Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux — the French Mastiff — is a French molosser with a massive, deeply wrinkled head, one of the largest in proportion to the body of any breed.

History

It is an old French breed used for guarding, draft work and, in a crueller past, baiting, taking its name from the city of Bordeaux. It came to wider notice abroad late, and its powerful build and brooding expression are its hallmarks.

Temperament

The breed is known for being loyal, calm and deeply devoted, a steady guardian that is affectionate with its family and wary of strangers. It carries a stubborn streak and needs confident, patient handling.

Care and training

It needs moderate exercise and early, consistent, reward-based training suited to a strong dog. The short coat is easy, but the wrinkles need cleaning, the breed drools, and the flat-ish face makes heat a hazard.

Health

Known tendencies include breathing trouble from the short face, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions and bloat, and the breed has one of the shortest lifespans of any dog. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for the individual dog and its vet; the measured facts are in the panel.