"The Guardian"
History
The history of this breed is a topic of general disagreement, with different theories linking them to different origins from the Bullmastiff, Bulldog, Tibetan Mastiff and maybe even the Neapolitan Mastiff. The name is from the French “dogue” meaning Mastiff. The story goes that the first canine exhibition in the “Jardin d’Acclimatation” in Paris in 1863 was won by a dogue from Bordeaux, earning the breed the name Dogue de Bordeaux. They first came to the USA in the 1890s but were rare until the breed took off in popularity after a Dogue de Bordeaux starred as Tom Hanks’s partner in “Turner and Hooch” in 1989.
Temperament
Dogues de Bordeaux are calm, patient and extremely loyal. They are vigilant guardians who are fearless and confrontational, yet non-aggressive with strangers. They are gentle with children and family members, but they are big and strong, so owners must be confident and consistent. Dogues de Bordeaux will get very attached to their owners, and being left alone for long periods will break their hearts.
Appearance
Dogues de Bordeaux are well known for their enormous, very wrinkly heads, with short muzzles, large lips and wide-set eyes. They have short, soft coats in fawn or mahogany, sometimes with white markings on the chest and toes.
Training
The breed is stubborn, and may think long and hard before doing as asked. Training takes a lot of time, patience, calm authority, firmness and consistency. They don’t handle harshness well though - scolding and yelling may hurt their feelings and eventually lead to defiance.
Grooming & Care
Their short, soft coats do shed, so you might find hair stuck in your furniture, carpets and clothing. Brushing once or twice a week can really help cut down on the hair around the house.
Health Concerns
They are a mostly healthy breed, but can be prone to hip dysplasia, luxating patella (dislocated kneecap), epilepsy, heart problems, and a few eye problems.
Famous Dogue de Bordeaux
Hooch of "Turner and Hooch” fame; Carrie encounters one in a café in Paris in an episode of “Sex and the City.”
| Ideal Owner | |
|---|---|
| Activity Level | Active |
| Schedule | Part-time or willing to hire a dog walker |
| Personal Style | Easygoing and casual, Affectionate, Inclusive |
| Training Style | Firm, Patient, Confident |
| Home | Anything goes with enough exercise |
| Children | The more, the merrier! |
| Experience | Definitely preferred |
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Grooming | Easy to care for - brush weekly |
| Exercise | High - needs to walk every day, plus some running and play |
| Training | Does not respond to harsh methods, Can be stubborn |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sweet, Protective |
| Challenges | The drool! And a heartbreakingly short life expectancy. |
| Height | 23 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 100 to 145 pounds |
| Life | 5 to 7 years |
| Home Alone | Not often or for long - wants to be where you are |
| With Kids | Excellent |
| With Strangers | Cautious at first but okay with them if you are |
| Availability | Rare and may have a waiting list |
© Copyright 2014 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Doctorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. |
