Dogue
de Bordeaux - A very old breed, these dogs were
used for boar and bear hunting and then for driving cattle. It was not until this breed appeared in an American film
in 1989 that it has attained any recognition outside of France. Dogues possess formidable
traits such as relentless strength, wariness of strangers and an inclination to intimidate unknown people. THE
DOGUE DE BORDEAUX is one of the most ancient French breeds, probably a descendant of the Alans and in particular, the alan
vautre of which Gaston Phebus (or Febus), Count of Foix, said in the14th century, in his Livre de Chasse that "he holds his
bite stronger than three sight hounds".
The word "dogue" first appeared at the end of the 14th century. In the middle of the 19th century these
ancient dogues were hardly renowned outside the region of Aquitaine.
They were used for hunting large animals such as boar, for fighting (often codified), for the guarding of houses and cattle
and in the service of butchers. In 1863 the first French dog show took place in Paris
in the Jardin d'Acclimatation.
The dogues de Bordeaux were entered under their present
name. There have been different types: The Toulouse type, the Paris type and the Bordeaux type, which is the origin of today's dogue. The breed, which
had suffered greatly during the two world wars, to the point of being threatened with extinction after the second world war,
got off to a fresh start in the 1960's.
Description: The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very powerful dog, with a very
muscular body that retains a harmonious general outline. Stocky, athletic, imposing, they have a very dissuasive aspect. An
excellent family pet, the Dogue de Bordeaux guards what is theirs, even their owner. They will bond strongly to their family;
they feel separation is a form of punishment. Dogue de Bordeaux are stubborn, and arrogant, yet once they learn a command
or task, they rarely forget it.
Other Name: French Mastiff
Height: Male: 23.5 - 27.5 in. (60 - 68 cm), Female: 22 3/4 - 26 in. (58 - 66
cm).
Weight: Male: at least 110 lbs. (50 kg); Female: least 99 lbs (45 kg).
Colours: Self-colored, in all shades of fawn, from Mahogany
to Isabella (lightest fawn). A good pigmentation is required. Limited white patches are permissible on the chest and extremities
of the limbs. They are available in three mask colors. 1. No mask or red mask; 2. Brown mask; 3. Black mask.
Coat: Skin,
thick and sufficiently loose fitting. Hair, Fine, short and soft to the touch.
Temperament: Dogue de Bordeaux's are calm, balanced and affectionate.
With Children:
Dogue
de Bordeaux's get along well, very patient.
With Pets:
Usually gets along with everyone.
Special Skills:
Lover of the family and watch dog.
Watch-dog: Medium
Guard-dog:
High
Care and Exercise: Easy
care, moderate exercise. The Dogue de Bordeaux loves nothing better than to go for a walk or swim.
Training: The Dogue de Bordeaux's are very powerful animals
and it is highly recommended that you provide your Dogue de Bordeaux with some basic obedience training. Consistent training
and a fair and calm manner.
Learning Rate:
Don not let the face fool you, they are highly intelligent and learn quickly although they can be quite stubborn. Once they
learn a command they rarely forget it.
Activity: Medium
Living Environment:
Dogue de Bordeaux's thrive on family contact so the closer
they are to you the happier they are. Will live inside or outside, but do require a fair sized yard.
Life Span: 8 - 10 years
