Live Life Team
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a Mastiff and, whilst its origins may date back to Romans or Greek times, it is a French breed. It may also be called the Bordeaux Mastiff, Bordeaux Bulldog or the French Mastiff. The breed was almost entirely wiped out during the French Revolution.
The Dogue de Bordeaux resembles the bulldog in some respects. It is an extremely heavyset dog with a huge head. The head, like the bulldog, is thick wrinkled skin and broad. Similarly the jaw has pronounced under bite and is very strong and small pendulous ears hang down to the sides of the jaw. The face is characterised by some different colouring from the rest of the body. This is red or black and will be seen around the nose and eyes and will form a mask. More drooping skin can be found around the neck and mouth and the upper lips will actually hang over the lower. The body is stocky and the tail starts thick and finishes in a point. The dog can be found in a number of shades of both fawn and mahogany. There may also be white markings on the chest or feet. The short coat does not require a great deal of care or grooming although it does shed an average amount of hair over a year.
Historically this is a ferocious breed but over time and with careful breeding, it has developed a more gentle nature. It is renown for being loyal to its human family and makes an excellent guard dog. The Dogue de Bordeaux will fearlessly confront strangers and intruders. It will integrate well with other animals but, like many large breeds, it is more successful if this starts from an early age. Despite the size and power of this dog, today’s breed is gentle with children. However, the dog needs to be trained and handled firmly and the owner needs to assert himself or herself as leader. The dog needs clear rules and the dog must learn that humans are higher in the pecking order than itself. If the dog has a firm and consistent owner who establishes this early, then the dog will be a great companion and a loyal pet.
Historically this breed was a gladiator and participated in many sports including bull baiting and dog fighting. It was also used as a herd guardian and as a war dog. Today it is still noted for being an excellent guard dog.
This is a healthy breed on the whole and has a typical life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years. The most common ailment that this breed is susceptible to is hip dysplacia. Other health issues may include epilepsy and heart related problems. This dog does demand a large amount of exercise. Without this, it is possible that behavioural problems will arise. Despite its need for exercise, the Dogue de Bordeaux is in fact reasonably inactive inside and so can adapt to smaller living spaces despite its large stature.
