Dogues de Bordeaux, also known as French Mastiffs, are a large breed of dog that originated in Bordeaux, France. They were originally bred for hunting, fighting, and guarding, but now they are known for their loyalty, affection, and protective nature. They have a powerful and muscular build with a distinctive wrinkled face and a large heads. They make excellent family pets and are known to be great with children. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, appearance, personality, habits, training, nutrition, healthcare, grooming, advantages, disadvantages, and some curious facts about the Dogues de Bordeaux breed.
Dogues de Bordeaux Breed Characteristics
- Origin: France
- Size: Large
- Weight: 110-145 lbs (50-66 kg)
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Breed group: Working dogs
- Activity level: Moderate
- Barking level: Low to moderate
- Attitude to other dogs: Can be aggressive towards other dogs
- Attitude to cats: Can be aggressive towards cats
- Attitude to kids: Very good, friendly, and protective
Dogues de Bordeaux Appearance
- Body shape: Large, muscular, and powerful
- Fur: Short and dense
- Eyes: Brown or hazel, medium-sized, and set wide apart
- Nose: Large, black, and wide
- Muzzle: Short and broad
- Tail: Thick and tapered, reaching the hocks
- Legs: Short and sturdy, with strong bones and large paws
Dogues de Bordeaux Personality
Dogues de Bordeaux are known for their loyalty, affection, and protective nature. They are friendly, calm, and patient with children, making them great family pets. They are also independent, stubborn, and can be aggressive towards strangers and other animals. They require a firm and consistent hand in training, and socialization is crucial to prevent aggression toward other dogs.
Dogues de Bordeaux Habits
Dogues de Bordeaux is not very active and prefers to lounge around the house. They are not suitable for apartments and need a spacious and fenced yard to play and exercise. They are heavy droolers and snorers and can be messy eaters. They require regular exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Training and Nutrition Advice for Dogues de Bordeaux Owners
Dogues de Bordeaux requires a balanced and high-quality diet with a low-fat content to prevent obesity and related health issues. They are prone to bloating, so it's best to feed them small and frequent meals. They also require regular exercise to maintain their weight and health. Positive reinforcement training is best suited for this breed, as they can be stubborn and difficult to train.
Healthcare for Dogues de Bordeaux
Dogues de Bordeaux requires regular healthcare routines such as regular bathing, brushing their teeth, and cleaning their ears. They also require regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. The breed is prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, and skin allergies. Regular checkups and vaccinations are crucial to prevent and detect health issues early.
Dogues de Bordeaux Grooming
Dogues de Bordeaux has a short and dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They shed seasonally and require regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting. They also require regular bathing to keep their coat clean and shiny. Their wrinkles require special attention, and they need to be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent infections and irritations.
The Advantages of the Dogues de Bordeaux
- Great family dogs: Dogues de Bordeaux are great with children, making them perfect family dogs.
- Protective: This breed is known for its loyalty and protective nature, making them great guard dogs.
- Easy to train: With proper training and socialization, Dogues de Bordeaux are easy to train and eager to please their owners.
- Low exercise needs: They are low-energy dogs, and a few short walks a day are enough to keep them happy and healthy.
- Low grooming needs: While their coat is thick and dense, it is short, making grooming relatively easy compared to other breeds.
The Disadvantages of the Dogues de Bordeaux
- Health issues: This breed is prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and heart problems, which can be costly to treat.
- High maintenance: Despite their low grooming needs, Dogues de Bordeaux can be high maintenance due to their size and the need for proper training and socialization.
- Can be stubborn: While they are easy to train, they can also be stubborn at times, requiring a patient and consistent approach to training.
- Can be protective to a fault: Without proper socialization, Dogues de Bordeaux can become overly protective and aggressive towards strangers or other animals.
Curious Facts about the Dogues de Bordeaux
- This breed is one of the oldest French dog breeds, dating back to the 14th century.
- Dogues de Bordeaux was originally bred for tasks such as hunting, fighting, and guarding.
- The breed almost went extinct after World War II but was revived by a group of dedicated breeders in the 1960s.
- A Dogue de Bordeaux named "Beasley" starred alongside Tom Hanks in the movie "Turner & Hooch."
- The breed is also known by several other names, including French Mastiff and Bordeaux Bulldog.
In summary, the Dogues de Bordeaux is a loyal, protective, and easy-to-train breed that makes a great family pet. While they can be high maintenance and prone to health issues, their low exercise and grooming needs make them suitable for those looking for a low-energy pet. With proper training and socialization, a Dogue de Bordeaux can be a loving and devoted companion for years to come.