Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff is one of the most ancient french breeds of dog. Bordeaux have a strong, muscular and powerful body while keeping a calm, protective temperament. The breed has had such roles as farm work, hunting, guarding herds, and even early military.

The Dogue de Bordeaux hails from France, known to be present from as early as the fourteenth century. Depending on the area of France, and the type of job they would be completing, the breed would be called one of three standard names. The Parisian, Toulouse, or The Bordeaux.

There were many setbacks in the breed's history. During the war, Adolf Hitler ordered all Dogue de Bordeaux to be killed on sight because of their devotion to family and their guarding capabilities. This almost brought the breed to complete extinction. Only seven breeding pairs were left after World War II.

The breed is patient, extremely loyal and devoted to his family, while being fearless and confrontational with strangers. The Bordeaux is a strong guard and watch dog.

This ancient French mastiff breed first came to the attention in North American when it starred in the  movie "Turner and Hooch".

      

    

The male Bordeaux can weigh over 120 pounds and up to 150 pounds  while the females can weigh over 100 pounds and up to 135 pounds. The breed usually has a height between 23 and 30 inches or 58 to 78 centimetres.

The Bordeaux size mainly comes from its width, and large muscles. It is very thick-set and low to the ground. The most noticeable feature of the Dogue de Bordeaux is it's overly large head, in proportion to the rest of its body.

The teeth meet in an underbite while the upper lips hang thickly down over the lower jaw. The thick skin on the neck is loose, creating a noticeable skin feature.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is known by its attractive colouring that may be mahogany (red-brown), yellow-brown or golden. The coat is short and smooth and requires little grooming.

The average lifespan of the Bordeaux breed is around 10 to 12 years.