ABOUT BORDEAUX:
Origin: France
Height: Males: 23½ to 26½ inches
Females: 22½ to 25½ inches
Weight: Males: Ideal weight is at least 110 lbs
Females: Ideal weight is at least 99 lbs
The Dogue de Bordeaux is similar in size and conformation to the Bullmastiff
He is a well-balanced, massive, powerfully-built dog with a very muscular body and a short coat. He has an attractive colouring of either mahogany (red-brown), fawn or golden. He may or may not also have either a red or black mask.
The Dogue de Bordeaux (also known as the French Mastiff) was originally used as a guardian, hunter, and as a fighter of bears, bulls and wolves. The breed's history is filled with various theories but what is known is by the late 1800s, there was much diversity in the breed with three different styles — the Toulouse, the Paris and the Bordeaux. Today's Dogue is a mixture of the different types but primarily Bordeaux. During the 1960s, Dr. Raymond Triquet was responsible for heading up the rebuilding of the breed and, in 1970, he wrote the new standard for the breed as he is known today.
In 1986, after the release of the movie "Turner and Hooch" starring Tom Hanks as Turner and a Dogue as Hooch, a small increase in popularity occured in the United States. Today, the breed is still considered rare in North America but with selective and careful breeding, some of the finest Dogues in the world are now found on this continent.
The Dogue is even tempered, protective by nature, and extremely devoted to his family. With the Dogue's original purpose being to fight and protect, he can be aggressive by nature; however, throughout the years, breeders have been trying to breed this characteristic out. The Dogue is intelligent and can also be stubborn, arrogant, and dominant. Early socialization for this breed is an absolute must.
Today, the Dogue is most commonly used as a guardian of the home. He assumes this responsibility with vigilance and courage but without aggressiveness. He enjoys human companionship with a fierce loyalty to his family, he is affectionate, devoted to his master and excellent with children.
Health Concerns for the Dogue de Bordeaux:
Like all breeds of dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is susceptible to certain health problems. See the Health Issues in the Dogue de Bordeaux document for details on some of the health concerns found in this breed. If you are considering the purchase of a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Health Issues in the Dogue de Bordeaux
Health Information from USBC
Health Issues in Giant Breeds — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition issues.
Health & Nutrition — Alphabetical Listing — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition issues.
Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
HealthGene Corporation — The leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
QuickCare Pet Insurance Programs
Breed Standards:
FCI Breed Standard No. 116 / 23.01.2009 / GB
Training Resources:
Training — For information on training your Dogue de Bordeaux, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information:
Clubs, Sports & Activities — Here you will find information on various dog sports and activities, including obedience, conformation, carting, and much more, along with listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For Dogue de Bordeaux breed clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
Working Dogs — This link is dedicated to the working dog and includes information on several dog jobs, including Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, SAR Dogs, Police K9s, and much more. Also included are listings of organizations from across Canada.