Dogue de Bordeaux breed guide

Dogues de Bordeaux of proper temperament are sweet and sensitive souls, famously loyal, affectionate and protective. They can move like lions when duty calls despite a stocky body close to the ground.

AKC calls socialization and early obedience training absolute musts. The breed is sensitive and requires trust, so a rough trainer or heavy-handed approach should be avoided and ownership is not for the timid.

The Dogue de Bordeaux lives 5 to 8 years. Bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus, is a serious concern and owners should learn the signs.

Heart disease, cancer, orthopedic issues in the hips and elbows and epilepsy are also concerns and responsible breeders screen for them.

The breed is well known for how much it drools and the wrinkles on the face need special attention at least weekly, sometimes daily, to stay clean and dry. The ears need cleaning and a debris check at least weekly and nails need trimming monthly.

To avoid strain on developing bones and joints, a young Dogue de Bordeaux should stick to low-impact exercise until at least 18 months, with no running up and down stairs or jumping off surfaces higher than its back. Swimming is an excellent exercise at any age.

The Dogue's history stretches so far back that pinpointing its origin is impossible. One theory calls it an indigenous French breed developed over thousands of years and others name the Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff and Greek mastiff types as close ancestors.

A prevailing tale says Julius Caesar's conquering legions brought the Dogue's immense mastiff-type ancestors to Gaul in the first century B.C. for use as war dogs among other jobs.