Dogue De Bordeaux Breed Information & Insights

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is one of the oldest French dog breeds with a history dating back to at least the 14th century, if not earlier. These dogs were traditionally used for a wide variety of purposes such as hunting large game, herding livestock, protecting homes, and even fighting in wars or in the arena. The life expectancy of a Dogue de Bordeaux is relatively short compared to other breeds, typically ranging between 5 to 8 years. This shorter lifespan is due in part to the breed's size, as larger dog breeds generally have shorter lifespans than smaller ones. They were likely bred with local dogs in Bordeaux, France, resulting in their distinctive appearance. The breed has a relatively low genetic diversity due to historical population bottlenecks and selective breeding, which can lead to inherited health conditions.

Main Info

Origin: Unknown, possibley Europe
Lineage: Mastiff and Bull-Type Lineage
Alternate Names: Mastiff of Bordeaux, French Mastiff, Dogue
Life Expectancy: 5-8 years
Average Male Height: 23-27 inches
Average Female Height: 23-26 inches
Average Male Weight: 110 pounds and up
Average Female Weight: 90 pounds and up
Coat Length: Short
Coat Type: Smooth
Coat Colors: Fawn, Mahogany, Red, Isabella
Coat Pattern: Brown Mask, Black Mask, Black Mask with White Markings, White Patches

Genetic Predispositions and Health

The Dogue de Bourdeaux is a brachycephalic breed that can suffer from breathing problems, as well as degenerative myelopathy and progressive rod-cone degeneration. This breed is also at risk for heart disease, cancer, canine multifocal retinopathy, and the skin disorder pachyonychia congenita.

Personality and Behavior

Dogue de Bordeaux is known for being a calm, patient breed that forms strong bonds with their family. They are protective yet gentle, especially with children. Despite their imposing appearance, they are known to be good-natured and extremely loyal. However, they can be wary of strangers and may require socialization from a young age. Their large size and energetic nature mean they are better suited to homes with a yard or large living spaces.

Mastiff and Bull-Type Lineage

A canine genetic lineage is a group of individuals or entire breeds that descended from common ancestors predating modern breed formation. Often these lineages are associated with a ‘type’ of dog with a unique historical working role and associated behaviors (e.g., herding, scent hunting, etc.).

Mastiff and bull-type breeds have strong, muscular builds. Both mastiff and bull-type breeds are protective and loyal, which are essential traits for this breed as guardian dogs and as companions. Although they appear imposing, many of these breeds are known for their gentleness and affection towards their families. They are a great example of loyal guardian dogs.

Example breeds with ancestry from this lineage include French Bulldog, St. Bernard, and Bullmastiff.

Fun Facts

According to the AKC, the Dogue de Bordeaux is the most ancient of French dog breeds, and has been in existence even before the country of France was formed.

France was formerly known as Gaul. Some believe that the Dogue's ancestors were introduced into Gaul by Julius Caesar's Roman legions in the first century B.C.

The first Dogue de Bordeaux was imported to the United States around the 1980s.

References

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dogue-de-bordeaux/

https://www.lyonhillsbordeaux.com/

https://www.ukcdogs.com/dogue-de-bordeaux

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/dogue-de-bordeaux

https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/116g02-en.pdf

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