The U.S. Bordeaux Corporation (USBC) has provided the responses below to frequently asked questions about the Dogue de Bordeaux. It is the USBC's intent to provide a very limited amount of information on a wide variety of breed characteristics to assist you in determining whether or not you should pursue the breed further as a possible pet companion in your home. The information provided below is not intended to be an exhaustive discourse on the breed.

If you are new to the breed, you are strongly urged to attend at least one dog show where the breed is in attendance so that you can personally observe physical characteristics, traits and temperament. The USBC recognizes that all breeders who show at dog shows are not necessarily reputable. However, the majority of breeders present will be knowledgeable about the breed and will provide those new to the breed an opportunity to ask questions about their own experiences and breeding program.

There is no one "right" breed of dog for all pet owners. Dogs are as individual and unique by breed and within their breed as humans are. Consider the questions and answers below carefully. You will do a great injustice to yourself and your pet, and will miss one of the most rewarding relationships you can experience, if you fail to honestly evaluate the traits, characteristics, personality and lifestyle needs of both you and the Dogue de Bordeaux.

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Amadeus vom Meiendorfer Wald (11 weeks old)

OWNER(s):
Alexandra Merle, Germany

BREEDER:
N/A

KENNEL:
N/A

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What is the Dogue de Bordeaux?

The Dogue de Bordeaux is also referred to as the French Mastiff, or, to movie buffs familiar with the movie "Turner and Hooch," as a "Hooch" dog. The breed is an ancient breed whose ancestry is frequently traced back over 3,000 years to Tibet, Rome, India and China. More commonly seen in France and Europe, the Dogue de Bordeaux is considered a rare breed in the United States.
Are they aggressive and will they make good guard dogs?

Though history records the early Dogue de Bordeaux as a guardian, hunter and fighter, the Dogue is best described today as a dog of dissuasion. In other words, the visual impact of the Dogue is usually enough to deter unwanted activity from strangers. Their bark is deep, solid and threatening. The Dogue commonly displays traits of deep loyalty and attachment to its human owner and will be naturally protective of its home and family. The Dogue is typically not human-aggressive without provocation. The Dogue is a dominant breed. This trait demands a healthy respect not only in the Dogue, but also in any other breed with this characteristic. The Dogue will typically display its natural breed tendency to dominate by being animal aggressive. This aggressive behavior is usually exhibited toward other dogs and small animals, including birds. This does not mean a household cannot have more than one Dogue, or other breeds in residence. It does mean that caution will be necessary to introduce additional canines once a Dogue has established his or her residence. Depending on the circumstances, a male Dogue may not tolerate other male Dogues being introduced. If properly socialized, however, most Dogues will adapt to new members of the household. Like any other breed, the environment in which the Dogue is raised will be a key factor in development of aggressive behaviors. With proper socialization, the Dogue will be a well-adjusted member of the household.

Is the Dogue de Bordeaux safe to have around children?

As with any large breed dog, children who will have access to the Dogue should be taught to treat the Dogue with healthy respect. Though aggression towards children has not been documented to date, the breed is a large, dominant breed. Therefore, young or aggressive children who are not well known to the Dogue should not be permitted alone with the Dogue, or any other large breed dog for that matter. Many Dogues are raised in families with children and if the Dogue is well socialized, the children will be as cherished and protected by the Dogue as any other family member.
What about climate? Can a Dogue be kept inside?

Of course! The Dogue de Bordeaux most appreciates a cool climate. Their coats are usually thick and lush and protect them well from cooler weather. Most Dogues are heat sensitive in varying degrees and display a more pronounced intolerance for heat and warmer climates than other breeds. The Dogue will naturally seek out the coolest floor space in the home. Since the Dogue is a loyal, possessive breed, it will be most happy if it is permitted to be wherever its owner is. Though the Dogue naturally seeks its own space, it is a devoted breed that needs to be close to its owner and will suffer if removed from the family from long periods of time. For the Dogue, or any other large breed dog, to be successful inside the home, it must have access to outside exercise and be well trained and socialized.
How much exercise does a Dogue de Bordeaux need, and should I keep it outside?

Again, as with any other large breed dog, the Dogue will suffer if unnecessarily or excessively confined, whether inside or out. The Dogue loves space to romp in and needs to fulfill the breed's ancient dominant traits by prowling their own territory. Chained or routinely caged Dogue de Bordeaux will display unhealthy characteristics and behaviors and should not be subjected to such a lifestyle. Many Dogues enjoy water sports. Most Dogues will expend their energy in spurts and settle down quickly.
Do they have a tendency to wander?

Any dog whose curiosity has been sufficiently raised will wander. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a rare, ancient breed that should be protected from the risks of wandering off.
Can the Dogue be obedience trained?

Absolutely. As with all large breed dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux should be obedience trained and well socialized. The breed is generally sensitive to correction and eager to please its owner and, therefore, relatively easy to train. The Dogue has a bright, quick mind matched with a strong sense of self. Though both sexes learn their lessons well, males tend to maintain a slightly more aloof attitude toward training. An effective trainer will begin early and maintain the Dogue's dignity by striving to respect the breed's innate dominant nature when deploying training tactics. Again the trainer is cautioned to respect the breed's natural dominant tendencies. Any aggression exhibited by a trainer toward the Dogue is typically met with a response of aggression. To this end, it would be wiser to remember to teach rather than control the Dogue. The subtleties in the difference of approach will not be lost on the Dogue de Bordeaux, most especially the males.
What is it like to live with a Dogue?

The Dogue is an independent dog in that it will not constantly demand attention or display neurotic characteristics. Toys are highly regarded and protected. Most Dogues are not barkers unless on alert, and tend to communicate with attempts at gurgled vocalization, nose nudges, and visual cues. Many will produce snoring sounds while sitting up, relaxed and at peace, with their eyes open. They snuffle everything and engage their entire rear end to wag their tails. Many owners delight in the comic relief their physical antics offer in contrast to their wise, highly intelligent mental faculties.
Do they really slobber like in the movie "Turner and Hooch?"

No. The Dogue de Bordeaux featured in "Turner and Hooch" was fed a mixture containing beaten egg whites and other foodstuffs in order to create the excessive froth for the film. Dogues do drool, especially if they are heated from exertion, or anticipating a tasty treat. Due to their extensive lip volume, they due tend to retain larger amounts of food matter after a meal than other dogs. Since Dogues frequently provide their owners with loving "nose taps," an overly fastidious owner might object to their clothing providing towel service to a well-fed Dogue.

How big do they get?

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large, thick, well-muscled dog. The breed standard provides for females to average approximately 24" in height, and in excess of 100 pounds. Males are typically 25-27" in height, and weigh between 125 to 165 pounds. The Dogue is frequently lion-like in appearance and movement, and generally in excess of three feet long. Therefore, one can take up a considerable amount of floor space on a good sprawl.
How much do they eat?

As with any dog, the amount of food necessary to maintain a healthy Dogue depends on a variety of factors. Puppies, pregnant and lactating females, and active adult Dogues require more food, and a different set of nutrients than a sedate adult Dogue. In addition to individual physical stressors, the type of food you choose to provide will also vary the volume of food necessary. Kibble, homemade food and the BARF diet will all require different volume considerations. A good breeder should be able to assist you with a recommended diet plan. What is crucial to keep in mind for the Dogue de Bordeaux is that this breed is a large breed whose puppies grow at an extremely accelerated rate during the first year. This accelerated rate not only increases the volume of food required to maintain health, but also demands the Dogue de Bordeaux puppy get certain nutrients in order to maintain good joint health under these stressful conditions. For these reasons, canned food is not recommended as the sole feeding source for any Dogue due to the inability to get high quality protein content sufficient enough to maintain health.
What should I look for in a puppy?

Since the Dogue de Bordeaux is a rare, large breed dog, it is considered to be a fragile breed from a genetic standpoint. This does not mean the breed is sickly and weak, it means that a more important question to consider is what should you be looking for in a Dogue de Bordeaux breeder. Once you locate a reputable breeder, the puppy selection will be less troublesome. A reputable breeder will know the breed standard, will have no problem explaining and demonstrating the standard to you, and will be actively striving to improve the breed with each litter attempted. The breeder should also be able to communicate an understanding of the typical health issues faced by the breed, and provide proof that his or her breeding stock has been tested for the breed's dominant health problems. A good source for reputable breeders is a national dog show where you have an opportunity to meet Dogues and their owners, and sometimes, the offspring of the Dogues. You can also check with organizations and clubs that exist to support the Dogue de Bordeaux such as the U.S. Bordeaux Corporation and the Dogue de Bordeaux Society. Once you have located a reputable breeder, the breeder can assist you with puppy selection based on whether you wish to purchase a show or pet quality Dogue.
How much can I expect to pay for a Dogue?

The price varies on the Dogue's pedigree and breeder. Never buy a Dogue de Bordeaux from an unknown breeder or from a puppy mill. Often the Dogue's pedigree may not be valid or genuine and the health of the litter may be substandard. A show quality Dogue de Bordeaux puppy bought from a reputable breeder may average between $1500-1800. A non-show, non-breeding, pet quality puppy bought from a reputable breeder will average between $800-1000. You may wish to consider adopting a Dogue who has been rescued; the adoption fee is typically around $350 and does not include any transportation or shipping charges. Regardless of the price, never buy a puppy that is the result of a mixed breeding (half Dogue de Bordeaux and half some other breed). A reputable breeder with quality breeding stock would never consider diluting the valued genetic line with another breed. Usually, mixed breeding is an attempt to cover up poor breed specimens and/or unwanted characteristics and health problems.
What size should my puppy be at what age?

As with any other breed, genes and nutrition play an important part in the rate a puppy grows. There is no acceptable size or weight for puppy growth. What is important is that your puppy look and act healthy and alert. It is generally agreed that the breed should be protected from obesity during the early formative years in order to avoid joint and other health problems as an adult.
Do they...

...Bark?

Not unnecessarily. Frequently they are commented to be an extremely quiet dog.

...Bite?

Any dog will bite if sufficiently provoked. The Dogue de Bordeaux is not immune from this reaction to provocation


...Chew?

Most puppies need to chew. If ample toys are provided, puppies will generally restrict their chewing to toys provided.

...Dig?

A Dogue left outside alone for extended periods of time is generally not a happy dog. The Dogue will usually dig to cool off as the breed is typically heat intolerant. Otherwise, the breed is not generally known for this behavior.

...Have an odor?

All dogs have an odor. A healthy, clean, Dogue de Bordeaux has a pleasant odor.

...Shed?

No more than most breeds.

...Snore?

Typically, yes. Since their size is substantial, the snore is usually a substantial snore as well.
What is the average life span?

The life span of the Dogue de Bordeaux depends on genetics and environment. The better the nutrition offered, the healthier the Dogue will be and therefore, the longer the life span. Generally, large purebred dogs of any breed can expect a to live between eight and ten years. Many live as long as 12 to 14 years.
What colors are available?

The breed standard for the Dogue de Bordeaux refers to many acceptable shades from fawn, to all shades of red, from Isabella to dark mahogany. If a mask is present, it may be red or black.
What about toys for puppies? Adults?

Puppies enjoy frozen washcloths when teething, balls, and any stuffed toy that squeaks that is made especially for dogs. Avoid toys made for children that may have removable choking hazards. A Dogue puppy will frequently weigh in excess of 50 pounds at six months of age. It is important to remember it is still a puppy with fragile joints. For this reason, a puppy should be protected from aggressive or extensive play, frequent access to tiled or slippery surfaces, and jumping. Adults enjoy any toy that can be used for games of tug-of-war, balls, large raw beef knuckle bones, and pigs ears.
Is there a difference between male and female temperament?

Yes. Females tend to show more personality, be more crafty and protective. Males tend to appear more aloof and relaxed though they still crave attention and will offer their protection.
What are the genetic health concerns for Dogue de Bordeaux?

All large breed or barrel-chested dogs are prone to bloat, stomach torsion and hip dysplasia. In addition to these problems, all Mastiffs are prone to Entropian and demodectic mange. Due to the large volume of food consumed to maintain health, all large breeds are also sensitive to food additives that create food sensitivity and skin problems. To a lesser extent, other conditions have been noted in the breed.
What are we really saying? Or, in other words, under what circumstances should you NOT consider owning a Dogue?

If you have read all of the questions posed above and feel uncomfortable with some or most of the answers provided, you should not consider owning a Dogue de Bordeaux. Most likely, there are other breeds that will be more suited to your lifestyle. To help you clarify any uneasy feeling you may have, the USBC does not recommend owning a Dogue de Bordeaux when one or more of the following conditions exist


1) The breeder's reputation and/or breeding practices cannot be substantiated by reputable sources.

2) The health information of the parents is not known or available.

3) Your lifestyle requires frequent trips away from home necessitating repetitive boarding or alternate caregivers.

4) You do not have the interest, time or financial ability to provide for adequate training for the Dogue.

5) You or another significant caregiver in the home has physical handicaps that would prevent you or them from training and/or handling a well muscled animal that weighs on average between 120 to 150 pounds.

6) The Dogue will be required to be a "yard dog" or will spend most of its time unsupervised in a yard.

7) Your home has small rooms and passageways.

8) You or other significant members of the household are considered fastidious about the home's cleanliness and personal attire or would not tolerate drooling and/or "slobber."

9) You maintain other animals that are animal or dog aggressive.

10) Your current income will not comfortably provide for a large volume of high to premium quality dog food over the next eight to ten years.

11) Your current income would not provide the means to correct or resolve any health problem that might arise.

12) You or other members of the household have difficulty controlling your own personal tempers, anger and/or aggressive behaviors.