Dogue de Bordeaux dog. Description, features, character, care and price of the breed

The Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff is a large, massive dog with an impressive appearance, but cheerful and good-natured. Capable of becoming a devoted and loving friend, as well as a faithful watchman or bodyguard. Dogues de Bordeaux were bred in the past as fighting and guard dogs. Although now there is almost no aggression left in their character, the breed is not recommended for beginners. These strong, fearless dogs have gained popularity due to their selfless devotion to their owner, calm disposition and formidable appearance. Before you get a French Mastiff, you should study the description of the breed, get acquainted with photographs and videos. Reviews from owners will help you understand the pros and cons of these dogs and the features of their maintenance.

History of the Dogue de Bordeaux breed

Dogue de Bordeaux
The origin of the Dogue de Bordeaux is considered a bone of contention among cynologists around the world: it is not known for certain who became the progenitor of the breed, and the debate still does not subside. Three theories are common among dog breeders. According to the first version, Great Danes originated from the fighting “French”, participants in bloody dog ​​pits. Adherents of the second theory believe that the breed originated from bulldogs. The third version says that the genotype of dogs is directly related to Tibetan mastiffs.

The first theory became the most widespread: “Bordeaux” inherited their appearance from the ancient Alans, widespread among the Spaniards and French. These fighting dogs were described in detail by Gaston de Foix, who was fond of hunting and in the 14th century published an entire book where the Alan appears as one of the oldest hunting breeds in France. The grip of a powerful dog was commensurate with the grip of three greyhounds at the same time, so Alans were bred to bait wild boars and other large prey. At the same time, the animals were also suitable for guarding cattle, transporting skinned carcasses, and even for participating in the widespread bloodthirsty entertainment of dog pits.

All Great Danes in France were divided into three types. The differences between them were dramatic. There were dogs with a uniform color or points over the entire surface of the body, a small or large head, a straight or scissor bite... They contributed to the appearance of the modern breed.

For a long time, Dogues de Bordeaux were known as French Mastiffs. Everything changed in 1863. The animals were presented under their current name. A dog named Magent won, and this was the first step towards official recognition of the breed.

Inspired by their success, breeders began actively breeding dogs that at least vaguely resembled Great Danes. Each confidently asserted that it was in his nursery that purebred animals could be found. Despite the obvious similarity of Bordeaux dogs with bullmastiffs, the fact of their relationship was denied. However, most dog breeders argued the opposite: the British used Dogues de Bordeaux to breed similar animals.

Dogue de Bordeaux puppy

Purebred dogs still survive, albeit in negligible quantities. Breeder Euler managed to acquire a couple of representatives of the breed - a male Buffalo and a female Sultana. Since 1892, active work began on breeding purebred Bordeaux dogs.

Four years later, veterinarian Pierre Meignen, who led a group of breeders, presented the first breed standard, copied from the aforementioned Buffalo. While other breeders considered it necessary to recognize Great Danes exclusively with a dark “mask,” Meunien did not support this hypothesis. The veterinarian’s explanation was simple: these kinds of marks are a sign of breed inbreeding, so it is worth selecting dogs with a uniform color or with a “mask” of a brownish tint. Subsequently, Meignen encouraged the breeding of exclusively red Dogue de Bordeaux with undocked ears.

In 1910, a certain Mr. Kunstler also joined the activities of Pierre Meunien. Being a professional dog handler and a passionate dog lover, the man wrote a voluminous article about the Dogue de Bordeaux, using reliable documents and facts. Kunstler's portrait of the animal represented an expanded breed standard. Like Menien, the dog handler believed that the presence of a black “mask” on the face of a Bordeaux dog was unacceptable, since such a dog was not considered a purebred.

The first breed club was founded in 1924 under the leadership of A. Bare. The responsibility for restoring the breed's numbers after the events of the First World War fell on his shoulders. Two years later, based on Kunstler's article, Bare created a new standard.

The breed almost found itself on the verge of extinction after 1939-1945, when the number of dogs declined catastrophically. Since Dogues de Bordeaux were quite large animals, feeding them in wartime turned out to be an almost impossible task. Many dogs were killed or euthanized so as not to burden themselves with the additional “burden” of a hungry pet. Few breeders selflessly protected their charges. In the history of the Dogue de Bordeaux, the name of only one has been preserved - Mr. Van Capel, who did not leave the dogs to their fate.

This dreamy look...

Fortunately, French Aquitaine was practically unaffected by the bloody battles, and a few “Bordeaux” managed to survive. The dog handler Raymond Triquet was the first to undertake the restoration of the Great Dane in the 1960s. A. Bare again created a breed club. Despite the efforts of breeders, by 1966 only five purebred dogs were registered. During breeding, Dogue de Bordeaux puppies from a few litters lived at home with the breeders or their close friends.

The results of Triquet's organized activities became clear by 1970. Together with Maurice Luquet, the dog handler created the third standard. A year later, the FCI officially registered the Dogue de Bordeaux. In 1993, Monsieur Luquet again took up the creation of the standard - this time together with Philippe Serouy. At the same time, “The Saga of the Dogue de Bordeaux” was published in two volumes.

Over time, the breed became famous. Its representatives were widely imported to other states for further selection. "Bordeaux" were crossed with Japanese Tosa Inu, used to breed the Dogo Argentino and save the line of English mastiffs. Bordeaux dogs entered Russia in 1900. Among the imported Bordeaux dogs, Svetlana Dorogova's pet stood out - the handsome Belmondo, a world champion among his brothers. Three years later, he won in Moscow, where among 60 Dogues de Bordeaux, the jury members singled out Dorogova’s dog. Belmondo became an honorary participant in the Bordeaux breeding program and attracted public attention to his breed.

Appearance of the Dogue de Bordeaux

Nature has generously rewarded the Dogue de Bordeaux with an athletic build, good health and remarkable strength. Despite some squatness, the Bordeaux look harmonious, and the extravagant charm of the animals smoothes out their external roughness.

The standard provides for a certain height and weight of Dogues de Bordeaux. The height of males at the withers reaches 60-68 cm, their body weight is 50 kg and above. Bitches have other parameters: height is about 58-66 cm and weight is in the range of 45-50 kg. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced. Males are massive and heavy, and their character is more restless.

Head and skull

Sit down, let's go!

When viewing the dog from above, the trapezoidal shape of the head is noticeable; when looking at the animal from the front, it is square. The convex forehead is divided by a shallow hollow in the center. Folds radiate from it, which deepen when the Dogue de Bordeaux is excited. The brow ridges and cheekbones of the dog give noticeable volume to the skull.

Muzzle

The Bordeaux muzzle is slightly shorter than the forehead. Its distinctive feature is a “mask” that is a tone darker than the main color of the coat. The stop is sharply defined, almost a right angle. The wide lobe is upturned, but not flattened. The lips are fleshy and form an inverted “tick”. The chin is massive.

Ears

The small ears of the Dogue de Bordeaux are rounded, their tips barely reaching the outer edge of the eyes. Their high and wide (compared to each other) fit visually makes the dog’s skull more massive. The ears rise when the animal is excited and fit tightly to the cheekbones if the dog is alert.

Eyes

Set quite low. The color of the iris can be different: hazel or brown in dogs with a dark “mask” on the face, light brown in animals with a red “mask”. The last option is also typical for dogs with a complete absence of a “mask”.

Jaws and teeth

The Dogue de Bordeaux's lower jaw protrudes forward and rises slightly above the upper. The dog's incisors are set on the same line. Representatives of the breed are characterized by an underbite (bulldog bite).

Neck

The Dogue de Bordeaux's neck is cylindrical. The scruff is convex, connected to the wide withers of the animal. The appearance of the dewlap and dewlap is created by the folds of skin on the dog's throat.

Dogue de Bordeaux muzzle

Frame

Dogue de Bordeaux, rear view

The body of the “Bordeaux” is elongated and has a massive bone structure. The withers are elevated. The shoulder blades are pressed tightly. The back turns into a rather convex loin, and that into the sloping croup of the Great Dane. The chest is well filled. The rounded ribs are slightly flattened on both sides. The lower part of the chest meets the taut hemline.

Tail

It has a wide base and moderate length. Its tip is lowered to the animal's hock joints. When at rest, the tail hangs down, and when moving, it rises 100°.

Forelegs

They are distinguished by their particular massiveness in the shoulder area, which form a right angle with the shoulder blades. Elbows are pressed. The forearms and pasterns are vertical. The paws are strong, “equipped” with crowded toes and strong claws. The pads are elastic.

Hind limbs

Placed at a smaller distance from each other in comparison with the forelimbs. Developed muscles are noticeable on the wide hips of the dog. The joints are emphasized, the metatarsals are steep. The paws are slightly longer than the front ones, and there are no dewclaws. The claws are strong.

Movement style

Dogues de Bordeaux prefer to trot, but as speed increases, they begin to “creep” along the ground. The leisurely pace of the dog is characterized by ambling. In other cases, the movements are sweeping and elastic.

Dogue de Bordeaux in motion

Coat

The Dogue de Bordeaux's coat is short and thin, quite soft, and fits tightly to the dog's body. There is no undercoat.

Color

The breed standard allows for dark and light shades of brown. White points on the chest and fingertips are acceptable. The “mask” is a tone darker, may be black or absent. The latter case is characterized by a reddish or pink color of the nose.

Possible defects

Dogue de Bordeaux at a dog show

Any (even the slightest) deviation from the Dogue de Bordeaux standard is considered a breed defect. The most common:

• close bulldog, scissor or level bite;
• swaying of the croup in a vertical plane when moving;
• weak and rather stretched back and/or lower back;
• sharply tucked or straight abdominal line;
• undefined muscles of the limbs;
• close-set and/or round eyes;
• timidity and melancholy;
• heavy movements;
• loose physique;
• undeveloped jaws;
• hyperexcitability;
• elongated neck;
• small teeth.

Disqualifying faults of the Dogue de Bordeaux include:

• hunchbacked/sagging back and/or lower back;
• domed or bulldog-shaped head;
• barrel-shaped or flat chest;
• white points on the dog's head and body;
• aggressive or cowardly behavior;
• square or elongated body;
• large or small eye shape;
• atypical pigmentation of the iris;
• low or high neck position;
• excessive thinness or obesity;
• snoring when the animal moves;
• shortened upper lip;
• “femininity” of males;
• very short tail;
• undescended testicles;
• straight fangs.

General characteristics of the breed

Dogues de Bordeaux are excellent guard dogs. This is one of the ancient breeds common in France. Previously, its representatives were used for dog fighting, guarding farms and castles. This is a large dog with a powerful build and a wide muzzle covered with many folds.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is called the French Mastiff or Bordeaux. These dogs appear in films and became popular in the world after the film Turner and Hooch. In our country they have received a reputation as ferocious and aggressive animals, but this is undeserved. Although this is truly a vigilant watchman, resolutely protecting the territory from any encroachment. Boldly rushes to the defense of the owner. And since they were fighting dogs in the past, they can cause serious harm. If raised incorrectly, a dog can become uncontrollable and dangerous.

But in fact, these dogs are not aggressive and rush at a person only when there is a serious threat from him. And the rest of the time he is an affectionate and good-natured companion, a loyal friend. They have a calm, phlegmatic character, are silent and slow, and love to sleep.

pros

The Dogue de Bordeaux is bred as a watchman, security guard and companion. Despite its large size, it can be kept in an apartment; it is not very active and likes to sleep. With enough attention from the owners, he will not chew things and damage furniture. This dog has several more advantages:

• has innate protective qualities;
• loyal to the owner, strongly attached to all family members;
• affectionate and loving;
• balanced, calm;
• with the right approach, it is easy to train, as it quickly remembers commands;
• not noisy;
• not aggressive;
• patient with children;
• gets along with other pets;
• hardy and unpretentious, does not require serious care

Minuses

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not a breed for everyone. Beginners should not get this dog, as they may not be able to handle the training. In the absence of timely socialization and proper upbringing, she can grow up aggressive and uncontrollable. These dogs are not suitable for people who work a lot and will not be able to pay enough attention to them. And due to its large size, Bordeaux will be uncomfortable in a small apartment.

There are several other disadvantages to keeping these dogs that can cause problems:

• do not tolerate loneliness well;
• drool and snore frequently;
• get into conflicts with unfamiliar dogs;
• can be stubborn and vindictive;
• cannot stand the smell of alcohol and can attack a drunk person;
• have weak joints and low life expectancy;
• lazy and sedentary, prone to obesity.

The video complements the description of this breed:

Video: Dogue de Bordeaux. Pros and cons, price, how to choose, facts, care, history

Video: Dogue de Bordeaux (first-hand advice)

Similar breeds

Dogues de Bordeaux are similar to the Bullmastiff and Canne Corso. These are breeds from the Molosser group. Bordeaux differs from the Bullmastiff in the following characteristics:

• larger;
• a dark mask is not required on the face;
• ears are larger.

The Cane Corso, unlike the Bordeaux, has a more graceful physique; the ears and tail should be cropped, and the folds on the muzzle are less pronounced. These are active, playful dogs, slightly smaller in size.

The photographs show the differences between these dogs and representatives of other breeds:

Bullmastiff on the left, Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) on the right

Bullmastiff:

Bullmastiff

Cane Corso:

Cane Corso

Photo of Dogue de Bordeaux

Character of the Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux's intimidating appearance is the main reason why people consider these dogs to be aggressive and dangerous. Once you discard stereotypes, the dog will appear different to you: playful, faithful and loving. There is no punishment worse for an animal than loneliness. Lack of attention negatively affects the behavior of Bordeaux, so do not be surprised if, upon returning home, you are greeted with damaged furniture, broken vases and an overturned bucket of water.

Dogue de Bordeaux with a child

Representatives of the breed are completely devoted to the family in which they live, and especially to their owner. Sitting down at your desk or sitting comfortably to relax on the sofa, don’t be too lazy to put your hand down: after a few minutes, your pet’s wet nose will definitely bury itself in it. As soon as you decide to leave the room, the dog will immediately follow you, no matter how sound and comfortable its sleep was.

The Dogue de Bordeaux behaves similarly on the street. When walking without a leash, the animal prefers not to stray far from its owner so as not to lose sight of him. To allow your pet to stretch its paws, take it for a light jog in a city park. This will not only cheer up the dog, but will also provide you with a little peace of mind in the evening: a tired Great Dane will take a place on his favorite bedding, and will not cause destruction in order to throw out pent-up energy.

"Bordos" cannot be called a family dog, but still he easily gets along with children over six years old. The fuss and noise of a younger child is perceived by the Great Dane as a potential threat. In addition, the huge dimensions of the animal make it quite dangerous: when passing by, a Dogue de Bordeaux may inadvertently push your child or fall on him during play. Dog handlers recommend postponing the purchase of a dog until the children go to school, but even in this case it is necessary to closely monitor the relationship that develops between the child and the Bordeaux. The slightest conflict should be nipped in the bud.

Cohabitation of a Great Dane with other pets is possible under certain conditions. A properly raised dog will not bare its teeth at its fellow dog, but the same cannot be said about male dogs, who most often develop competitive relationships with animals of the same sex. The Dogue de Bordeaux gets along quite easily with a domestic cat, but when it sees a stranger, it will certainly give chase and, most likely, will delight you with its “prey.” It is not recommended to let your Great Dane off the leash while walking if you do not want to become an accomplice in a bloody massacre. Representatives of this breed have an overly heightened hunting instinct, so you shouldn’t take risks, even if you are confident in the pet’s calmness.

A socialized Dogue de Bordeaux will not attack a stranger. The main thing is to treat the giant with respect and not bother him with unnecessary attention. Listen to your dog's grumbling: this is often a warning signal that may lead to an attack.

Representatives of the breed make excellent guards. “Bordeaux” will not allow entry into the territory entrusted to them without permission. Even when a stranger appears, the Great Dane will not immediately rush into pursuit. First, the animal will try to properly scare the unwanted guest with its menacing appearance and only then will it show strength. If it comes down to protecting the family, the Dogue de Bordeaux will fight to the last and will most likely emerge victorious.

An interesting feature of the dog’s character is its intolerance to the smell of alcohol. Refrain from walking your Dogue de Bordeaux during city festivities: meeting a drunk person can cause your pet to become irritable. Under certain circumstances, the Great Dane attacks, and it is quite difficult to restrain a dog of this size - even on a leash.

Dogue de Bordeaux with a cat

Dogue de Bordeaux with a small dog

Education and training

Dogue de Bordeaux training

Dogues de Bordeaux are distinguished by their quick wit and developed intelligence, but this does not at all make the process of education and training easier. Starting from puppyhood, it is necessary to teach your pet to treat people with trust. Regularly hold your baby in your arms and gently stroke his soft fur. In the Bordeaux consciousness, a person will be associated with positive emotions. However, you should not trust expressions of affection to strangers who do not know how to handle dogs.

Many owners of Dogue de Bordeaux note that puppies are most obedient at the age of three weeks. It is at this time that it is necessary to begin active education and accustoming the child to the rules of behavior. It is not recommended to stop training for a long period of time. What has been learned tends to be forgotten, especially as the Bordeaux grows older and new distractions appear.

From the very beginning, the Great Dane must learn a simple truth: there is only one leader in the “pack”, and it is not him. If you show a soft character, an older dog will create a lot of trouble. Representatives of the breed are quite capricious and know how to find weak spots in the “armor” of the owner. In addition, Dogues de Bordeaux are excellent manipulators, so they can soon begin to train you.

Train your pet to jump with its paws on its chest. It is unlikely that you will be happy when a 50-pound dog does this, and not an adorable puppy. Excessive intrusiveness is another character trait of the Dogue de Bordeaux that should be eradicated. Remember: the slightest indulgence on the part of any family member will nullify your attempts to raise a decent dog from your pet.

Dogue de Bordeaux puppy with owner

Representatives of the breed quickly learn what is required of them. Your task is to reward your pet at the right moments. You should not force the Dogue de Bordeaux: it will not help. It is much more effective to make the dog itself want to fulfill your request. There are many ways: a treat, an extraordinary walk in the park, or your pet’s favorite toy.

Training Dogue de Bordeaux is quite difficult. Along with an inquisitive mind, dogs are independent and stubborn, so learning a new command can take more than one day. The training should be consistent and short (no more than an hour). Don't raise your voice at your pet and reward his success with affectionate stroking or treats. Sharp shouts and rude orders are your main enemy: an upset animal gets lost and trains even worse. If your Dogue de Bordeaux is playing around, limit yourself to a stern reprimand, and then immediately reassure the dog by offering to repeat the command.

Dog breeders note that representatives of this breed often become lazy and slow. Don't scold your dog for thinking about commands for a long time. Once you win the respect and love of your four-legged friend, the training process will follow a well-trodden path!

An important point in training a Dogue de Bordeaux is walking on a leash. Don't let the puppy pull you forward! As the animal gets older, it will become more and more difficult to keep it. If your pet breaks the leash, pull him back, otherwise you will switch roles during the walk.

Possible diseases and methods of treating them

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a healthy and hardy dog, but due to improper care it may end up at the veterinarian with a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Also, some representatives of the breed face oncology.

According to experts, the risk of cancer in dogs increases due to an unbalanced diet. It should be noted that most French mastiffs are prone to allergies. It is provoked mainly by low-quality food.

Well, the last point regarding the health of these large dogs is difficult childbirth. Dogue de Bordeaux puppies have a voluminous head, which is not easy for the bitch to push through during contractions. Therefore, it is very important that a veterinarian attend the birth. Give your pets special vitamins to maintain immune protection. Don't forget to take them to the veterinary clinic for vaccinations!

Care and maintenance

This Dogue de Bordeaux loves to be hosed down

Short-haired dog breeds do not require painstaking care, and the Dogue de Bordeaux is no exception. The only thing you will have to tinker with is water treatments. These dogs love to wallow in the mud, so be prepared to bring home not a pet, but a huge and seemingly unfamiliar dirty dog. Dogues de Bordeaux are bathed as needed or twice a month. For washing, use zoo shampoo or its dry analogue (the latter is becoming increasingly popular among dog breeders).

In addition to bathing, you will have to wipe the Great Dane's face, and especially its folds, every day. Saliva and food often accumulate in them, since the animal eats extremely sloppily. Arm yourself with a dampened piece of fabric and carefully remove all excess from the folds on the face. This will help prevent unpleasant odors.

Caring for the Dogue de Bordeaux's coat is effortless. It is enough to wipe it with a cloth two or three times a week (to give it a healthy shine). During seasonal shedding, which occurs almost unnoticed, use a special mitten with silicone “growths”. They will delicately remove dead hairs from your pet's fur.

The Dogue de Bordeaux's ears tend to accumulate dust and dirt, thereby creating a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. Your task is to prevent possible inflammation. Lift your ear and wipe it with a moistened cotton pad. To remove wax, use a cotton swab, but be careful: careless movement can damage the animal's eardrums! If you don't want to risk it, wrap your finger in gauze and do the same. The result will not be as effective, but safe.

Remember: an unpleasant odor, redness or a huge accumulation of wax is an alarming sign and a reason to contact a veterinary clinic.

Don't forget to inspect and clean your pet's eyes. For this procedure, use a cotton pad moistened with lightly brewed tea or warm boiled water. If excessive discharge in the corners of the eyes is an unhealthy color, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your inaction in the future will create a lot of problems with the dog’s health.

Three heroes

The Dogue de Bordeaux's oral cavity requires no less care. Brush your pet's teeth three times a week using dog toothpaste and an old brush. You can also use a more budget-friendly option: wrap your finger in gauze and run it over your Bordeaux teeth. If your pet is acting restless, calm him down with gentle stroking and the promise of a treat after the “execution” is over.

The claws are shortened twice a month using a nail clipper. Use a nail file to remove sharp edges and burrs. Don't forget to thoroughly wipe your paws after a walk. If cracks or wounds appear, lubricate the pads with thick baby cream or antiseptic. It will not be superfluous to include sunflower oil in the Dogue de Bordeaux diet (no more than one teaspoon per day).

Important: wool treatment with anti-parasite agent and deworming should be carried out regularly - once and four times a month, respectively.

Oh, what a delicious cake!

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not prone to obesity with a balanced and properly selected diet. The more monotonous and “lighter” the food, the more smooth the dog’s digestion. With a natural diet, the basis of daily nutrition should be meat. It must be alternated with offal, sea fish and fermented milk products. From time to time, you can treat your pet to fruits and vegetables, and in winter, compensate for their absence with a complex of vitamins and minerals.

When using commercial food, purchase premium products, but remember to focus on options for large breed dogs. A visit to the veterinarian would be a good idea: he will tell you which food to pay attention to.

Eliminate Dogue de Bordeaux from your diet:

• river fish (including canned food);
• products containing caffeine;
• spicy and salty foods;
• mushrooms in any form;
• fruits with seeds;
• raw eggs and meat;
• legumes;
• yeast dough;
• tubular bones;
• fatty foods;
• onion and garlic;
• citrus;
• sweets.

There should always be fresh water in the dog's bowl - bottled or tap water, pre-infused for 6-8 hours.

Representatives of the breed need daily hour-long walks, especially in urban environments. During the hot season, give preference to morning and evening promenades: high temperatures cause Bordeaux to have hoarse breathing and shortness of breath. You can take a bottle of water with you and give your dog a cool shower for a few minutes when you get home.

If possible, take your four-legged friend out into nature to let him run around. Take your favorite ball and treat with you: repeating the learned commands in the fresh air is a great alternative to the usual training at home.

Dogues de Bordeaux are difficult to keep in an apartment. You will have to provide comfortable conditions, including active walks, so that the animal feels at ease and does not strive to release accumulated energy to the detriment of your interior.

Description and features

The Dogue de Bordeaux breed has a second, more popular name - French Mastiff. This is a strong and slightly frightening-looking dog, which often appears in films and TV series. Unfortunately, its reputation leaves much to be desired.

In cinema, the dog is often shown as a negative character, evil and treacherous. But this image is completely out of character for him. The French Mastiff is the cutest creature on earth!

If we talk about the animal’s temperament, then it is phlegmatic. It is quite silent, reserved and cold-blooded. However, in some situations, it can behave like a choleric person, barking loudly, being aggressive and moving jerkily. But this only happens in case of a real threat.

Interesting ! Biologists and animal psychologists say that benign aggression is common among some mammals, including dogs. Previously it was believed that it was unique to humans. This concept implies the aggravation of a defense mechanism in order to preserve oneself and one's fellow humans.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is an excellent watchdog. He is alert, careful, attentive and focused. Even if the dog is relaxed, he does not stop carefully observing the territory. He lies down or sleeps most of the day, so he tends to be overweight. However, if an unfamiliar animal or person tries to enter his house, he will immediately attack him.

Don't underestimate the strength of this dog! When attacked, it can cause serious physical harm to a person. Some dog handlers specifically train representatives of the breed so that they become more angry and intolerant of people. This is not necessary, because nature initially endowed the mastiff with excellent protective potential.

Previously, European police made attempts to train Dogues de Bordeaux on criminals. However, they were not effective. Why? It's all about the famous explosive nature of these animals.

Yes, they are phlegmatic, calm and balanced, but if there is a threat (and in the police service it arises regularly) they fly into a rage. Of course, a service dog cannot cause harm to a person, even a fugitive or a dangerous criminal. Since representatives of this breed are ineffective in this regard.

It is very difficult to control the frantic energy of such a dog. He often becomes uncontrollable, especially if he has not been raised since early childhood. By the way, the breed was first formed in France.

Health and disease of the Dogue de Bordeaux

Ball! Give it here!

“Bordeaux” are distinguished by good health and are practically not susceptible to common diseases. At the same time, do not forget that adult dogs can boast of strong immunity. Unvaccinated puppies are vulnerable targets. It is not recommended to walk your baby outside until you have received all the necessary vaccinations.

Most often, Dogue de Bordeaux suffers from the following ailments:

• dysplasia of the elbow and/or hip joints;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• respiratory infections;
• kidney diseases;
• volvulus;
• hyperkeratosis;
• flatulence;
• epilepsy;
• lymphomas;
• arthritis;
• cancer.

Bitches often experience difficult labor. Do not leave your pet and be ready to provide all possible assistance to her.

Dogue de Bordeaux mother with puppies

Reproduction and lifespan

These powerful dogs serve from 8 to 11 years. The healthier the dog, the longer he lives. Therefore, always monitor your pet’s health. Remember that only hardy, mentally stable and strong mastiffs that meet the breed standard are allowed to breed.

The first heat in female dogs occurs between 9 and 12 months. But at this stage it is impossible to bring her together with a male Great Dane. The young dog cannot bear and will not give birth to healthy puppies. Therefore, a female over 2 years old should be used for breeding. She must show sexual interest in the male and not push him away.

As for the male, he reaches the age of sexual maturity much earlier, at about 4 months of age. But, in his case, the rule for mating is similar. The breeder must select a high-breed male over 2-2.5 years old.

How to choose a puppy

When planning to get a charming four-legged friend, decide on its class. Dogs in the “show” category can win the show because they best meet the breed standard. For animals of the breed class, minor deviations are allowed, but this does not prevent the dogs from being used for breeding. Dogues de Bordeaux of the pet class are typical pets, whose non-compliance with the standard does not allow participation in exhibitions or breeding programs.

The next stage is the sex of the animal. Bitches are more obedient, but they are not lacking in cunning and feminine cunning. Males are quarrelsome and independent, so you will have to show remarkable strength of character in dealing with them.

Now you can start looking for a trusted nursery. Before meeting the babies, ask the breeder to introduce you to their parents. Pay attention to possible defects: they can be inherited by puppies. It is equally important to check the necessary documentation: veterinary passport, pedigree diploma, test results for dysplasia. Only after this can you go to meet your future friend.

A healthy puppy is moderately playful and curious. The animal should not limp, whine for no reason, hide cowardly, show lethargy or excessive excitement. Carefully examine the baby and finally check the brand and nickname with his passport. Now you can start concluding a deal with the breeder.

Price

The French Mastiff is a fairly expensive breed. The dog is considered prestigious. There are nurseries in which such animals are bred in almost every capital of the CIS countries, including Moscow and Kyiv.

The minimum price for Dogue de Bordeaux in Russia for 2019 is 25 thousand rubles. But, for such a price you definitely won’t buy a high-breed puppy with a pedigree. To become the owner of a show-class dog that can be registered at exhibitions, you will have to pay twice as much, at least 50 thousand rubles.

Photos of Dogue de Bordeaux puppies

How much does a Dogue de Bordeaux cost?

The price of a Dogue de Bordeaux depends on several factors.
Among the main ones is the class of the dog; location of the breeder; availability of documents confirming the origin of the animal. A pet-class Dogue de Bordeaux will cost the owner 40,000 rubles and more. For a purebred dog and, possibly, a future winner of the exhibition, you will have to pay 70,000 - 100,000 rubles. No matter how much you pay for a Bordeaux, know that you have acquired a devoted and loving friend who will always keep you company and make you smile even on the gloomiest day!