Mary Allen
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a popular Molosser from France. Today he not only serves as a popular watchdog in his homeland. In the profile, you get information about the history, keeping, and care of the relaxed dogs.
History of the Dogue de Bordeaux
Heavy and large Molossians have been found in Europe for thousands of years. They have been used as war dogs since ancient times. In the 14th century, the French used the ancestors of the Bordeaux mastiff, the so-called Alan dogs, as hunting dogs for the large and well-fortified games. Their job was to grab wild boars and hold them until the hunter could kill the animal with a spear.
This task also fell to the later bred Bordeaux mastiffs. Since the dogs could also be found as watchdogs for butchers in Bordeaux, they were called “Dogue de Bordeaux”. At times, the defensive dogs also appeared in dog fights. At that time, however, they were not as cumbersome, large, and wrinkled as they are today. The male “Bataille” exhibited by breeders in Paris in 1883 had a wrinkle-free head with a black mask.
The Germans founded the first Bordeaux Doggen Club in 1908. However, during the course of the world wars, the dogs almost disappeared. To revive the breed, breeders crossed into short-haired St. Bernards. Unfortunately, since the 1960s, Great Danes have become increasingly extreme and bred in just one color.
This development has resulted in a sad reduction in life expectancy. Today, people use the Great Danes primarily as guard and protection dogs. The FCI umbrella organization counts them in group 2 “Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid – Swiss Mountain Dogs” in Section 2.1 “Dog-like dogs”.
Essence and Character
The nature of a Dogue de Bordeaux can best be described with the words “calm, relaxed, and honest”. As former hunting dogs, French Mastiffs have also retained courage, stamina, and strength. The dogs have a high stimulus threshold and hectic is just as alien to them as aggression. They are loyal, loving, and devoted to their humans.
They are patient with children and getting used to other pets is usually not a problem. The self-confident watchdogs are also not prone to overreacting. However, if they sense danger for their owners or their home, their calm nature can suddenly change tack. With their fine sense, they can easily distinguish between fun and seriousness. They are sometimes repellent and dominant towards strange dogs.
The Appearance of the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a strong and muscular dog with a stocky and imposing build. A fully grown male can reach a height of up to 68 centimeters at the withers and should weigh at least 50 kilograms. Bitches are slightly smaller and lighter. The muscular legs end in powerful paws. The neck is muscular and wears a lot of loose skin.
The tail is thick and the tip should reach the hock. The head is square with a short muzzle and small ears. Asymmetrical folding of the muzzle and loose lips are characteristic. The Great Dane’s short coat is thin and soft. It is monochromatic in all shades of fawn from mahogany through golden fawn to Isabell. Single white spots on the ends of the limbs and on the chest are allowed. Some representatives of the breed also have a black or brown mask.
Education of the Puppy
Due to the imposing size and weight alone, good training of the Dogue de Bordeaux is essential. Young dogs in particular cannot yet control their strength and you have to steer them in the right direction. A good relationship between man and dog is very important because dogs react sensitively to pressure and hardness. It is better to be educated with understanding and consistency.
The key to successful parenting is patience. The easy-going dogs do not show much enthusiasm for work and like to think about new commands. Visiting a dog school is recommended for successful socialization. Here the puppy can socialize with other dogs. In addition, you will usually receive good tips on parenting.
Activities with the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an easy-going dog that shouldn’t engage in extreme sports due to its bulk. However, daily walks outdoors give her great pleasure. Loyal dogs do not tend to stray and do not have a pronounced hunting instinct. Walks are therefore possible without a leash if permitted. Like every dog, the easy-going Great Dane has its “wild five minutes”. The sluggish dogs run into top form and romp around in high spirits. Then, exhausted, they return to their master or mistress to be petted. Due to their enormous size and boisterous nature, it makes sense to think about dog liability insurance at an early stage.