Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, with a history that is believed to predate the formation of France itself. Its ancestors were likely Molosser-type dogs brought to Gaul by Roman legions. For centuries, these powerful dogs were found throughout France, particularly in the Bordeaux region in the southwest, where they were highly valued for their versatility and courage. They were employed in a variety of demanding roles: hunting large game such as wild boar, bears, and wolves; fighting in arenas against bulls and other animals; guarding castles, estates, and livestock; and even serving as butcher’s dogs, helping to control cattle.

The breed faced significant challenges throughout its history, nearly becoming extinct after the French Revolution due to its association with the aristocracy, and again during the World Wars. Different regional types existed, but the modern Dogue de Bordeaux was standardized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dedicated breeders worked to preserve its unique characteristics. The breed gained international fame after appearing alongside Tom Hanks in the 1989 movie “Turner & Hooch,” though Hooch was technically a Dogue de Bordeaux, his character traits were often more exaggerated for comedic effect. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Dogue de Bordeaux in 2008.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is renowned for its unwavering loyalty, courage, and deep affection for its family. Despite their formidable appearance, they are typically calm and gentle in the home, often forming very strong bonds with their people, including children with whom they are raised. They thrive on human companionship and want to be an integral part of the family. However, their primary instinct is to protect their loved ones and territory. They are vigilant and fearless, making them excellent natural guardians who will not hesitate to defend their home if they perceive a threat.

This breed is powerful and can be strong-willed, requiring a confident, experienced owner who can provide firm, fair, and consistent leadership. Dogue de Bordeaux are typically reserved and can be wary of strangers, making early and extensive socialization absolutely crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted and can differentiate between welcome guests and genuine threats. They are not typically aggressive without cause but their size and strength demand responsible ownership and training. They are intelligent but not always driven by a desire to please in the same way as some other breeds, sometimes exhibiting a stubborn streak.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, fine, and surprisingly soft coat that is relatively easy to groom in terms of brushing. They are considered moderate shedders. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a soft bristle brush will help remove loose dead hair and keep their coat looking healthy and sleek.

A critical aspect of grooming a Dogue de Bordeaux is **wrinkle care**. The deep wrinkles on their massive head and face must be cleaned regularly (daily or every other day) with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe and then thoroughly dried to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to skin fold dermatitis, yeast infections, and irritation. They are also known for drooling significantly, so keeping a “slobber cloth” handy is advisable. Baths are needed only occasionally. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning (as their ears can trap some moisture), and diligent dental care are also essential grooming tasks.

Dogue de Bordeaux have moderate exercise needs. While they are powerful and muscular, they are not high-energy endurance athletes. Several short to moderate daily walks are typically sufficient to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They enjoy leisurely strolls where they can explore their surroundings.

It’s important not to over-exercise them, especially during puppyhood when their bones and joints are still developing. Due to their brachycephalic (shorter-muzzled, though less extreme than some) features and heavy build, care must be taken to prevent overheating, particularly in hot or humid weather. Exercise should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day. They are generally calm indoors but appreciate having a securely fenced yard to roam in. While they enjoy some playtime, high-impact activities or prolonged, strenuous exercise are not typically suitable for this breed.

The Dogue de Bordeaux, like many large and giant breeds, is unfortunately prone to a number of health problems and has a relatively short lifespan. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock extensively. Potential health concerns include:

• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): This is a major, life-threatening concern for deep-chested breeds like the Dogue de Bordeaux.
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Common in large breeds, involving malformation of these joints.
• Heart Conditions: Such as aortic stenosis or dilated cardiomyopathy.
• Cancer: Various forms of cancer, including lymphoma and osteosarcoma, are a concern.
• Skin Fold Dermatitis and Allergies: Due to their wrinkles and sometimes sensitive skin.
• Eye Problems: Including entropion (inward rolling eyelids) and ectropion (outward rolling eyelids).
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.

Choosing a reputable breeder who performs comprehensive health screenings (hips, elbows, heart, eyes, etc.) on their breeding dogs is absolutely crucial. Regular veterinary care, careful weight management, awareness of the signs of bloat, and diligent wrinkle care are vital for a Dogue de Bordeaux’s well-being.

Training a Dogue de Bordeaux requires a confident, experienced, and patient owner who can establish themselves as a clear and benevolent leader. They are intelligent but can also be very strong-willed and stubborn. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, but they must be balanced with firm, fair, and consistent rules and boundaries.

Key aspects of training a Dogue de Bordeaux include:

• Early and Extensive Socialization: This is non-negotiable. Expose your Dogue puppy to a vast array of people, sights, sounds, and other well-behaved animals from a very young age and continue this throughout their life. This is crucial for managing their natural guarding instincts and wariness of strangers.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and affection to reward desired behaviors. Harsh methods will be counterproductive and can damage their trust.
• Establish Leadership Calmly and Confidently: They need to respect their owner. This is achieved through consistency and fairness, not intimidation.
• Obedience Training: Start early with basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, and especially leash training. A full-grown Dogue de Bordeaux that pulls on the leash is unmanageable.

Puppy socialization classes and ongoing obedience training with a trainer experienced with large, powerful guardian breeds are highly recommended. The Dogue de Bordeaux is not a breed for a novice or timid dog owner.