The Complete Guide to Dogue de Bordeaux Dogs

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a massive breed with males weighing up to 110 pounds.

They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming and comes in three colors: fawn, brindle, and blue.

Their distinctive wrinkled skin needs regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.

Originating from France, this ancient breed was originally used for guarding and fighting.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a rich history dating back to the 14th century in southern France, specifically around the city of Bordeaux.

This breed was first exhibited in France in 1863 and gained popularity not only in their home country but also worldwide. The first record of the Dogue de Bordeaux in the UK can be seen in the Kennel Club Gazette in 1897.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong temperament, making it an excellent dog for most households, including those with kids. However, it's essential to be cautious when introducing small children to this breed, as giant dogs may not always be aware of their size.

Here are some key characteristics of the Dogue de Bordeaux:

The Dogue de Bordeaux was historically used for various purposes, including protecting, herding cattle, hunting, and bull baiting.

The Dogue de Bordeaux received AKC recognition in 2008, becoming the 158th breed to join the ranks of the Working Group.

This was a significant milestone for the breed, marking its official acceptance by the American Kennel Club.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the oldest breeds in France, with a history dating back to at least the 14th century.

This large dog was first exhibited in France in 1863 and gained popularity not only in their home country but also worldwide.

A uniform breed type of the Bordeaux dog did not exist until about 1920.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has been linked to other breeds, including the Bullmastiff and Bulldog, with some theories suggesting it may be related to the Tibetan Mastiff or Greek Molossus used for war.

In ancient Rome, a similar breed existed during Julius Caesar's reign.

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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large and sturdy breed with a strong temperament that makes them an excellent choice for most households. They can grow up to 27 inches tall and weigh over 110 pounds.

Their head is one of their distinctive features - it's the biggest of all dogs, with a short, attractive coat in rich colors like red, fawn, isabella, or mahogany. White patches, black or brown masks, or black masks with white markings are also common.

Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have expressive eyes and deep furrows on their brow, giving them a unique appearance. Their body is set close to the ground, making them look even more impressive.

In terms of size, males typically grow between 23 and 27 inches tall, while females reach between 23 and 26 inches. They can weigh significantly - over 100 pounds for females and 110 pounds or more for males.

Their lifespan is relatively short, ranging from five to eight years. This means that owners need to be prepared to provide a loving home for the duration of their life.

Here's a quick summary of some key breed characteristics:

Overall, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal and loving companion that requires regular exercise and attention to prevent boredom.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a well-balanced, muscular and massive dog with a powerful build.

Its head is a crucial breed characteristic, forming a trapezoid shape when viewed from the front or above, with a longer top-line of the skull and a shorter line of the underjaw. The jaw is undershot and powerful.

The circumference of the head measured at the widest point of the skull is roughly equal to the dog's height at the withers for males, and slightly less for females.

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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a well-balanced, muscular and massive dog with a powerful build.

Its head is a crucial breed characteristic, claimed to have the largest head in the canine world, in proportion to the rest of the body.

The circumference of the head for males is roughly equal to the dog's height at the withers (shoulders), while females may be slightly less.

A massive head forms a trapezoid shape when viewed from the front or above, with the jaw being undershot and powerful.

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The muzzle should be at most a third of the total length of the head and no shorter than a quarter of the length of the head, the ideal being between the two extremes.

Small pendant ears top the head but should not be long and hound-like.

The breed is set somewhat low to the ground and is not tall like the English Mastiff.

Its body is thick-set, with a top-line that has a slight dip (topline is never completely straight) and a gentle rounded croup.

The front legs are straight and heavy-boned, well up on pasterns, down to tight cat-like feet.

The breed's tail should not reach lower than the hocks, and is set and carried low.

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The weight of this breed is quite impressive, with a minimum of 99 pounds for females and 110 pounds for males, according to European FCI and AKC standards.

Dogs must be balanced and proportionate to their overall type and conformation standards, but there's no maximum weight specified.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong personality and is very stubborn, which makes strict training crucial starting at a young age.

They require early, extensive socialization to prevent potential aggression towards other dogs or strangers. This is essential for their well-being and your safety.

Without proper leadership and training, they can become aggressive and impossible to handle by an inexperienced owner. It's also crucial to avoid letting them become the leader of the family pack.

Their laid-back nature makes them a great companion for families with young children, as they are loving and protective but unlikely to send a toddler flying.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a strong-willed breed that requires strict training and early socialization to prevent aggression towards other dogs.

They can become aggressive if left unsupervised with inexperienced owners, so it's essential to provide them with strong leadership and firm but fair training from an early age.

Their short coat makes grooming relatively easy, requiring only weekly brushing to remove dead hairs and wiping out their wrinkles with a damp cloth after meals.

Despite their laid-back nature, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a protective instinct towards young children and can get along with cats and other dogs if socialized properly.

However, they do shed heavily, so be prepared for regular sweeping and vacuuming to keep your home clean.

Despite their gentle nature, Dogues de Bordeaux aren't small dogs.

They can grow quite large, with males measuring 23-1/2 to 27 inches at the withers and weighing at least 110 pounds.

Their size requires regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

Female dogs are also substantial, measuring 23 to 26 inches at the withers and weighing at least 99 pounds.

The Dogue de Bordeaux requires regular grooming to prevent skin irritation and infection due to its numerous skin folds. They have a very short, soft-hair coat that needs occasional use of a grooming mitt or glove.

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You'll want to brush your dog's teeth daily to prevent dental disease. This will also help keep their breath fresh and healthy. Their nails may wear down naturally, but it's essential to check them periodically and trim the nails as needed.

Bathing your Dogue de Bordeaux too often can lead to skin irritation, so limit bathing to just a couple of times per year.

One thing you'll quickly notice about Dogue de Bordeauxes is that they drool a lot - anyone who lives with one becomes familiar with strings of drool covering furniture.

They can produce up to 3 inches of saliva per day, which may seem excessive but is just part of their charming nature.

The Dogue de Bordeaux can be a bit challenging to care for due to its strong instincts and potential health issues.

This breed has a strong instinct to chase smaller animals such as cats. It's essential to socialize your Dogue de Bordeaux well to prevent problems with other pets in the household, especially if you already have another dog of the same sex.

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Socialization and training can help mitigate some of these issues, but it may not eliminate the risk entirely.

Adult dogs need four to seven cups of dry food each day, split into two meals. It's crucial to feed them twice a day and not allow free-feeding or exercise for one to two hours after a meal.

Make sure your Dogue de Bordeaux has clean, fresh water available at all times.

This breed is prone to food allergies, especially wheat, so you may need to provide a special diet or opt for good-quality commercial large breed dog foods that are wheat-free.

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Training is a must for this breed, and establishing a rigorous training program as soon as possible can make all the difference.

A Dogue de Bordeaux can become utterly uncontrollable if left untrained, so don't wait – get started right away. This is particularly important due to their massive size.

Leash training is essential to control your big, strong dog and keep them safe while outside. Your dog should walk next to you, without pulling, so you can remain in control at all times.

Positive reinforcement techniques are best for this breed, which can be stubborn and challenging to train at times. Rewarding good behavior will get you better results than punishing bad behavior.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not the easiest breed to train, but with patience and consistency, they can learn to behave well.

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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed prone to various health issues due to its unique characteristics and genetic makeup.

Their short lifespan averages between six to eight years, although some have been known to live up to ten or eleven years with proper care.

Common causes of death include cancer, heart disease, and bloat. Responsible breeders strive to maintain high breed standards by conducting regular screenings for conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cardiac issues.

To ensure your Dogue de Bordeaux stays healthy, it's essential to keep an eye out for signs of skin irritation or infection, such as dryness, redness, and itchiness, particularly in areas with skin folds.

Here are some common health problems associated with the breed:

Regular checkups and screenings can help detect potential issues early on.

Pet insurance is a must-have for dog owners, and costs vary depending on your furry friend's breed.

Dogues de Bordeaux are prone to expensive hereditary conditions that can be costly to treat, making their pet insurance more pricey than for mixed breed dogs.

The best time to get pet insurance for your Dogue de Bordeaux is when they're a healthy puppy, as you can't predict the future and it's one thing you can't get when you need it most.

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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed prone to certain health issues due to its unique characteristics and genetic makeup.

One major concern is heart disease, which can lead to conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and sub-aortic stenosis, both of which are common in this breed.

Cancer is another significant issue, with canine lymphoma being a particular problem. Fortunately, many cases of cancer are treatable, and the prognosis for dogs with this condition is often excellent.

Bloat, or gastric dilation/volvulus, can be a life-threatening emergency if not treated promptly.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are also common issues in Dogue de Bordeaux, causing pain and lameness if left untreated.

Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis causes painful cracks in the dog's paw pads, making walking difficult and increasing the risk of infection.

Skin issues, such as dry, flaky skin and redness, can be a problem in this breed, especially in skin folds.

To minimize these risks, responsible breeding practices are essential, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial to detect any potential health problems early on.

Here's a breakdown of some common conditions and their costs:

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking steps to prevent them, you can help your Dogue de Bordeaux live a happy and healthy life.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a rescue Dogue de Bordeaux, but not impossible.

The breed is still relatively rare in the US and its native country.

Expect to pay between $1,400 to $2,500 for a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy from a breeder.

A show-ready puppy could fetch up to $5,000.

If you're serious about bringing home a Dogue de Bordeaux, start by checking out reputable breeders and rescue organizations.

The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America Breeder Listing Service is a great place to find responsible breeders.

For those who want to give a loving home to a dog in need, the Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue organization can help.

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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed with its fair share of pros and cons.

This gentle giant has a short coat that requires minimal grooming, making it a great choice for busy owners who want to spend more time playing with their dog than brushing them.

However, they do shed heavily twice a year, which can be a challenge for some owners.

You'll find that many people swear by the benefits of using a standing desk, citing improved posture and reduced back pain as major advantages.

Studies have shown that standing for just two hours a day can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Standing desks can also boost your energy levels and increase productivity, making them a great option for those who need to get more done in less time.

By switching to a sit-stand desk, you can expect to burn an extra 50-100 calories per hour compared to sitting.

The Dogue de Bordeaux may be a stunning breed, but like any dog, they have their downsides.

One major con is that they're extremely slobbery. You'll need to get used to cleaning up after them regularly.

Their expensive nutrition needs are another drawback. They require high-quality food that can add up quickly.

Dogue de Bordeaux don't mix well with other pets, especially other dogs. This means you may need to find a pet-sitter or separate living space for other animals in the household.

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