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Dogue de Bordeaux Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Dogue de Bordeaux so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank67
Reviews2
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Dogue de Bordeaux dog profile picture
OriginFrance flagFrance
Other Names
What other names does the Dogue de Bordeaux have?
Bordeaux MastiffBordeauxdogFrench MastiffBordeaux Bulldog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Dogue de Bordeaux Size and Weight

Size
Is a Dogue de Bordeaux small, medium or large dog?

How big do Dogue de Bordeaux get?

What is the average size of a Dogue de Bordeaux?

LargeGiant
Weight
How much does the Dogue de Bordeaux weigh? How much should a Dogue de Bordeaux weight? What is the normal weight of a Dogue de Bordeaux? How much does a full-grown Dogue de Bordeaux weight?
120-145 pounds (54.4-65.2 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Dogue de Bordeaux?
132.5 pounds (54.4-65.2 kg)
Height
How tall is the Dogue de Bordeaux? Dogue de Bordeaux height:
23-30 inches (58-75 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Dogue de Bordeaux?
26.5 inches (66.5 cm)

Dogue de Bordeaux Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Dogue de Bordeaux puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Dogue de Bordeaux in the United States? How much money is a Dogue de Bordeaux?

Where to buy a Dogue de Bordeaux with a good pedigree?

$1000-$1300
If you choose to purchase the Dogue de Bordeaux, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Dogue de Bordeaux for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Dogue de Bordeaux gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Dogue de Bordeaux? How many Dogue de Bordeaux are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Dogue de Bordeaux is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Dogue de Bordeaux Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Dogue de Bordeaux? Is the Dogue de Bordeaux breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Dogue de Bordeaux obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Dogue de Bordeaux ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Dogue de Bordeaux dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Dogue de Bordeaux?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Dogue de Bordeaux good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Dogue de Bordeaux dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Dogue de Bordeaux can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Dogue de Bordeaux will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Dogue de Bordeaux Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Dogue de Bordeaux have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
CourageousLoyalDevotedOutrightTemperedCompanionableVigilant
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Dogue de Bordeaux sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Dogue de Bordeaux dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Dogue de Bordeaux a good family dog?
High: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Bordeaux Mastiff need? Dogue de Bordeaux social needs:
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Dogue de Bordeaux to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Dogue de Bordeaux roam?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Dogue de Bordeaux have high prey drive?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Dogue de Bordeaux Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Dogue de Bordeauxs are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Barking
Do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Bordeaux Mastiff bark?
Low to Average: The Dogue de Bordeaux rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Dogue de Bordeaux good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Dogue de Bordeaux in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dogue de Bordeaux breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Dogue de Bordeaux indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Dogue de Bordeaux Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Dogue de Bordeaux be left alone? How long can you leave a Dogue de Bordeaux alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Dogue de Bordeaux Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Dogue de Bordeaux has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Dogue de Bordeaux? How much bite force does a Dogue de Bordeaux have? How strong is a Dogue de Bordeaux bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Dogue de Bordeaux bite force: The Strongest. The Dogue de Bordeaux bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Dogue de Bordeaux measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Dogue de Bordeaux dogs is impressive, and their Dogue de Bordeaux bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Dogue de Bordeaux PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Dogue de Bordeaux bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Dogue de Bordeaux bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Bordeaux Mastiff? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Dogue de Bordeaux? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Dogue de Bordeaux do?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Dogue de Bordeaux dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Dogue de Bordeaux Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Dogue de Bordeaux rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Dogue de Bordeaux breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Dogue de Bordeaux breed? Most common health risks of Dogue de Bordeaux:
Hip Dysplasia EpilepsyHeart ProblemsHyperkeratosisMothers often need a caesarean section.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Dogue de Bordeaux breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Dogue de Bordeaux see the vet?
Rare
The Dogue de Bordeaux should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs live? How old can a Dogue de Bordeaux be? What is the age limit of the Dogue de Bordeaux? How many years can the oldest Dogue de Bordeaux live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Dogue de Bordeaux?

How long is the lifespan of a Dogue de Bordeaux?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Dogue de Bordeaux: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Dogue de Bordeaux Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Dogue de Bordeaux have? What is the activity level of the Dogue de Bordeaux?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Dogue de Bordeaux need? How much exercise do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs require per day?

Do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs need a lot of exercises?

Dogue de Bordeaux dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Dogue de Bordeaux breed need?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Dogue de Bordeaux Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Dogue de Bordeaux need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Dogue de Bordeaux breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Dogue de Bordeaux? How much food should I feed my Dogue de Bordeaux?
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Dogue de Bordeaux risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dogue de Bordeaux's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Dogue de Bordeaux weight regularly.

Dogue de Bordeaux Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Dogue de Bordeaux have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Fine
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Dogue de Bordeaux coats?
Red FawnMahoganyIsabella
Grooming
How to groom the Dogue de Bordeaux and how often? How often should I take my Dogue de Bordeaux to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Dogue de Bordeaux doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Dogue de Bordeaux is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Bordeaux Mastiff? Do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs shed a lot?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Dogue de Bordeaux need a bath? How often should you give a Dogue de Bordeaux a bath? Can I bathe my Dogue de Bordeaux every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Dogue de Bordeaux breed hypoallergenic?
No
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Dogue de Bordeaux has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Dogue de Bordeaux drool?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the Dogue de Bordeaux.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Dogue de Bordeaux Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs get along with other pets? Are Dogue de Bordeaux dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Dogue de Bordeaux temperament with other people:
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Dogue de Bordeaux dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Dogue de Bordeaux temperament with children:
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Dogue de Bordeaux breed live with a cat?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Dogue de Bordeaux good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs get along with other dogs?
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Dogue de Bordeaux can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Dogue de Bordeaux breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Dogue de Bordeaux breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Dogue de Bordeaux dogs good office canines? Do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Dogue de Bordeaux is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Dogue de Bordeaux dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Bordeaux Mastiff temperament with senior people? Are Dogue de Bordeaux dogs good for elderly owners?
Dogue de Bordeauxs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Dogue de Bordeaux As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Dogue de Bordeaux be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Dogue de Bordeaux is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Dogue de Bordeaux be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Dogue de Bordeaux be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Dogue de Bordeaux is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Dogue de Bordeaux be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Dogue de Bordeaux is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Dogue de Bordeaux be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Dogue de Bordeaux be a boat dog?

Not really

Dogue de Bordeaux breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Dogue de Bordeaux be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Dogue de Bordeaux breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Dogue de Bordeaux dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Dogue de Bordeaux Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Dogue de Bordeaux pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Dogue de Bordeaux breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Dogue de Bordeaux: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Dogue de Bordeaux have in a litter? How many puppies can the Dogue de Bordeaux breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Dogue de Bordeaux have? How many puppies can a Dogue de Bordeaux give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Dogue de Bordeaux Recognition

AKC Group
Is Dogue de Bordeaux recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2008 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Is Dogue de Bordeaux recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Dogue de Bordeaux breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.North American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubAmerican Pet Registry, Inc.

Dogue de Bordeaux Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Dogue de Bordeaux doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Ability: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Child Friendly: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Dogue de Bordeauxs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dogue de Bordeaux breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Dogue de Bordeaux is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dogue de Bordeaux's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Dogue de Bordeaux is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Dogue de Bordeaux History

The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient dogs, we can find in the AKC’s registry, the breed’s true origins and ancestry go back in time so far, that it is quite impossible to trace it to the very beginning.

One origin story suggests that the Dogue de Bordeaux is, as its name suggests, a French breed, which developed and evolved over thousands of years. Another theory states that the Mastiff, the Tibetan Mastiff, the Neapolitan Mastiff, and other Greek mastiff-types are the possible ancestors of the Dogue de Bordeaux. The predominant origin tale is stating that the Dogue de Bordeaux’s ancestors were introduced to France by Julius Caesar’s conquering legions during the first century B.C. These huge Mastiff-type dogs were used by the Romans, both as ferocious gladiators, who went into the ring with other wild beasts in the arena, and also as war dogs who went to battle alongside the soldiers.

One of the first written and painted artifacts of the Dogue de Bordeaux is originated from the 14th century, from France, and these records depict the dogs performing multiple different tasks. The breed was often used to pull carts, protect people and their properties, and also guard the livestock. For centuries the breed was called the Bordeaux Mastiff, which according to many documents, came in two different size variants. The slightly smaller version was called the Doguin, which disappeared around the early 18th century, due to neglect and lack of use, leaving the slightly larger variant as the breed we know today as the Dogue de Bordeaux.

The Dogue de Bordeaux’s employment as guards abruptly ended when the French Revolution has started, for the reason that the Dogue de Bordeaux’s aristocratic owners were usually trotted off to prison and sentenced to death by guillotine. Gladly, the Dogue de Bordeaux survived the French Revolution, thanks to their good herding and guarding skills, which butchers and farmers found really helpful. During the period when the breed was mostly employed by butchers the breed was nicknamed the “Butcher’s Dog”.

As time passed, breeders started to really take the time, and plan the breeding process of the Dogue de Bordeaux, with the intention of keeping the DNA line as pure as possible. The breed standard was written up in the 1920s, but later, during the 1970s, a new standard was established, because there were minor details that changed over time. The breed was exported to the United States of America relatively late, during the 1950s. Later, during the 1980s, there were only 600 registered specimens in the whole country.

Then, when the well-known blockbuster movie, casting Tom Hanks, called Turner and Hooch came to the theatres, the interest after the breed had skyrocketed all across the world. In the movie, Tom Hanks plays a police detective assisted by his adorable, always drooling, and stubborn Dogue de Bordeaux. In spite of the breed’s long and extensive history, the UKC (United Kennel Club) only recognized the Dogue de Bordeaux in 1997, when they were widespread, and the demand after the breed was huge. Later, in 2008 the AKC (American Kennel Club) also recognized the breed finally, and today it ranks 68th among all the breeds. The steady popularity is not a surprise at all, thanks to Dogue de Bordeaux’s good personality, loyal and loving behavior.

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Dogue de Bordeaux Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Do you even have a dog

    Nov 25, 2023, 3:14:19 PM:

    Based on your description and review of this breed, I would venture to say you have never spent real time with one.

  • Yati

    Aug 19, 2020, 8:50:16 AM: