Dogue de Bordeaux – Dog Breed Information About The French Mastiff

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also called Bordeauxdog or Bordeaux Mastiff, is one of a kind large dog belonging to the French Mastiff family.

Some experts claim that the Dogue represents a French breed developed hundreds and hundreds of years ago.

Other theories name the Dogue, Greek mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds as possible close forefathers.

A well-made tale has it that these dogs were first introduced to Gaul (later renamed as France) by Julius Caesar’s invading army in 1^st-century b.c.

These magnificent mastiff dogs were used by the Romans. Romans utilized these dogs as both aggressive gladiators and war dogs.

For centuries, the “Bordeaux Bulldog” or “Bordeaux Mastiff,” was seen in two different sizes. The lesser-known “Doguin,” vanishes from the record.  The breed we know today is the “Dogue de Bordeaux.”

Dogues were employed as guarders, drafters, and hunters. This stopped when the aristocratic masters were sent to the guillotine during the French Revolution.

This dog survived the Revolution, and in the process earned the moniker “Butcher’s Dog.”

The breed remained largely unknown until the 1989 movie “Turner and Hooch” starring Tom Hanks introduced the dog to the general public.

Indian actor Salman Khan owns a French Mastiff named Veer.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is France’s most powerful dog breed.

Being a very powerful dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux consists of a muscular frame yet showing a harmonious outline.

Bordeaux Mastiffs are built close to the action or the ground. It means the distance between the point of the chest is much less than the depth of the dog’s chest.

This dog features a massive head with excellent proportions. His self-assurance, strong build, stocky, and his silent expression make him very self-imposing.

Females have similar characteristics but way less prominent.

• Head – Rather short, broad, angular, and large, Looks like a trapezium when watched from the top
• Eyes – Set wide apart and oval
• Ears – Small in proportion
• Muzzle – rather short, thick, broad, powerful
• Nose – Well, opened nostrils, Broad
• Upper Lip – Retractile, pendulous but thick
• Bite – Undershot
• Teeth – Strong and powerful
• Neck – Muscular, strong, and cylindrical
• Chest – broad, deep, long, and powerful
• Tail – Very thick and powerful at the base
• Forequarters – Legs very strong, and good bone structure
• Hindquarters – Well angulated, powerful legs
• Gait – The movement is supple and free

Dogue de Bordeaux Coat

Coat – Soft, short, and fine to the touch. The skin appears loose and sufficient.

Coat Color – A rich coat is considered good. Available in all shades from a light fawn to a red fawn (dark).

Pigmentations of the eye and nose rims will appear brown.

Size

Dogue De Bordeaux is a very powerful dog breed. The normal height of a male dog is 23.5 to 27.5 inches and a female dog will be 23 to 26 inches. Male dogs weigh normally 110 lbs and females around 99lbs.

Dogue de Bordeaux Lifespan

The average life expectancy of a French Mastiff is between 5 and 8 years. Generally, the causes of death of this breed will be cancer, dilated cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, and gastric dilatation.

This dog requires both regular grooming and bathing. They are ready for a bath between four and eight weeks based on his lifestyle and activity level.

With his smooth, short coat, these dogs need regular bathing to reduce shedding. It helps to keep the coat and skin healthy.

Facial folds are important and keep them clean and remove excess odor.

The dog’s short coat looks easy. Brush him at least once a week. Keep their wrinkles clean and dry.

Carry a towel for wiping his face after a drink or meal. Bordeaux dog is susceptible to drool. He is not a heavy shedder.

The rest is simple to care. Clean the ears if necessary.

Brush your dog’s teeth and trim the nails as regularly as possible.

Simple Tips For Grooming

• The breed has gained a unique reputation for drooling. The wrinkles need special care.
• Once a week, it’s good to check for infection or debris. Also, keep the ears clean.
• Nails should be regularly trimmed.
• These dogs need a full bath once a month. In between baths, use a damp towel to wipe him clean so that they smell and look good.
• They have a short Use a shedding blade or a rubber curry to reduce the hair fall.

The French Mastiff is a loving and gorgeous dog. They need early training and socialization. Being a big breed, a puppy should start training as early as 6 weeks.

Your puppy should be taught obedience, socialization, manners, and housebreaking.

A large dog like this needs training or the owner will find it hard to manage the dog. The most important part of training is housebreaking and respect training.

After you have trained your dog and if your dog understands, then proceed with obedience training.

How To Tackle Housebreaking French Mastiff?

The best way is to use a confinement method. You better use a kennel a bit larger than your dog.

You better start by keeping the dog under leash when you are away from the dog.

Good training will make your dog take short walks without any problem.

The basic concept behind confinement training drives home the point that the pets learn to relieve outside the kennel and not inside.

Respect Training For French Mastiff

Puppies are very naughty by nature. They jump, scratch the furniture, attack the garbage, chew things up, run away from you, and talk back.

With proper training, bad habits can be removed. Early socialization and training are recommended.

If you permit this kind of unruly behavior, then the dog will dominate.

You should take a clear position and ensure that your puppy understands that you are the boss here.

Suppose, if your dog takes control, you will need more intensive training.

This is the best time to mingle your puppy with new situations, places, people, sound, and other pets.

Dogue de Bordeaux Obedience Training

After you are successfully complete, respect training and housebreaking, now you can move on to obedience training.

In this training, the puppy relearns all the commands, but with more discipline and strictness.

They will learn not to jump and lie down, stay, and heal. After finishing the training, you finish your training, your dog should be a well-trained and happy dog.

The next important training is agility training. This training is recommended if you are more into the dog show.

The order of training is more important. It should start with housebreaking and then followed by respect training and obedience training.

Respect training and housebreaking are needed as obedience and basic learning will reinforce good behavior training eliminating destructive behavior.

The French Mastiff will touch 140 lbs. Without proper training, you will feel sorry for your dog.

Like all big dogs, training this dog needs more care. You will find the dog’s guarding instinct more intimidating, but more care should be provided.

Calm leadership is very much important for this dog.

French Mastiff Exercise Requirements

This French Mastiff is alert for its large size. He needs a  moderate range of exercise.

A good daily stroll is sufficient to meet his daily exercise needs. These animals love physical activity. They are definitely willing to pull some weight.

When you are talking about exercise, do not forget this pet’s body as well as his mind. They need both physical and mental stimulation.

Physical exercise will help this dog burn stress and mental stimulation will keep this dog from displaying destructive behaviors.

Simple Tips to Keep in Mind

• Early obedience training and socialization are a definite plus.
• Being a sensitive breed, this dog requires trust. Don’t use heavy-handed or a rough approach.
• Discipline should not be harsh.
• A timid or busy person cannot manage this breed.
• Make them do only low-intensity exercise. Avoid overexertion.
• Swimming is an excellent stress buster for this breed. An adult Dogue can pull carts as well.

The most common health issues related to these dogs:

1. Skin Issues – This dog breed has plenty of skin. Mainly over their large faces. When bacteria cause build-up, it leads to a condition called “Skin Fold Pyoderma.”
2. Epilepsy – The second most common problem faced by this breed is seizures. This a chronic health issue that leads to repeated seizures.
   It’s a lifelong disorder. Epilepsy occurs when abnormal electrical activity is witnessed in the brain.  Genetics also play a major role in passing this condition.
3. Bloat or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus – Mostly seen in deep-chested canines. Bloating is a serious health issue and if not given proper treatment, it can lead to organ failure.
   In bloat, gas buildups in the dog’ s digestive system. It then causes the organ to twist.
4. Corneal Dystrophy – This is a genetic condition. In this condition, the cornea remains either opaque or underdeveloped. This could cause severe loss of vision in dogs.
5. Aortic Stenosis – Aortic Stenosis means your dog is suffering from a cardiac problem. These dogs may feel tired and lethargic most of the times.
   When a canine suffers from Aortic Stenosis, his heart functions at twice the normal level to pump blood. The defect reduces the smooth blood flow.
   Fainting is also not ruled out in these cases. Aortic Stenosis should not be taken lightly and enough medical attention can improve the health of your dog.
6. Hip Dysplasia – In this condition, the dog’s hip bone does not connect with the hip joint. This could cause lameness or pain in both of the rear legs. Hip dysplasia could lead to arthritis in dogs.

Some of the other health issues associated with this dog include orthopedic issues, cancer, epilepsy, or heart disease.

Health Examinations For The French Mastiff

As a safety precaution, take a look at some of the health tests recommended for this breed

• Cardiac Exam
• Shoulder Evaluation
• Elbow Evaluation
• Hip Evaluation

These dogs are susceptible to obesity problems. Never feed table scraps on a regular basis.

Avoid cooking items with very high-fat content. Talk to your vet if you have any issue with serving your dog the right food.

Food plays a crucial role in their overall development. You should follow the tips given by your breeder.

A high-quality dry dog food means a good start. A Dogue de Bordeaux needs variety and fresh meat in their diet.

Try these things –

• A little tinned dog food
• Some leftovers
• Lightly steamed veggies
• Cooked pasta
• Mix in wet food

Can you give raw bones?

• Avoid feeding cooked bones
• Brisket bones
• Flaps, lamb breasts, or lamb necks
• Turkey Necks
• Necks or chicken carcasses

Favorable Foods

• Dog biscuits, pig ears, or dried liver
• Lambs fry or lamb hearts or beef
• Apple, rockmelon, strawberries, or banana
• Grated cheddar cheese mixed with scrambled eggs
• Rolled oat bran or oats and you can add some honey and yogurt
• Brown rice cooked – Beef stock or chicken
• Salmon with oils, tuna, and sardines (once a week)
• Spoonful of honey
• Natural yogurt and cottage cheese
• Ground shell and raw egg

Must-Avoid Food Items

• Raw egg (excess)
• Raisins or grapes
• Cat food
• Mushrooms
• Human food
• Macadamia nuts
• Coffee or tea
• Chocolate
• Ginger
• Onion
• GarlicSeasoned nuts or snacks

Some dog lovers wish to select dog names that honor the dog’s place of origin. Suppose, if you own a French dog breed, you have plenty of options to choose from.

The beauty of the French language is that the name sounds more sophisticated, fancier, and adorable.

There is no need for you to own a French breed to choose a French name.

All the names in this list are fun to call.

These dogs have a cool, gentle attitude around children. We have given the meanings so that you can use the right name for your dog.

Male Dogue de Bordeaux Puppy Names

1. Vallois – A Welshman
2. Tristan – Sad or bold
3. Severin – Severe or strong
4. Reynard – A powerful counselor
5. Rene’ – Reborn
6. Quennel – Oak tree
7. Philippe – Horse Lover
8. Pascale – Lamb
9. Noel – Christmas or X’ mas
10. Marvel – Admire
11. Marceau – A warlike situation
12. Lucien – One who brings light
13. Louis – French Emperor
14. Leroux – Redhead
15. Leon – Lion
16. Julien – A strong person
17. Heureux – Happy
18. Guy – Guide, or fighter
19. Felix – Happy
20. Beldoin – Brave friend

Female Dogue de Bordeaux Puppy Names

1. Vivienne – Animated
2. Sylvie – Forest
3. Soleil – Sun
4. Parfait – Perfect
5. Papillon – Butterfly
6. Ophelie – Aid
7. Odette – Melodic
8. Ninon – Grace, favor
9. Mignon – Dainty, cute
10. Lynette – Little lion
11. Jolie – Beautiful
12. Hilaire – Merry
13. Giselle – Pledge
14. Gamine – Mischievous
15. Francoise – French
16. Felicite – Lucky
17. Esme’ – Loved
18. Eloise – Popular in war
19. Elle – She
20. Aimee’ – Beloved or a friend

This is not a cheap dog breed to own. An average price of a well-bred DDB puppy is between $ 1000 – $1500 USD.

Thinking about owning a dog? Go through this first!

• Are you sure you want a large dog like a DDB?
• Do your research before you actually bring home the dog?
• Consider adopting a dog or fostering
• Puppy-proof your home
• Can you feed your puppy on a timely basis?
• Owning a dog is a responsibility. Consult your family and decide

Dogue De Bordeaux Breeders

Ask your breeder about proper documents including health certificates.

Click to check the French Mastiff breeders in America or in your area.