Dogue de Bordeaux

Temperament:

Gentle, Serene, Balanced
Size: Large
Height: 58-68 cm
Weight: 45-50 kg
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Reddish brown, mahogany, Isabell colors
FCI Group: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs

The Dogue de Bordeaux is an old dog breed from France. It is a breed recognized by the FCI and belongs to Group 2, Section 2. This gentle, calm and even-tempered dog is always loyal to its family. Its calm nature makes it a good playmate for children.

Dogue de Bordeaux
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Characteristics

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong build. The broad head matches the stocky body. Further characteristics are the deep skin folds and the triangular hanging ears. The short nose completes the picture. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a medium-length, slightly curved tail.

The coat is short and smooth. The soft coat is usually unicolored. The reddish-brown coat color can vary from mahogany to isabella. White patches on the chest and paws are recognized in the breed standard. Some animals have a brown or black mask.

The males have a height at the withers of 60 to 68 cm and a weight of at least 50 kg. The females are somewhat smaller. They have a height at the withers of 58 to 66 cm and a weight of at least 45 kg. The build is compact. The difference between body length and height at the withers is minimal.

The entire appearance of the Dogue de Bordeaux inspires respect. However, its character is exactly the opposite. This sensitive dog is cuddly and gentle. Nothing can upset him so quickly. Even noisy children are accepted with stoic calm.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is intelligent. With a certain consistency, it is easy to train. Its innate thick skull sometimes prevents commands from being carried out immediately. However, they are eventually carried out. This breed is easy to train with love and consistency.

The innate qualities of protection and guarding are not a problem. The young and impetuous Dogue de Bordeaux learns quickly. It learns to regulate its strength and protective instinct. During this imprinting phase, it is easy to get them used to other pets.

The Great Dane is suspicious of strangers. It decides when this "stranger" is acceptable. In doing so, it remains completely confident. It is neither aggressive nor fearful.

The Great Dane is not boring. It is a reliable partner for the family. Adult dogs can sometimes "freak out". This means that they simply start running. They run in circles and roll around in the grass. Then they come back beaming with joy and panting. Their master or mistress should cuddle them.

Representatives of this breed of dog are not sports enthusiasts. Walks in the countryside and short bike rides are fun. Obedience and dog dancing are suitable as dog sports, but for fun and not for trophies.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a listed dog in some countries. Its positive characteristics and strong nerves enable it to overcome the official hurdles. The Dogue de Bordeaux needs a family connection. Kennels are not suitable for this sensitive dog.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

Nutrition is very important for the Dogue de Bordeaux breed. Already in puppy age you should pay attention to it. A high-quality food supports the formation of joints and cartilage. For this massive dog, a balanced diet is vital.

In any case, he should not have too many kilos on the ribs. The standard weight is already enough stress for the joints. He is not a top athlete. He does not burn enough calories. As the owner, you have to pay attention to that.

Dog training includes treats. Use "healthy" treats with few calories. The "training food" and the "reward food" must be included in the daily food ration. Quickly add weight, even if it's just a few "treats" a week.

Divide the feed ration into two (morning and evening). When choosing a suitable ready-made food, pay attention to the ingredients. The feed should contain few proteins. This means that the crude protein content must be less than 26 % of the feed mass.

A ready-made food should not contain preservatives, additives and sugar, if possible. The comparison of different dog foods is useful.

Barfing is a good alternative for a dog breed with weight problems. This complete food is with cooked or raw meat. There are different types of meat. You can combine them with vegetables, flakes and minerals. This feeding method is more time consuming.

You can alternate with ready-made food and meat feeding. In the morning, time is usually short. Here the ready-made food (dry or wet) is a good solution. In the evening, meat (raw or cooked) with vegetables is the varied option.

Health & Care

Grooming the Dogue de Bordeaux is generally not complicated. The short, soft coat is sufficiently groomed by regular brushing. Claw care is no more complex than with other dog breeds.

The pronounced skin folds are somewhat more problematic. This area should be checked regularly. Quick help with minor skin irritation or inflammation can minimize the problem.

This breed is more susceptible to eye diseases. This mainly affects the eyelids. Drooping eyelids (ectropion) and curled eyelids (entropion) are possible.

The Dogue de Bordeaux tolerates physical exertion and extreme heat less well. The reason for this is its short nose. Problems can also occur during anesthesia.

The Dogue de Bordeaux drools. The dog owner's tolerance is required here.

Many large and heavy dogs have problems with their joints. The Dogue de Bordeaux is no exception. Hip joint dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia and calcification of the spine (spondylosis) can occur.

The predisposition to joint problems can be counteracted. The Dogue de Bordeaux should not climb stairs when it is a puppy or young dog and should not grow too quickly. A house at ground level with a garden is good for adult animals. If kept in an apartment, an elevator should be available in the house.

The risk of the dreaded stomach torsion can be reduced. Divide the feed ration into at least two portions. No "sporting" activities after eating.

Unfortunately, life expectancy is generally not high. The figures vary depending on the source. They vary between 5 and 10 years life expectancy. The statistics also include accidents.

Suitable accessories

The basic equipment of dog accessories includes a collar or chest harness. A suitable dog lead is a matter of course. Luminous collars should be purchased for the dark season.

The Dogue de Bordeaux does not belong on the couch. There are suitable dog baskets with dog mattresses for lying and sleeping. Or would you prefer a dog bed without an edge? There are many options for indoors and outdoors.

Suitable dog bowls for food and water are available in various designs. You can choose between floor and floor-standing versions.

Sporting accessories are less of an option for a Dogue de Bordeaux. Nevertheless, there are many ways to keep this intelligent dog busy. Dog accessory manufacturers offer numerous intelligence games.

Dogue De Bordeaux History

Origin & History

The Dogue de Bordeaux belongs to the Molosser group. The ancestors of this dog breed were already mentioned in the 14th century. The "Alans" and "Saupackers" were hunting dogs. They were used in France to hunt wild boar and other large game.

During the French Revolution (1789), these dogs were almost wiped out. The French nobility used the Dogue de Bordeaux as a hunting dog. This was almost its downfall.

The first dog show took place in Paris in 1863. The Dogue de Bordeaux was exhibited for the first time in the Jardin d'Acclimatation. The breed was presented under its name.

The name of this breed comes from the French city of Bordeaux. According to legend, this dog breed was particularly popular with the city's butchers.

In 1883, the male dog "Bataille" was awarded a prize in Paris. The breed standard of the Dogue de Bordeaux was different back then. They were wrinkle-free, lighter and smaller. In addition, the breeding standard did not require a solid color. The award-winning male dog had a black mask.

Pierre Megnin laid down the breed standard in 1896 in his book "Vom Wesen der waren Doggen".

During the two world wars, the population of the Dogue de Bordeaux declined sharply. It was on the verge of extinction. The German Dogue de Bordeaux Club (founded in 1908) endeavored to revive the breed from 1947 onwards. Popularity increased again in the 1960s.

The FCI breed standard was published in 1971. Raymond Triquet and Maurice Luquet laid down the criteria. This was the basis for today's standard no. 116.