Its really important that people have honest breed information. Journal of Small Animal Practice. By all accounts they get along very well with the children in their families. While the Bordeaux is usually solidly colored, from rich dark red fawn to light fawn, they can occasionally be found to have white spotting on their chest and low down on their legs. If youre still not sure whether a Dogue is right for you, here is a quick rundown of the for and against. Be consistent in your rules. If you only buy a pup from a breeder whose dogs have better than average hip scores for the breed, you will increase your chances of getting a puppy who doesnt suffer. Puppy classes are a great benefit too. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. ins.dataset.adChannel = cid; Today, the population is growing beyond the breed's stronghold in France. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-1','ezslot_4',112,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-1-0')};report this ad. The oldest of all French breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux, is an incredibly loyal and affectionate French mastiff. var cid = '5156926200'; However, thats the main bright side when it comes to grooming and care! Shedding is only moderate with this breed, so a good brushing a couple times a week will keep loose hairs to a minimum. Caring for a vulnerable Dogue de Bordeaux puppy is a big responsibility. 2006. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine. In the past, there were three different "types.". However, if you look at the Kennel Clubs own health survey from 2004, they give the average lifespan as a measly 3.8 years! A good daily walk is sufficient to meet his needs, so he can actually do well in a home with a small yard. Mixed breed dogs are becoming more and more popular, due in large part to a couple of factors. They can also have a black or brown mask, and white markings or patches. They are quite adaptable to many situations, and can be very playful or very lazy. They are affectionate to their close family, and love to demonstrate this by spending as much time with you as possible. Dogs suffering from ectropion have eyes which are very prone to infection, damage and contamination. All rights reserved. This breed only needs bathing about every month or so, and have their nails trimmed monthly to avoid ingrown toenails that cause infections. Otherwise, the common result is a dog who ends up being shunted to a rescue home before hes even two years old. Please help us improve. There is no official maximum weight for the Dogue de Bordeaux; it is more important for them to be proportionally balanced to their own body size. Help to combat their health problems by only breeding from fully health tested parents. This independent breeddoes best with short, game-liketrainingsessions. These dogs bond closely with their families, and are always keeping a watchful eye out. Some of the other organizations that recognize this breed by either name include: These organizations are good places to look for breeders if you are interested in finding French Mastiff puppies for sale. That's definitely a quality you want in such a powerful canine. These dogs respond well to praise, treats, and consistency. They also make excellent guard dogs. They will also benefit from periods of play in the garden. This is especially so, given some of the health problems Dogues are prone to. This playtime is a great way to bond with your dog! While markings are considered undesirable today and must be limited to a small patch on the chest and a touch on the feet, early Bordeaux often had more extensive white markings. According to the American Kennel Club, the French Mastiff was a member of the very first French dog show in 1863. Taking the health issues that Dogues suffer from into account, it is still surprising to see just how short lived they can be. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-3-0'; In fact, owners describe these dogs as real sweethearts. They love to be a part of the family, and will jump right up into your lap if you let them. This is a strong breed with lots of endurance, so long days of less strenuous exercise are good. But dont let its size fool you! However, simply because the Dogue is a very large and solid dog, its even more important that he be well-behaved and obey his owner.Its also noted by some owners that Dogues can tend to be stubborn. The final serious issue caused by his loose skin relates to his eyes. Despite the French Mastiff's ancient roots, it was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 2008 and goes by the name of Dogue De Bordeaux. They love to relax and snuggle up with the family. Adams VJ, et al. 2010. A related potential cause for concern is their nostril openings. Generally, a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy will cost at least $1000. According to the AKC's history on this breed, early French Mastiffs/Bordeaux looked a bit different from the breed today. This means that whilst they are strongly bonded to the individuals they have regular contact with, they can be very wary of those that they dont. Dogue de Bordeaux products and accessories. This breed was originally used as a guard dog for aristocratic homes, but when the French Revolution happened in the late 1700s, and the noblemen were stripped of their lands, these dogs instead found employment hauling loads to market. First of all, help them to eat their food slowly. Known for their loyalty, you should expect that your Bordeaux will always be on the lookout for threats, but he will likely remain calm and levelheaded in almost all situations. The bite is undershot, which means the lower teeth are set in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. Mastiffs are guarding breeds at heart. We will look at them in more detail. This also includes preventing them from jumping or running up and down stairs. But with proper care many live long, full, and healthy lives. ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; Because they attach very strongly to individuals, this Mastiff breed can suffer from separation anxiety. That doesn't mean they're pushovers, though. Youll find them listed on our puppy care page. This said, there are suggestions that your odds can also be improved further by limiting their exercise at a young age. Obedience training is also imperative for establishing the proper relationship between dog and owner. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'adsensetype', 1); This helps you to choose a puppy that is less likely to have inherited them. Two other issues with several references as a serious concern to Dogue owners are cancer and heart disease. However, the breed was revived largely due to the efforts of French breeder Raymond Triquet who, along with a group of diligent breeders, re-established the breed during the 1960s. Brachycephaly refers to the condition whereby a dog has been bred to such extremes that their muzzle is far shorter than nature originally intended it. Not only is this good for the dog youre rescuing, but it can be really rewarding to watch this older dog settle in to your home! But it also featured the dogs protective nature and warm affection for his owner. Because of the possibility that they may become over-protective, it is important that they be socialized and trained. This makes it very prone to infection. There are some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, fine, and silky coat that does shed and will need weekly brushing to keep it healthy, and control hair around the house. When buying a puppy, only go to reputable Dogue de Bordeaux breeders. Applied Animal Behavior Science 2008, Strain G. Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk. var container = document.getElementById(slotId); Dogs of all ages have a lot of love to give. How Do You Know When Your Dog Is About to Give Birth? Only decide to bring one home if you plan to give him a home for life. It is a potentially fatal issue whereby the stomach becomes distended and rotates after eating. Their coats are generally short, neat, and not too prone to shedding. Once the preferred guard dog of shop keepers and the elite, this Mastiff faced a dire threat of extinction during the French Revolution and again during WWI and WWII. Dogues should be fed a balanced complete nutrition diet geared toward their age and size. Physical exercise helps burn off stress as well as extra calories, and a change of scenery provides much needed mental stimulation that will help keep this dog from becoming bored and displaying destructive behaviors. There are several problems with this type of loose skin being bred into a dog. Always providing lots of time for play and affection will make sure your Bordeaux is happy. There was also some disparity in head size, with some lines having much smaller heads than others. Do not allow your pup on the furniture now and expect him to stay off it when full grown. If you have a family without children or with older children, and youre determined to bring home a Dogue, we recommend rescuing an adult dog in need of a home rather than adopting a puppy. Dogues have very short coats, so grooming can generally be kept to a minimum. Lets take a look at his face. They are immense, and therefore eat vast quantities of food. If youre looking to get a Dogue de Bordeaux and arent worried about age, consider rescue dogs. But it is always a good idea to watch any large dog with children he doesnt know well, especially little ones. These dogs are built stockily, and rather low to the ground. Their nails should be trimmed and their teeth brushed regularly. It is important to use this positive training to show your Bordeaux who holds the paycheck (treats), as they wont respond to someone who is all bluster and no action. The Bordeaux is so old that its exact origin isnt known, but the breed that exists today originated in France before it was even a country! This dog typically gaits at a trot with very free movement, although he is capable of great speed in short bursts. Is the Dogue de Bordeaux a good family dog? This dog is known for lots of drooling, so be sure to keep some extra boxes of tissues around the house. Because they have so much loose skin on their face, it can be difficult to keep this area clean and dry. For these reasons, we do not recommend the Dogue as a family pet. For more specific information, take a look at our list of rescue organizations. However, if you are absolutely set on bringing home a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy, finding responsible Dogue de Bordeaux breeders who breed healthy pups is really important. The ears are relatively short and hang downward. These dogs can also suffer from separation anxiety, and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time. Longevity and Mortality of Dogs Owned In England. Their skin is fairly loose and quite thick with significant wrinkles on the head, face and neck. Dedication to positive reinforcement training is important with this dog, as is socialization from the moment you bring him or her home. If you teach this breed that you are the holder of treats, hes happy to learn from you. When they need veterinary treatment, and they are likely to do so, they require proportionately more of the vets time and medicine all of which racks up the cost quickly. This ancient French breed is a large and powerful animal. Things like hip dysplasia are genetic and appear later in life, so by keeping your dog at a proper weight, giving him moderate exercise, and ensuring a healthy diet you are providing him with the best chance to avoid these types of health issues. If you still think a Dogue de Bordeaux is for you, we recommend taking a look at the following websites before you bring your puppy home: If you are bringing home a new pet, youll definitely need to be ready for him! As she discusses in her interesting article looking at Yesterdays Dogues you might not believe that the loose skinned, wrinkled dog you see today is the same breed as the dogs pictured here. Something all dog owners need to be aware of is bloat. Rewarding your dog for good behavior, and preventing the bad is the way to go. Often referred to as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux belongs to a group of dogs called Mastiffs. However, the breed was not recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK until much more recently. With proper socialization, they may fit more smoothly into your life. Today, these dogs are expected to have undershot bites. Working with a reputable breeder who screens for genetic problems can help you be prepared for problems your dog may encounter. Their features include short muzzles, expressive eyes, and loose skin on their face, often covered in drool! Be sure to give your dog lots of exposure to people and other dogs from a very young age. Journal of Small Animal Practice. Underneath this breeds soft coat and large muscles is an incredibly loyal, affectionate, and sweet-tempered dog.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'animals_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',121,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-4-0')}; These dogs have soft, short fur that hangs loosely around their bodies. 2014. If youre looking for a larger breed with a sweet personality, there are plenty of other dogs which tend to have a longer lifespan and generally better health. On the whole, the main problem with bringing a Dogue into your familys home is the health problems that he can suffer from, as well as very short lifespan that may be expected. Pediatrics, Duffy D et al. The Mastiff breeds, in turn, all belong to the working group of dogs. But there are also ways to help once youve got your puppy. 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