Mary Allen
The Dogue de Bordeaux is classified by the FCI in group 2 of the Pinscher and Schnauzer and in section 2 of the Molossoid in subsection 2.1 of the mastiff-like dogs. The portrait reveals what makes the Dogue De Bordeaux so special.
Dogue de Bordeaux Dog Breed Information
Size: 58-68cm
Weight: Males: 55-65 kg, females: 45-65 kg
FCI Group: 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molosser – Swiss Mountain Dogs and other breeds
Section: 2.1: Great Dane Dogs
Country of origin: France
Colors: fawn, red, mahogany, auburn with brown or black mask
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Suitable as: farm, guard, protection, and family dog
Sports: trick dogging, obedience
Personality: Devoted, Brave, Loyal, Comradely, Watchful
Leaving requirements: high
Drooling potential high
The thickness of hair medium
Maintenance effort: low
Coat Structure: Thin, short, and soft
Child friendly: yes
Family dog: yes
Social: no
Origin and Breed History
Molossers were particularly widespread in antiquity. Even the Babylonians immortalized these dogs in stone. For the ancient rulers, they were dogs of war. Molossians have a broad head, a short snout, and mostly hanging lips and ears. In addition to the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Molossoids also include dog breeds such as St. Bernard, the Boxer, the Bullmastiff, the Rottweiler, the American Staffordshire Terrier, or the Great Dane.
The Mastiff is considered to be the most original dog breed in the Molosser range. All of these breeds are very old and were already kept by the Romans. They all have in common that they are large, very strong, usually have a calm disposition, and are very good watchdogs.
Since we still know the traditions from antiquity about these dogs, we know that these are very original dog breeds that have changed very little over time. The ancestors of the Dogue de Bordeaux were hounds, similar to the Hubertus hound or bloodhound, which were used to hunt large game. For the dogs, this meant that they had to act quickly and have stamina, courage, and strength. Additionally, the ancestors of the Dogue de Bordeaux served as guard dogs whose job was to protect people’s homes. For this reason, all Molosser species are still very territorial. Anyone who trespasses on their property will be caught and better not oppose the dog.
Molossoids have been distributed across Europe for thousands of years. In the Middle Ages, they were often used in dog fights. During the French Revolution in 1789, the breed was almost completely eradicated, because at that time Dogues de Bordeaux was reserved exclusively for the wealthy.
However, the emergence of the Dogue de Bordeaux as an independent breed is a product of modern breeders. In 1863 there was a dog exhibition in Paris for the first time, at which the Dogue de Bordeaux was also shown in its present form. The breed got its name because of its origin as a popular butcher dog in the region around Bordeaux, similar to the Rottweiler in Germany. At that time, however, the animals were not quite as big as they are today and also not yet monochromatic. So we know that in 1883 in Paris a dog was awarded that had a head with smooth skin and a black mask.
Dogue de Bordeaux has only really been noticed again since the 1960s. They are said to have been crossed with short-haired St. Bernards at this time. In Germany, the breeding of these dogs was completely rebuilt in 1947. The first German Bordeaux Doggen Club existed in 1908.
Temperament of the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux radiates sovereignty and serenity. She has enormous power, but she controls it very well. Your threshold is extremely high. These dogs only show their strength in really serious situations. When a Dogue de Bordeaux disagrees with something, it may just let out a single, low bark. Anyone who understands her knows that this is her usual form of protest. Intruders should beware when this large, strong dog opens its mouth in this rather subtle manner, as the Dogue de Bordeaux will protect her family with her life if necessary.
The dogs are very friendly towards people and are absolutely loyal members of the family. With their calm demeanor, they are good playmates for children and they manage to transmit their own relaxation to their humans. Dogue de Bordeaux never shows signs of hecticness. They also do not need constant activity and attention but can be quite content with themselves. The Dogue de Bordeaux is an intelligent, quiet, and very keen observer.
How Dangerous are Dogue de Bordeaux?
Although Dogue de Bordeaux is strong and has strong protective and guarding instincts, they are not dangerous. That is why they are only in category two on the breed list. This means that danger is only suspected and that the social compatibility of the dog can be proven by a character test, which the Dogue de Bordeaux will pass in most cases.
The Appearance of the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a medium to the large, very powerful dog. In appearance, they appear imposing, although they are less massive than, for example, a mastiff. Males are typically around 100 pounds and 27 inches tall. Bitches should be about 66 centimeters tall and weigh around 45 kilograms. For comparison, male mastiffs can weigh up to 100 kilos.
The breed standard does not provide for an upper weight limit for the Dogue de Bordeaux. That’s why dogs have gotten bigger and heavier in recent years. Some bring it to 70 kilos, which can be borderline in relation to the charm of the breed, which is what defines a Molosser that is not quite so massive. Unfortunately, many breeders today no longer follow the recommendations of Count Byland in Belgium in 1894 of weight between 50 and 60 kilos.
Despite its strength, which always seems a bit sluggish, the Dogue de Bordeaux makes a majestic impression. Their fur is thin, short, and soft, and should be solid in shades of light brown. In very small amounts, white patches on the chest and limbs are allowed.
The dog’s legs are muscular and have powerful paws. The dog has a lot of loose skin on its neck. The tail is thicker at the base than at the tip. It should end at hock level. The Molosser’s head is square, the muzzle short and the ears relatively small. The many skin folds on the face and the strongly hanging flews are typical. The representatives of the breed still have blue eyes as puppies, later they turn brown.
How Big is a Dogue De Bordeaux?
A withers height of 66-68 centimeters, depending on whether male or female, is considered fully grown, but there are now specimens that are larger than 70 centimeters.
Upbringing and Keeping the Dogue de Bordeaux – This is Important to Note
As this is a very large and strong dog that many other people may be afraid of, good training for Dogue de Bordeaux is particularly important. These dogs find it easy to learn the basic rules because they are very intelligent. The topic of trust is particularly important in training, because only if this dog has trust in its owner will it be easy to lead. Also, Dogues de Bordeaux is not necessarily the classic clown who can be taught any trick. The more serious dogs only do what makes sense to them.
The training of a Dogue de Bordeaux must be very consistent. Due to their high level of intelligence, the dogs find every little mistake in their upbringing and happily exploit inconsistencies. They also have a good sense of justice. If they were treated unfairly in their upbringing, they remember that and it is very difficult to erase this imprint later. If you want to train these dogs perfectly, you need consistency as well as patience, because the Dogue de Bordeaux can be quite stubborn. Anyone who becomes impatient in such cases loses the dog’s respect. As sovereign as these dogs is themselves, they expect sovereignty from their owner. Because Dogues de Bordeaux is sensitive dogs, pressure should never be applied.
Dogue de Bordeaux is not necessarily suitable for novice dogs, because their upbringing is not easy. In addition to the stubbornness that owners have to contend with in training, the intelligence, the sensitivity, and the need for sovereignty on the part of the owner, these dogs also have a strong protective and guard instinct that absolutely must be controlled.
Dogue de Bordeaux requires less exercise than many other dog breeds and is therefore not suitable for sporting activities. However, the dogs should be taken regularly on longer walks, otherwise, they can develop a tendency to become lazy.
This breed does not necessarily have to be entertained by humans. They like to just be there. Despite this, they cannot be kept in small city apartments. As a guard dog, they need an estate, preferably a house with a garden. There will probably be fewer problems with the neighbors since the dog is calm and rarely barks. However, prospective owners should be well informed about the possible conditions that exist for keeping Dogue de Bordeaux. In some regions, dogs are on the list of potentially dangerous breeds.
When is a Dogue De Bordeaux Fully Grown?
Dogs are generally not considered fully grown until they are two years old. However, in the beginning, they grow almost exclusively in height, and in the last year, they develop more in width.
Diet of the Dogue de Bordeaux
When feeding a Dogue de Bordeaux, it is important to know the peculiarities typical of the breed. These dogs are very gluttonous and tend to become overweight. Like all large dog breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It is therefore important to ensure that no feed with a high protein content is given during growth. Another problem of the Dogue de Bordeaux is their tendency to stomach torsion, which is why they should only be given small amounts of food. When it comes to food, less is more with the Dogue de Bordeaux.
As puppies, the dogs should therefore be fed low-protein food that has a balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus in order to prevent joint problems. Carbohydrate-containing additives in the feed should be avoided with the Dogue de Bordeaux, as they promote the tendency to become overweight. Obesity is far more harmful to dogs than it is to humans. A high-quality feed that can also be given in small amounts helps to avoid obesity.
What kind of food is given is basically a matter of taste. However, for dogs that tend to be overweight, good dry food or raw feeding should be the preferred option. In addition, the amount of food varies depending on the age, activity level, and weight of the individual dog. Since adapting the food to the individual needs of the dog is very important, especially with the Dogue de Bordeaux, it is essential to consider the breed-specific and individual nutrient requirements of the individual dog, especially if you decide to feed it raw.
How Heavy is a Dogue De Bordeaux?
Actually, a Dogue de Bordeaux should be a “petite” Molosser with no more than 50 kilos. However, most modern breeds can now become significantly heavier, weighing up to 70 kilos.
Healthy – Life Expectancy & Common Diseases
Dogue de Bordeaux has a very short life expectancy of 6 to 8 years. The reason for this is that there are problems with their breeding. Normally the dogs would have to be a good four years older. Presumably, this limitation of the lifespan due to breeding is due to the limitation of the gene pool, since the Dogue de Bordeaux has to be bred in one color. Furthermore, it is suspected that the tendency of breeders in recent years to make the Dogue de Bordeaux bigger and heavier could have a negative impact on their health. In this context, one sometimes speaks of torture breeding, since the breeds are no longer healthy for the dog.
The most common diseases of Dogue de Bordeaux, as with all large dogs, are joint problems. In addition, the dogs often suffer from droopy eyelids due to their wrinkled face and relatively often have allergies and food intolerances. Due to its very short nose, the Dogue de Bordeaux can have problems with the oxygen supply, so it does not tolerate heat very well. Heart problems are also not uncommon, and the risk of stomach torsion is relatively high in this breed. If a Dogue de Bordeaux needs to be put under anesthesia, it carries a higher risk than other dog breeds.
The health of the Dogue de Bordeaux can be positively influenced by several factors. On the one hand, the breeder you buy from should be checked for seriousness, on the other hand, nutrition, care, and attitude are very important for the health of this dog.
How Old Do Dogue de Bordeaux Live?
Unfortunately, Dogues de Bordeaux is the dog with the shortest life expectancy and usually only lives for six to eight years.
Care of the Dogue de Bordeaux
The grooming of the Dogue de Bordeaux is very uncomplicated. Their short coat only needs an occasional brushing. Hair loss is less of a problem than drooling. Unfortunately, owners have to put up with the fact that they will often find their dog’s saliva residue on their furniture. Otherwise, the dog’s ears, eyes, paws, and claws should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent any inflammation.
Dogue de Bordeaux – Activities and Training
The Dogue de Bordeaux is not very demanding when it comes to their occupation. It is advisable to train the calm dogs in obedience because of their great strength and protective instinct. With obedience, the dog is taught the important commands in a playful way, so obedience is trained in a way that is appropriate to the species.
Fast dog sports such as agility are not really suitable for the Dogue de Bordeaux. These dogs are also not ideally equipped with their instincts for tracking. Owners who would like to spend time with their dog could at best opt for trick dogging with a Dogue de Bordeaux. Otherwise, this dog is perfectly content with more or less extensive walks and guarding its property.
Good to Know: Peculiarities of the Bordeaux mastiff
The breed has been featured in movies before. In 1989, for example, a Dogue de Bordeaux played a leading role in the well-known film “Scott und Huutsch” alongside Tom Hanks. The film has contributed significantly to the popularity and revival of the breed. A Dogue de Bordeaux was also featured in Tequila and Bonetti, a 1992 television series.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed of dog that exists to a large extent only as purebreds. Mixes are rare to find. However, if you look around at “Bordeauxdoggen in Not”, for example, you will notice that there are some nice mixes with Rottweilers. It is likely that the Dogue de Bordeaux was also crossed with the Old English Bulldog, a breed of dog that has not yet been recognized by the FCI.
Disadvantages of the Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux would certainly be the first choice for fans of Molossers because their character and appearance fit perfectly into the picture of the species. However, their popularity is reduced by the abuses in breeding, i.e. health problems and the low life expectancy.
The fact that Dogues de Bordeaux is on the list of potentially dangerous breeds in some federal states could also be seen as a disadvantage. Because keeping these dogs is only possible in certain regions under certain conditions, which can make life more difficult for the owners than is actually necessary.
Is a Dogue De Bordeaux a Fighting Dog?
In some federal states, Dogue de Bordeaux is listed as dogs. However, it is an extremely calm breed with a very high threshold.
Is the Dogue De Bordeaux Right for Me?
A Dogue de Bordeaux should not be kept in a cramped city apartment as they need an estate to guard. Since this is an instinctive behavior that is in the dog’s genes, there is no other way for the dog to be happy.
While very calm dogs, Dogue de Bordeaux still requires a good amount of exercise. As with all other dog breeds, daily walks are a must. Dogue de Bordeaux owners should be prepared to train these powerful dogs very well, as many people are afraid of such a large dog, so it is important that they are controllable. Dog owners should have a lot of patience and a certain amount of dog experience to train the species.
The budget for keeping this dog breed should be high because the dogs need high-quality and therefore more expensive food than other dog breeds. In addition, there is susceptibility to diseases, which can sometimes cause high veterinary costs.
This breed of dog is not suitable for seniors and beginners.