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Dogue de Bordeaux

You can find the contact details for specific breed societies local to you by going to the Your Territory area.

You may want to post any specific questions that you have about this breed in our Pet Talk area to ask people with first hand experience.

General
OtherNames		French Mastiff, Bordeaux
Dog Group Kennel Club		Working
Breed Classification		The Dogue de Bordeaux is a member of the working group. They were originally used as guard dogs and for hunting game, today it is used as a watchdog and family pet.
Cost of Ownership Visit our dog food department
Average Food Cost		£7.50-10
Feeding Requirements		On average they cost about £10 per week to feed adequately.
Other Expenses		The price of a puppy can vary considerably due to their rarity. On average, expect to pay between £800 to £1250.
Average Puppy Price		>£800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size		10
General Physical Description		This dog has a large, broad, round head with lots of wrinkles. They have a strong muscular neck and body with a deep broad chest. The coat is short and quite soft to the touch.
Height Min Max Bitch 58cm 66cm Dog 60cm 70cm Weight Min Max Bitch 45kg 50kg Dog 50kg 68kg
Size Category		Giant
Weight Height Range		Dogs measure 60-70cms at the withers and weigh between 50-68.2kgs, the average being nearer the heavier end. Bitches measure 58-66cms at the withers and weigh between 45-50kgs, again being nearer the heavier end on average.
Ailments		Being big, heavy dogs, hip dysplasia is known in the breed and is screened for.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness Pet insurance for dogs resource Pet health and vet advice		Low
Other
History		The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient breed of France, thought to be a direct descendent of the Molossus of Rome. They were used on the French estates in the 12th century as hunters. They hunted pigs, boar, wolves and bears. During the middle ages they were used to drive cattle. They were even used in wars and to guard the flocks. Also they have been known to be used for sports such as animal baiting and dog fighting. The breed declined in its popularity during the 20th century but today seems to rising in its numbers.
Intelligence		These dogs need to be trained in a consistent and calm manner. They are quite intelligent, love to please and can become very attached to their owner.
Show Characteristics		The Kennel Club has set an interim standard, which has been adapted from the original French standard
Country Of Origin		France
Famous Examples		Hooch from the film starring Tom Hanks, called 'Turner and Hooch'.
Records Held
Characteristics Visit our dog training aids department
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		60 - 80 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone
Personal Protection		Medium
Suitability As Guard Dog		High
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Low
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		Medium
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		The Bordeaux is a dog that bonds closely with its family. They are not suited to homes where they will be left alone for long periods of time, as they associate this separation as a punishment. They will protect their family and territory if threatened. They are very good with children and will will accept other household pets if introduced to them when young.
Grooming Visit our dog grooming department
Coat Length
Grooming Requirement		Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		Grooming is relatively easy. A rubber grooming mitt over the short coat once a week, to remove any loose or dead hair is all that is needed. The skin folds on the face should be cleaned regularly to stop any skin infections from starting.
Colour		The can be mahogany, golden, fawn or red/brown, some may have limited white markings.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies