Fiercely loyal to their owner, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a classic French Mastiff that has been around throughout many generations. If you are looking for a large dog that is super sensitive and sweet, look no further than this breed. Read on to learn more about them!
Breed Snapshot
Size Large dog (45-52kg); 58 – 69cm in height
Coat Short coat that is high shedding, should be brushed regularly.
Energy Moderate energy dog that should be walked daily for at least 30 minutes
Lifespan 5 – 8 years
Country of origin France
Breed type Mastiff dog that is said to be thousands of years old. This dog is a sweet and sensitive old-soul type that loves attention from its human family.
Other names “Mastiff” is its nickname
Great breed for:
- Home with a yard
- Families with kids
- Farms and Properties with Acreage
What is a Dogue de Bordeaux?
Translated to English, Dogue de Bordeaux means “Mastiff of Bordeaux” and it is believed that this dog has called France home for thousands of years. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a relative of the Mastiff family and shares many of the traits, except in a larger body. This dog is a true gentle giant who would love to come home with you.
Whilst the sport is shunned in today’s society, the Dogue de Bordeaux used to partake in dog fights in an arena style setting during the 1700s and 1800s. It was a form of entertainment attended by nobility and aristocrats of France. These dogs have also been utilized to do everything from pull loads to assisting with livestock herding. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a working dog.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal pet who has a sweet temperament around his or her owners. This dog is good around kids and older adults.
What Does a Dogue de Bordeaux Look Like?
From puppyhood, this breed of dog can be described as an old soul, thanks to its wrinkly skin and pouty face. The Dogue de Bordeaux resembles a Pug without the smashed in face look. This breed is in the large working dog class and weighs in at 45 – 52kg when it reaches adulthood. They grow to be 58 – 69cm tall, but they can move extremely fast when they need to.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is most often found in a rich shade of brown colouring, although you can also find them in red or mahogany. Some dogs have a white patch on their chest, and all of them come with the classic wrinkly look, which makes them so appealing. This dog is stout and muscular and has a broad head with a protruding snout.
How Do I Train My Dogue de Bordeaux?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a stubborn breed and training should begin when this dog is a puppy. Your dog should be trained in obedience using positive reinforcement training as they do not respond well to rough training. Use treats and be firm so that your dog understands what he or she can and can not do. If you have never trained a Dogue de Bordeaux before, it is best to sign it up for professional training lessons. PetCloud can connect you with a reputable dog trainer in your area.
How Do I Groom My Dogue de Bordeaux?
This breed has a short coat that can be cleaned by giving him or her an occasional bath and running a brush through the fur. A good dog brushing is a like a massage to this dog and is a very enjoyable experience. You do not need to take your dog to a professional groomer unless you want to indulge him or her in some spa-like pampering.
The Dogue de Bordeaux has deep facial wrinkles that need to be cleaned regularly so that grime does not collect, which can lead to skin irritation. Clean your dog’s ears regularly with a specially formulated dog ear cleaning solution so wax does not build up causing an ear infection. Floppy ears require special care. As with most dogs, be sure to trim his or her nails frequently so they do not snag on furniture or objects outside and cause the dog pain.
Provide your Dogue de Bordeaux with teeth cleaning chew toys and be sure to brush his or her teeth regularly to maintain good oral health.
Why Should I Consider Owning a Dogue de Bordeaux?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a serious working dog and can be a big help on your ranch or farm. They are able to haul loads in a cart and can assist with herding livestock. The Dogue de Bordeaux is an intimidating dog that will keep predators and strangers away from your property. They are great companion dogs once properly trained and will be a good dog for children to play with. This dog requires a moderate amount of exercise, so playing in the yard is fun for the people and healthy for your pet.
If you are interested in purchasing a dog of this breed, be sure to buy your dog through a reputable breeder to ensure you get a healthy dog that has been treated well during whilst he or she is a puppy. Trust is a trait that dogs learn early on and they need to be able to trust humans to take care of them. RSCPA can help you find a reputable breeder in Australia.
Quick Answers to Your Dogue de Bordeaux Questions
What is the lifespan of a Dogue de Bordeaux?
This dog has a shorter lifespan that a smaller dog, often living between 5 – 8 years.
Can a Dogue de Bordeaux be left alone whilst I am at work?
This breed requires a lot of family time and attention and suffers from separation anxiety if left home alone for too long. If you work, make sure another family member is home to take care of your dog or enlist the help of a pet sitter.
Is the Dogue de Bordeaux an aggressive dog?
As long as your dog receives obedience training as a puppy, he or she will be a kind and compassionate dog. This dog will stand its ground when confronted with possible danger.
Does this breed have health issues I should be concerned with?
As with many large breed dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux could develop hip dysplasia in his or her older years. This breed has a deep chest and is susceptible to bloat, which can be treated by a vet if the condition is recognized early.
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