Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff is a dog breeds that is strong, powerful, and imposing. The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds. They are a typical brachycephalic molossoid type. Bordeaux are very powerful dogs, with a very muscular body yet retaining a harmonious temperament. The breed has been utilized in many different forms, from using their brawn to pull carts or haul heavy objects, to guarding flocks and used to protect castles of the European elite.

Dogue de Bordeaux Appearance

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also called the French Mastiff and, sometimes, the Bordeaux Bulldog, is a short, stocky Molosser breed with a heavy, broad head.

Weight

The dog breed standards of the European FCI and American Kennel Club AKC specify a minimum weight of 99 lbs (45 kg) for a female and 110 lbs (50 kg) for a male. There is no formally stated maximum weight but dogs must be balanced with regard to their overall type and the conformation standards of the breed.

Height

The standard states that the desirable height, at maturity, should range between 23½ inches to 27 inches (58-67.5 cm) for male dogs and from 22½ inches to 25½ inches (57 cm-65 cm) for females. Deviation from these margins is considered a fault.

General conformation

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a well balanced, muscular and massive dog with a powerful build. The Dogue's size should come mostly from width and musculature, rather than height. The breed is set somewhat low to the ground and not tall like the English Mastiff. The body of the Dogue de Bordeaux is thick-set, with a short, straight top-line and a gentle rounded croup. The front legs should be straight and heavy-boned. The straight tail begins thickly at the base and then tapers to a point at the end. It should not reach lower than the hocks. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to the tip and is set and carried low. The breed is to be presented in a completely natural condition with intact ears, tail and natural dewclaws. It should be evaluated equally for correctness in conformation, temperament, movement and overall structural soundness.

Head

The massive head of the Dogue de Bordeaux is a crucial dog breed characteristic. The Dogue de Bordeaux is claimed to have, proportionally, the largest head in the canine world. For males the circumference of the head, measured at the widest point of the skull, is roughly equal to the dog's height at the withers (shoulders). For females, the measured circumference may be slightly less. When viewed from the front or from above, the head of the Dogue forms a trapezoid shape with the longer top-line of the skull, and the shorter line of the underjaw, forming the parallel sides of the trapezoid. The jaw is undershot and powerful. The Dogue should always have a black or red mask that can be distinguished from the rest of the coat around and under the nose, including the lips and eye rims. The muzzle should be at most 1/3 the total length of the head and no shorter than 1/4 the length of the head, the ideal being between the two extremes. The upper lips hang thickly down over the lower jaw. The skin on the neck is loose, forming a noticeable dewlap, but should not be excessive like that of a Neapolitan Mastiff. Small pendant ears top the head, but should not be long and houndy.

Coat

The standard specifies a coat that is 'short, fine, and soft to the touch'. They can come in shades of fawn (light, coppery red) to mahogany (dark, brownish red) with a black, brown or red mask. White markings are permitted on the tips of the toes and on the chest, but white on any other part of the body is considered a fault, and a disqualifying one if the pigmentation goes beyond the neck.

Litter size

As with any dog breed, litter sizes may vary from dog to dog. On average, litters are usually between five and eight.

Life span

As with other large breeds of canine, the lifespan of the Dogue de Bordeaux is fairly short. They usually live for 8 to 10 years, though specimens of up to 15 years of age have been recorded.

Temperament

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.The french mastiff has the most powerful bite , it's even harder then a wolfs bite. In the roman times they were used to kill bears and lions.