or darker tones. One of the most distinctive traits of these dogs is its face. It features a broad, flat skull and a deep, pronounced stop. The breed’s face is marked by prominent wrinkles and a strong, expressive muzzle.
Dogue de Bordeaux’s eyes are round and set deep, giving it a thoughtful expression. Its ears are medium-sized, hanging close to the head. The combination of these features adds to its unique, recognizable look.
Personality
Dogue de Bordeaux has a fantastic personality that matches its remarkable beauty. Their enormous head, muscular body, and characteristic wrinkles draw attention everywhere.
Dogues de Bordeaux are renowned for their kind and loving disposition and for building close relationships with their families despite their commanding appearance. Devoted and faithful, they are excellent watchdogs since they are naturally protective and incredibly kind to kids and family.
Dogue de Bordeaux can coexist with other pets if introduced properly. It tends to be dominant and may require training to ensure harmony with other animals.
How to Take Care of Your Dogue de Bordeaux
Grooming
Dogue de Bordeaux needs regular grooming to maintain its coat and overall health. Brush the coat weekly to manage shedding and to check for any skin issues. This helps keep the coat smooth and healthy. Along with coat care, dental hygiene is crucial. Brush your Dogue de Bordeaux’s teeth regularly and provide dental chews to help prevent dental problems.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure that grooming and dental care are effective. These practices not only keep your dog looking good but also contribute to its overall well-being. Consistent attention to grooming and dental hygiene helps prevent health issues and ensures your Dogue de Bordeaux remains happy and healthy.
Health
Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to specific health issues, including heart problems. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of these conditions. This breed also faces genetic disorders such as cataracts and hypothyroidism. To mitigate these risks, responsible breeding practices are essential.
Ensuring that breeders perform thorough health screenings on breeding dogs can help reduce the likelihood of these genetic issues. Regular health checks for your Dogue de Bordeaux can catch potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Proactive care and awareness are key to maintaining the breed’s overall health and quality of life.
Exercise
The Dogue de Bordeaux requires moderate exercise to maintain its health and well-being. Daily walks and playtime are crucial for keeping this breed fit. It enjoys a good run but doesn’t need intense exercise routines. Ideal activities include walking, light jogging, and interactive play. These exercises help manage weight and maintain muscle tone, which is important for this muscular breed. However, it’s important to avoid over-exercising, particularly in hot weather, to prevent overheating.
A balanced exercise routine ensures that the Dogue de Bordeaux stays healthy and happy while avoiding stress on its joints and cardiovascular system.
What To or What Not To Feed Them
You have to feed your Dogue de Bordeaux a high-quality, balanced diet to support its overall health. Choose dog food with appropriate protein and fat levels based on your dog’s age and activity level. Portion control is essential to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate health issues. Due to the breed’s size, it may require specific dietary considerations, such as joint supplements or special diets.
Consult your veterinarian to customize the diet to your Dogue de Bordeaux’s unique needs. Regularly reviewing and adjusting their diet based on their health and activity levels ensures they remain healthy and comfortable. Proper nutrition is key to managing their weight and supporting their long-term well-being.
Pros and Cons for Dogue de Bordeaux
Pros | Cons |
Easy to Groom: Because of their short, silky coats, they require less upkeep in terms of grooming. | Size and Strength: Their massive size and strength can be difficult for novice owners to control, particularly when they go on walks or become too excited. |
Adaptable: As long as they have enough exercise and mental stimulation, dogs de Bordeaux may adjust well to various living conditions, including small apartments and roomy suburban homes. | Health Concerns: Dogues de Bordeaux, like many giant breeds, are susceptible to hip dysplasia, cardiac conditions, and skin irritations. |
Superb Watchdogs: Dogues de Bordeaux are natural protectors because of their strong sense of awareness. They quickly notify their owners of any possible threats or intruders. | Short Lifespan: Regrettably, Dogues de Bordeaux live an average of 8 to 9 years, which is less than that of smaller breeds. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of temperament do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are known for their calm and balanced temperament. They are extremely loyal, affectionate with family members, and have a protective nature that makes them excellent guard dogs.
2. How often should Dogue de Bordeaux dogs be groomed?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs require minimal grooming due to their short coat. Weekly brushing is sufficient to keep their coat clean and reduce shedding, with more attention needed during seasonal changes.
3. Are Dogue de Bordeaux dogs good with children?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are generally good with children, especially when socialized early. They are protective and gentle, but due to their large size, supervision is recommended around younger children.
4. What are common health issues in Dogue de Bordeaux dogs?
Common health issues in Dogue de Bordeaux dogs include hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and breathing problems due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) facial structure. They are also prone to bloat, which requires careful monitoring of their diet and eating habits.
5. How much exercise do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs need?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs require moderate exercise to maintain their health. Daily walks and some playtime are sufficient to meet their physical needs, as they are not particularly high-energy dogs.
Wrapping Up
Despite their intimidating appearance, these dogs are devoted to their people and are loving and faithful pets. Dogues de Bordeaux flourishes as treasured household members with the proper upbringing, socialization, and care, providing happiness and company to those lucky enough to live with them.
