Dogue de Bordeaux | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 5 years

Exercise

Dogue de Bordeaux enjoys daily moderate walks and regular play sessions to stay healthy and happy.

Grooming Needs

The Dogue de Bordeaux requires minimal grooming, needing only weekly brushing and occasional baths to maintain a healthy coat. Regular cleaning of facial wrinkles and ears is also important to prevent infections.

Country of Origin

France

Adaptability

The Dogue de Bordeaux can adapt to both apartment living and larger homes, but it requires regular exercise and a comfortable indoor space due to its sensitivity to extreme temperatures.

Shedding Level

Dogue de Bordeaux experiences moderate shedding year-round, with an increase during seasonal changes. Regular grooming helps manage the loose hair.

Energiness

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a moderate energy level, enjoying regular exercise but also appreciating plenty of downtime.

Vocality

The Dogue de Bordeaux is generally quiet and not prone to excessive barking, though it will alert its owners if it senses a threat.

Trainability

The Dogue de Bordeaux can be stubborn and requires consistent, patient training with positive reinforcement to achieve the best results. Early socialization and obedience training are essential for this breed.

Dietary Needs

Dogue de Bordeaux needs a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats to support their large size and muscular build.

Weight Range

54-65 kg

Child Friendliness

Varies

Social Needs

For Whom?

The Dogue de Bordeaux, a gentle giant, is well-suited for a home with ample space both indoors and outdoors. This breed enjoys a calm environment where it can rest and observe the daily activities of the family from its own safe spot. Due to its large size, the Dogue de Bordeaux needs room to move, making a small apartment less than ideal.

This dog is best suited for an active family that understands the importance of training and consistency. The Dogue de Bordeaux values routines and clear rules, which help it understand its place within the family. Although the breed is calm, it also enjoys daily walks and playing with the family, which helps maintain its physical fitness and mental alertness.

A family that is willing to invest time and effort into the training and well-being of a Dogue de Bordeaux will find a loyal and loving companion by their side. This breed is particularly suitable for families who value the security and companionship a dog offers, and who can provide a loving and secure home.

Character

Affectionate

Loyal

Protective

Gentle

The Dogue de Bordeaux, a majestic and powerful French mastiff, is at heart a gentle giant. This breed's calmness and gentleness make it an ideal family member, protecting its loved ones with tender certainty. It stands as the family's guardian, steadfast and unwavering through all of life's challenges.

Favored by French nobility, this breed is naturally friendly and patient, forming deep attachments to its owner. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal companion, giving its all for its family. It is sensitive to human emotions and can be comforting and soothing when needed.

Although the Dogue de Bordeaux is calm and balanced, it requires consistent and firm training. Its independent nature and strong will demand knowledge and understanding from its owner in training. This breed values calmness and firmness—it gladly follows an owner who it sees as a strong leader.

Despite its large size, the Dogue de Bordeaux is soft and emotional at heart. It loves being close to its people and enjoys family moments together. Its big heart is evident in its behavior, and it shows its pleasure in a clumsy way that melts anyone's heart.

The Dogue de Bordeaux's calm and confident demeanor makes it a reliable and safe companion. It is like a rock you can lean on, and its gentle eyes speak of deep understanding and peace. It serves as the family's anchor, bringing balance and security to each day.

This noble French breed is like wine—it matures and improves with age. The Dogue de Bordeaux's strong character and deep attachment make it a lifelong friend, walking by your side is a source of pride and joy. Its loyalty and love are unmatched, making every day a bit more beautiful and safe.

History

The Dogue de Bordeaux has deep roots in the historical landscapes of France, and its history is as nuanced as the country's cultural heritage itself. Tracing back to the 14th century, this sturdy and powerful breed was known by various local names such as the Bordeaux dog or the French mastiff. It's believed to be one of the oldest mastiff-type breeds developed in France.

Historically, the Dogue de Bordeaux was used in a variety of roles including cattle herding, hunting large game as a companion, and as a guard dog. Their fearlessness and bravery also made them popular fighting dogs during the medieval period when dog fighting was unfortunately common. During the French Revolution, these dogs protected their owners' estates and were known for their loyalty.

By the end of the 19th century, the purpose of the Dogue de Bordeaux shifted as dog fighting was outlawed and the breed began to serve more as companion and guard dogs. Their gentle nature and loyalty made them valued family members, and their popularity steadily increased.

However, during World War II, the breed's existence was threatened as dogs were used in the war effort and many were lost. After the war, breed enthusiasts and breeders worked hard to save and continue breeding the Dogue de Bordeaux.

Today, the Dogue de Bordeaux is known worldwide for its impressive appearance and warm-hearted nature. It has also gained fame through movies, like the famous "Turner and Hooch," where a representative of the breed played a starring role. Despite being powerful and fearless, the Dogue de Bordeaux is also gentle and patient, making it a protective and loving family member.

The story of the Dogue de Bordeaux is a testament to the breed's resilience and adaptability. It has survived through centuries of changing conditions and has maintained its place in the hearts of the French and as a respected dog breed around the world.