The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed that's often misunderstood, and part of the problem is its pronunciation. The breed's name is derived from the French words "dogue", meaning mastiff, and "Bordeaux", a city in southwestern France.
The breed originated in the 14th century as a guard dog and hunting companion for the nobility.
The name "Dogue de Bordeaux" is a mouthful, and it's no wonder that many people struggle to pronounce it correctly. The key is to break down the name into its individual parts and pronounce each one correctly.
The "dogue" part of the name is pronounced "doo-guh", with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
Worth a look: Pronounce Dogue De Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed that originates from France, specifically the Bordeaux region, and its history dates back to ancient times. They were used as war dogs and ruthless warriors.
Their history is marked by a significant event in the 1700s, when the smaller Doguin type disappeared. This was also the time when they were used as guard dogs for aristocratic estates.
The breed gained popularity in the United States after the 1989 movie "Turner & Hooch", and it wasn't until 2007 that the American Kennel Club recognized it. The breed is now part of the AKC Working group, which includes dogs that have jobs like guarding or pulling sleds.
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Physical Characteristics
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed that's hard to resist, with their sweet and sensitive souls hiding behind strong, muscular bodies. Their massive wrinkly heads and expressive eyes are a dead giveaway.
Their ears are triangle-shaped and flop over, giving them a perpetually adorable look. This is just one of the many characteristics that make them such lovable companions.
Their eyes are oval and wide-set, ranging in color from hazel to dark brown. This unique eye shape is just one of the many features that make the Dogue de Bordeaux so distinctive.
Dogue de Bordeaux noses are brown or black, depending on the mask color. I've seen some beautiful noses on these dogs, and it's amazing how much personality they seem to have.
Their coats are fine, soft, and short, making them a breeze to groom. And with coat colors that include shades of fawn, Isabella, mahogany, and red, there's no shortage of style.
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Here's a breakdown of the Dogue de Bordeaux's physical characteristics:
- Ears: Triangle-shaped and flop over
- Eyes: Oval and wide-set, ranging in color from hazel to dark brown
- Nose: Brown or black, depending on the mask color
- Coat: Fine, soft, and short
- Coat Color: Shades of fawn, Isabella, mahogany, and red
- Tail: Thick at the base with a tip that reaches the hock
History
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a rich history that spans thousands of years. They originated in the Bordeaux region of France, where they were known as French Mastiffs.
The breed's history dates back to ancient times, with the accepted theory being that they were introduced to France in the first century BC. They were used as war dogs and warriors.
In the 14th century, the Dogue de Bordeaux was known in southern France, particularly in the Bordeaux region. The breed gained popularity in France after being exhibited in 1863.
A uniform breed type of the Bordeaux dog did not exist before about 1920. The breed received championship status with the Kennel Club (UK) in 2016.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is considered to be one of the oldest French breeds, with a history that predates the Bullmastiff and the Bulldog. They were also used as guard dogs for estates of aristocrats.
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The breed once came in two distinct sizes: large (called Dogues) and small (called Doguins). However, after the 1700s the Doguin drops from the historical record.
The Dogue de Bordeaux was used as livestock drovers, earning them the nickname of the "butcher's dog." They remained virtually unknown in the U.S. until the 1989 movie "Turner & Hooch" put them in the spotlight.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 2008, and they are now part of the AKC Working group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dogue de Bordeaux mean in French?
The name "Dogue de Bordeaux" literally translates to "Mastiff of Bordeaux" in French, referring to the breed's origins in the region of Bordeaux.
Sources
- standard (centrale-canine.fr)
- "Dogue de Bordeaux" (vetwest.com.au)
- "Dogues de Bordeaux" (orvis.com)
- "Official Standard of the Dogue de Bordeaux" (akc.org)
- "Dogue de Bordeaux Dog Breed Information" (akc.org)
- "Dogue de Bordeaux" (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- "The Kennel Club" (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Dogue de Bordeaux Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- AKC puppy finder (akc.org)
- Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc. (ddbrescue.org)
- Professor Raymond Triquet (modernmolosser.com)
- molossoid type breed (gutenberg.org)
- 10 Dog Breed Names You're Probably Mispronouncing (iheartdogs.com)
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