דוג דה בורדו

The French Mastiff

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed with a rich history dating back several centuries. Originating in France, the breed has served various roles throughout its history. 

Today, the Dogue de Bordeaux is primarily kept as a family companion and guardian. Its calm and affectionate temperament makes it a loyal and loving companion. The breed's imposing size and protective instincts continue to make it an excellent guardian and protector of its family and property.

History & Origin
The Dogue de Bordeaux is believed to have ancient origins, with evidence of similar types of dogs existing as far back as ancient Rome. These dogs were likely used in various capacities, including as war dogs, guardians, and hunters. The breed's ancestors were likely brought to the region that is now modern-day France by the Romans.

The breed gained prominence in the Bordeaux region of France, where it was primarily used as a guardian and protector of homes, livestock, and vineyards. These dogs were valued for their strength, courage, and protective instincts. They were often tasked with guarding property and defending against intruders, making them highly regarded as formidable protectors.

In addition to their role as guardians, the Dogue de Bordeaux was also used as a working dog in various tasks. They were employed in pulling carts, transporting heavy loads, and even assisting in hunting boars. Their muscular build and endurance made them well-suited for such tasks.

The breed faced a decline in numbers and suffered during times of war and social upheaval. By the 19th century, the Dogue de Bordeaux was on the verge of extinction. However, dedicated breed enthusiasts worked to revive the breed. Efforts were made to preserve the breed's characteristics and rebuild its population.

In the early 20th century, the Dogue de Bordeaux began gaining recognition. The first breed club, the "Société des Amis du Dogue de Bordeaux," was established in France in 1923. The breed was officially recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1926. The breed standard, which describes the desired physical and temperamental traits of the Dogue de Bordeaux, was established, ensuring the breed's preservation and consistency.

The Dogue de Bordeaux gradually gained international recognition and popularity. It was recognized by various kennel clubs worldwide, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2008. The breed's distinctive appearance and gentle nature have appealed to dog lovers worldwide.

The Dogue de Bordeaux's history is a testament to its versatility, strength, and protective nature. From its early days as a guardian and working dog to its current role as a cherished family companion, the breed has left a lasting mark on canine history. Through the efforts of dedicated breed enthusiasts, the Dogue de Bordeaux has been preserved and continues to thrive as a remarkable breed cherished by many.

General Structure & Appearance
The Dogue de Bordeaux also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, is a large and robust breed with a powerful and imposing structure possesses a powerful and well-proportioned structure that reflects its history as a guardian and protector. Its large size, broad chest, and distinctive head contribute to its formidable presence. The breed's strong and muscular build showcases its strength and endurance, while its gentle expression and loose skin add to its unique charm.

Size: The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large breed, known for its substantial size and weight. Males typically stand between 60-68 cm at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 58-66 cm. In terms of weight, males usually weigh between 50-66 kg, while females weigh around 45-54 kg.

Body: The Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong, well-muscled, and balanced body. The breed features a deep, broad chest that provides ample room for lung capacity. The back is broad and powerful, with a level topline that runs smoothly from the withers to the croup. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a compact and solid build, giving it a sturdy and formidable appearance.

Head: The breed's head is one of its most distinctive features. It is large, square, and expressive, with wrinkled skin and loose folds on the face. The skull is wide and flat, with well-developed muscles. The pronounced stop, where the forehead meets the muzzle, is noticeable. The muzzle is short, broad, and thick, with a square shape. The nose is typically large and wide, with well opened nostrils.

Eyes: The Dogue de Bordeaux has medium-sized, round, and widely set eyes. The eye color can range from shades of hazel to dark brown. The expression is typically calm, gentle, and soulful.

Ears: The Dogue de Bordeaux has relatively small, pendulous ears that are set high on the head. The ears are thin, and soft, and usually fall close to the cheeks. Traditionally, the ears were cropped, but nowadays, natural, uncropped ears are more common.

Coat: The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short and fine coat that lies close to the body. The skin is thick and loose, forming wrinkles and folds, particularly around the face and neck. The coat color can vary and includes shades of fawn, mahogany, or red, often with a darker mask on the face.

Tail: The Dogue de Bordeaux has a thick and strong tail that is set high on the body. It is usually carried low and hangs down naturally. The tail tapers towards the end and reaches at least the hocks.

Uses By Humans
In modern times, the Dogue de Bordeaux is primarily kept as a loyal and devoted family companion. Its protective instincts, gentle nature, and affectionate disposition make it an ideal choice for families seeking a loving and reliable guardian. While the breed's historical usage may vary, the Dogue de Bordeaux's qualities continue to make it a versatile and valued member of the canine community.

• Guardian and Protector: The Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its natural guarding instincts and protective nature. Throughout history, they have been used as guardians and protectors of homes, estates, and properties. Their imposing size, strength, and courage make them effective deterrents against intruders and potential threats. The breed's protective nature, loyalty, and vigilance make them highly regarded as family guardians.
  
  
• Working Dog:  The Dogue de Bordeaux has a history of serving as a working dog in various capacities. They have been employed in tasks such as pulling carts and wagons, hauling heavy loads, and even participating in activities like draft work. Their strong and muscular build, along with their endurance and determination, make them well-suited for such physical tasks.
  
  
• Livestock Guardian: Although not as commonly associated with this role as some other breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux has been utilized as a livestock guardian in some instances. Their protective nature and territorial instincts make them capable of defending livestock from predators, such as wolves or coyotes. Their presence alone can act as a deterrent, helping to keep the herd safe.
  
  
• Therapy and Service Work: The Dogue de Bordeaux's gentle and affectionate nature, combined with its calm disposition, makes it well-suited for therapy and service work. They can provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to individuals in need. In some cases, they are trained as service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities or medical conditions.
  
  
• Show and Exhibition: The Dogue de Bordeaux's distinct appearance and unique characteristics have made it a popular breed in dog shows and exhibitions. These events assess the breed's conformation, adherence to breed standards, and overall appearance. Participating in shows helps promote the breed, recognize outstanding examples of the breed, and educate the public about its characteristics and history.

Trainability
It is important to note that individual personalities and temperaments can vary within the breed. Some Dogue de Bordeaux dogs may be more responsive to training and have a greater desire to please, while others may exhibit a stronger independent streak. Early and consistent training, along with positive reinforcement techniques, can help bring out the best in their trainability and ensure a well-behaved and obedient companion. Seeking the guidance of a professional dog trainer experienced with large and independent breeds can also be beneficial.

• Independent Nature: The Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong sense of independence and can be somewhat stubborn. They are not always driven by a desire to please their owners, which can affect their motivation and responsiveness during training sessions. This independent nature means that they may require consistent and patient training methods.
  
  
• Gentle and Positive Approach: The Dogue de Bordeaux responds best to gentle and positive training techniques. They are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to harsh or forceful training methods. Using positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and rewards, can help motivate them and maintain their focus during training. Harsh training methods can lead to resistance and potentially damage the trust between the dog and owner.
  
  
• Early Socialization: Early and extensive socialization is crucial for the Dogue de Bordeaux. Exposing them to a wide variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age helps them develop confidence, reduces the likelihood of fear or aggression issues, and promotes better overall obedience. Socialization should continue throughout their lives to ensure they remain comfortable and well-behaved in different situations.
  
  
• Consistency and Clear Expectations: The Dogue de Bordeaux responds well to consistency in training. Establishing clear rules, boundaries, and expectations from the beginning is important. They thrive in an environment with a predictable routine and consistent training methods. Consistency in commands, cues, and expectations will help the Dogue de Bordeaux understand what is expected of them and reinforce the desired behaviors.
  
  
• Obedience Training: Basic obedience training is essential for the Dogue de Bordeaux. Teaching them basic commands, such as sit, stay, come, and leash walking, helps establish a foundation of good behavior and control. These dogs can be strong, so early leash training and teaching proper walking manners are crucial for their safety and the safety of others.
  
  
• Patience and Time: The Dogue de Bordeaux may take longer to learn and retain commands compared to some other breeds. Patience and persistence are key when training them. Training sessions should be kept short, engaging, and positive to maintain their interest and prevent boredom.