Characteristics of dogs of the Bordeaux dog breed with reviews and photos. Dogue de Bordeaux: photos, characteristics and standards of the breed, reviews of owners Bordeaux Terrier


Advantages and disadvantages

  • Balanced character
  • Excellent protective qualities
  • Loyalty to the owner and his family
  • The need for serious training, training
  • eats a lot

Description of the breed

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large, massive dog with well-developed muscles and a squat, strong body. These animals give the impression of brute strength, comparable only to a bull. Their broad body stands confidently on their feet, and their stocky figure instills fear in any intruder. But at the same time, the dogs are surprisingly calm. Their self-confidence is unshakable - in dealing with a man, the Great Dane behaves emphatically intelligently.

If you decide to have such a pet, you should prepare for some features of the Dogue de Bordeaux breed. First of all, big dogs eat a lot. They need a full-fledged premium or extra premium food, or one and a half to two kilograms of natural food per day. The second problem that you need to be prepared for is difficult relationships with other dogs. No, he will not be drawn into a petty squabble, he will not prove his superiority with loud barking or unreasonable aggression. But if a dog equal to him begins to show strength, the Bordeaux will respond quickly and ruthlessly. It is not uncommon for a single bite of such a dog to leave another animal disabled. To prevent this from happening, such pets need early socialization, directed training and education.

Dogue de Bordeaux breed standard

According to the breed standard, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a large, squat, stocky dog, full of courage and courage. These pets are real heroes: their height can reach 70 cm, and weight - 50 kg.

An interesting feature of the physique of these dogs is their disproportion. But it does not spoil the animal at all, on the contrary, it gives it an even more solid and confident look.

These dogs are shorthaired. The coat of the Dogue de Bordeaux is very thick, most often red in color. All shades involving red are allowed, as well as small white spots on the chest and fingers.

There may be a "mask" of a dark shade.

"Dogues de Bordeaux", as they are also called, are distinguished by a powerful head on a short muscular neck. The muzzle is covered with folds of skin that hang down on both sides. The ears are close to the head, hanging.

The nature and characteristics of the Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux breed, also called the French Mastiff, is a born guard. This seemingly lazy mountain of muscles, imposingly lying in the sun, at the slightest danger to the owners, turns into a lightning-fast machine that sweeps away everything in its path. These pets have a very developed reaction, which allows you to quickly make important decisions to save a person in an unforeseen situation.

They don't like to bark. Apparently, their confidence in the strength is so great that additional confirmation is simply not required. The voice of the dog is used only in situations where you need to notify the owner of some kind of incident.

Representatives of this breed are highly human-oriented. If you decide to get such a dog, remember - you can’t leave it for a long time. Dogs are quickly offended and very bored.

In relation to children, the Bordeaux dogs are loyal. However, their bulk can become a serious problem if the dog accidentally pushes or steps on the child.

Even representatives of the breed very subtly feel the mood of the owner, they can sit side by side for a long time and peer into the eyes. In general, despite the menacing size and appearance, the French Mastiff is not so scary.

These dogs are classified as short-haired, so caring for the Dogue de Bordeaux comes down to the right diet and sufficient activity for a walk. However, his coat sheds a lot, and if you do not want to collect small hairs throughout the house, the pet should be combed with a special mitten for short-haired dogs. So you will collect the fallen hairs and make it even more beautiful.

The large size of the dog can become a problem in a small apartment - block the entrance to the room, or inadvertently occupy the corridor. However, it does not require a lot of space and can easily be in the conditions of urban small-sized, if you provide a sufficient duration of walks.

The main responsibility of the owner is the strict training of the Dogue de Bordeaux. An ill-mannered giant can become dangerous.

Feeding the Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux should be fed twice a day. They are prone to overeating, which, combined with a rather phlegmatic temperament, can lead to obesity. To prevent this, determine the optimal amount of food, and stick to the right diet. On average, a large dog eats at least 1.5-2 kg of food per day.

A third of the serving should be protein food (meat). You can also give buckwheat, rice, hercules, vegetables and some fruit. It is categorically not recommended to replace meat with a tripe, because. not enough in the rumen useful substances for complete nutrition adult dog. But its presence in the diet is desirable.

Dogue de Bordeaux puppies

Dogue de Bordeaux puppies mature quite late, like many dogs. The body completes its full development only by 2-3 years. But, despite such a slow growing up, it is necessary to teach the dog the rules of behavior from early childhood.

Before you bring a little dog into the house, decide on a place where he will sleep. Prepare in advance the bed, bowls, toys and all the items necessary for the baby.

Raising a big dog is hard work. It is important to remember that it is necessary not only to properly educate the dog, but also to carefully plan its diet. Overfeeding a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy is very dangerous - the load on the fragile musculoskeletal system increases, which in turn leads to curvature of the paws.

Make sure that the puppy does not jump off the hills. Do not play with him on rough terrain - it threatens with elbow bruises.

If the puppy is not vaccinated, you cannot go outside with him - a weak immune system will not be able to fight diseases. It is especially important not to go along with the dog, gently but persistently showing her what to do and what not to do. Dogue de Bordeaux is very touchy, and if you let them do something once and then forbid it, they will remember it for a long time.

Dogue de Bordeaux training

Training is the most important thing for large dogs. Such huge pets as the Dogue de Bordeaux require thorough training. Concessions are not allowed. If you want to raise a safe, intelligent and obedient pet, you need to give him enough time every day.

Dogs are easy to train. Their high intelligence makes it easy to memorize commands and demonstrate amazing quick wits.

Never punish your pet too harshly. The nature of representatives of this breed can be very stubborn, and if he does not want to do something, you will not be able to force him. It is very important to achieve conscious obedience, which is laid down from puppyhood. Only consistent, strict, but non-violent training, together with great patience and love for the dog, can make him an ideal companion and reliable protector.

The Dogue de Bordeaux (previously spelled "Bordeaux"), also called the French or Bordeaux Mastiff, is a breed that is distinguished by its special masculinity, calm loving character and excellent protective qualities. There is an opinion that beauty is a harmonious functionality: then this peculiar dog is certainly beautiful. Let's get to know this impressive athlete better.

The history of the origin of the breed

Dogue de Bordeaux - French breed. However, the roots of its origin, as well as the origins of civilization, lead from ancient Asia Minor.

Molossian ancestors

On the territory of modern Albania in ancient times there was a developed power called Epirus. The dynasty of its rulers - Molossians gave the world the mother of Alexander the Great, Olympia. When she married, she brought with her the pride of the rulers of Epirus - puppies of especially large dogs, which were a coveted gift or purchase for many ancient rulers.

This is interesting! When selling rare dogs, breeders limited themselves to males in order to maintain their exclusive breeding monopoly.

Together with the army of Alexander the Great, Molossian dogs spread throughout the territory of modern Europe. The Romans found such dogs in the British Isles. It was these "giants with huge mouths", as Roman historians wrote, that became the ancestors of modern ones. The term "molossoid" in dog breeding refers to all breeds of dogs with folds in the skin and wide powerful jaws, such as their brightest representative - the Dogue de Bordeaux.

Why "mastiff"

Another variant of the name of the breed is the French Mastiff. "French" characterizes the place of origin, but what does "mastiff" mean? There are 2 versions explaining the use of this word:

  • "mastinus" in Latin means "tamed";
  • a fusion of the Celtic words "mas" - dwelling and "tuin" - to protect.

Both options are equally plausible.

How Bordeaux appeared

For the first time, a separate breed of these dogs was recognized in the second half of the 19th century. In the south of France, strong dogs were used to guard and hunt large animals, and also as a draft force for carts with meat, they were called “butcher dogs”. In 1860, the breed was given the name given by the main city where they were bred - Bordeaux. In 1887, two outstanding representatives of the French mastiffs delighted the judges at the Paris Dog Show in the Botanical Garden.

The dog named Magent won, whose owner Redige has since been proud of the gold medal. After this exhibition, the Dogue de Bordeaux is officially taken into account in cynological standards. The breed was brought to the territory of our country at the beginning of the 20th century, but for a long time it was not widely used by breeders. Dogue de Bordeaux from the cinema - The representative of this breed is known to the general public as main character movie "Turner and Hutch" - four-legged partner of Tom Hanks.

Description of the Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very large dog. You can’t confuse him with another breed - the appearance is too characteristic.

Body type the dog is not quite typical, but harmonious and functional: a strongly built muscular body, somewhat squat, covered with thick folds of skin, the same folded voluminous head on a wide short neck.

Neck muscular smoothly flows into massive shoulders. On the chest there is a loose fold of skin starting from the throat.

Muzzle strikes with a meaningful expression: they often say about the mastiff that he has “human eyes”. Maybe you can’t call him a written handsome man, but he undoubtedly has his own charm:

  • brown clear eyes can be of a different shade;
  • bent hanging, but at the same time strong ears of a triangular shape;
  • somewhat concave profile;
  • smart forehead rising above the muzzle;
  • thick sagging wings - upper lips;
  • large nose with pronounced wide nostrils.

This is interesting! The folds on the skin of the muzzle are symmetrical, they change their position depending on the mood of the dog.

Paws those of the Bordeaux are strong, they may seem a bit short: the dog owes them its squatness. The fingers in the wide pastern are compressed, the pads are clearly visible. The bend of the legs is slightly inclined inward. Both pairs of limbs are strictly vertical. The hind legs are slightly larger than the front.

Tail straight, strong, set low. When it hangs still, the tip reaches the flexor joint of the hind limbs.

Wool dogs of this breed are very short, slightly velvety to the touch. Nature gave the French mastiffs a color in all shades of red - from fawn to thick brick. The tone is uniform throughout the body, only the muzzle can be a little darker. What shade of the mask, this will be the pad of the dog's nose.

breed standards

At the turn of the century, the first breed standard for the Dogue de Bordeaux was created - it was published in his journal "Breeder" by veterinarian Pierre Megnin. A decade later, the standard was supplemented by professor of anatomy Kunstler in the book Critical Studies of the Dogue de Bordeaux. Almost in this form, the description of this breed is relevant today. The third breed standard was clarified in 1971 by Raymond Reike, it was revised twice according to the requirements of the federation of cynologists. The latest valid version of the standard is 1995.

Important! The definition of the standard is of key importance for dogs intended for breeding and participation in exhibitions. just for pet exterior flaws are not so significant. But health parameters are important in any case.

The main provisions of the breed standard include the parameters of the dog in a positive way (which should be mandatory) and in a negative way (which should absolutely not be). Negative manifestations are also called breed defects, we will talk about them below.

Three types of dog conformation

Focusing on the breed standard, you need to take into account the purpose of its definition. Based on this, it is customary to distinguish three approaches to assessing the external parameters of a dog:

  • show standard- maximum compliance with the requirements of the breed, it is these dogs that claim the championship title at exhibitions and the right to produce elite offspring;
  • breed standard- slight deviations from the requirements are allowed, acceptable in order to let the dog into breeding;
  • pet standard- a dog can become an excellent pet, but will not make a career at exhibitions due to deviations from the requirements of the exterior.

Basic breed standards for Dogue de Bordeaux

  • Adult dog weight significant, approaching the weight of an adult - from 45 kg in medium-sized females to 90 kg in the most powerful males.
  • Height at the withers- from 58 to 68 cm.
  • Color- exclusively red tones.
  • Appearance- as close as possible to the description of the breed given above.

Important nuances

  • strongly developed muscles of the cheekbones;
  • wide-set oval eyes, between which one more eye of the same size could fit;
  • ears adjacent to the cheeks, the rear edge of which falls to the level of the eyes;
  • clearly marked withers;
  • powerful loin with visible somewhat recessed sides;
  • chest circumference 25-35 cm more than the height of the dog at the withers;
  • the tail, when emotionally aroused, rises parallel to the back or slightly higher.

dog character

The features of the appearance of the Bordeaux provide him with the ideal performance of the functions of protection and protection, and for this the dog does not even have to do anything. The dog looks dangerous and ferocious, and coupled with its large size, it intimidates a possible enemy with its very appearance. At the same time, the paradox lies in the fact that the real essence of the Dogue de Bordeaux is completely opposite to its menacing appearance. At heart, this athlete is calm, good-natured and exceptionally devoted to his master. He does not lose his temper easily and rarely shows real aggressiveness.

The intimidating appearance of these animals has given them an undeserved reputation as cruel and wild creatures. It is completely unfair that the French say about evil people that they have "the character of the Dogue de Bordeaux." Sociability makes the dog convenient for protection: he will not bark at anyone, initially trusting people, but with obvious bad intentions, he will turn on the duty ferocity mode.

The attitude towards the weak is due to the ancient occupations of the Bordeaux ancestor - the shepherd. He will not touch a smaller pet, even tends to protect "his" four-legged acquaintances. And he, unlike other breeds, not only tolerates children, but sincerely and tenderly loves, receiving undoubted joy from communicating with them. But with those who are larger and stronger, the Dogue de Bordeaux should not be reduced, otherwise he may remember his other hypostasis - fighting. It is important that these dogs never attacked people, on the contrary, it was the man who forced them to fight with other animals.

Smart but lazy: Bordos have high intelligence but low energy. They do not like to run and jump, preferring a quiet location next to the owner. Requires attention. This dog needs to be taken care of. An unsocialized Dogue de Bordeaux in childhood can become unmanageable. This strong dog, in turn, needs a master - an undeniable leader. With an unfair attitude and loud, sharp shouts, the dog may be offended, remembering and maintaining distrust for a long time.

How long does a Bordeaux dog live?

The most serious drawback of the Dogue de Bordeaux breed is its relatively short life expectancy. Unfortunately, these powerful athletes live only 7-8 years, with good care - up to 12 years.

This dog is perfect for keeping in an apartment or a private house.. Bordeaux do not like long walks, their favorite place is next to the owner. Get ready to share your favorite chair or sofa with your pet. Most of the time, a fed and walked dog will sleep peacefully there. A hard floor, especially a cold one, is not the best surface for a mastiff, whose weak point is the joints.

They do not tolerate long loneliness, so they should not be started by people who are always busy at work. French mastiffs cannot live outside, except in the summer. Their short coat will not keep them warm in cold weather.

Important! In no case should the Dogue de Bordeaux be put on a chain, placed in a booth or locked in an aviary - this breed needs constant communication with its family.

Bordeaux can be perfectly kept in the same house with children and other pets - an intelligent dog will get along well with them, especially if they are familiar from a tender age. If the owners are fans of absolute cleanliness, the Dogue de Bordeaux can create inconvenience for them, because, like all large dogs, they can drool.

Care and hygiene

Dogue de Bordeaux are quite unpretentious dogs in care.

  • Walks. They need to be walked twice a day, one of the walks should be long, at least 1-2 hours. Excessive physical activity is undesirable, especially in puppyhood, so as not to overload the still weak muscular and articular apparatus. These representative dogs are not very prone to running and jumping. But it is impossible to limit their mobility. It is better to lead young dogs during the period of active growth on a leash.
  • claws. If walking takes place on soft ground, and not on asphalt, the claws do not wear down, and they will have to be trimmed with a special nail cutter.
  • Hair care. The short "velor" coat does not give owners much trouble, it is easy to clean if the dog gets dirty. No exhausting combing and haircuts. It is useful from time to time to use a special rubber glove for smooth-haired dogs - it will easily remove dead hairs and skin particles, polish the velvety coat. Dogues de Bordeaux love bathing. Wash their paws after a walk, and at least once a month arrange a “bath day”.
  • Face hygiene. Since the muzzle of the Bordeaux is all in folds of skin, they need to be given Special attention. Rinse mimic wrinkles well, remove dirt and food debris from them so that undesirable phenomena in the form of irritation and inflammation do not occur.

What to feed the Dogue de Bordeaux

These large dogs eat surprisingly little food because they don't expend much energy on movement. Adult dogs eat only about 200 grams of food at a time. Do not overfeed your pet, it is even more dangerous for him than for other breeds. After all, the Bordeaux body is naturally heavy and squat, excessive weight will put an exorbitant load on the joints and internal organs. You need to feed the dog in a balanced way. You must initially make a choice - natural or, and in the future adhere to the chosen method.

Important! In no case should you mix two types of food in one feeding and change them drastically!

If the choice fell on natural products, make sure to include in the pet's diet:

  • daily meat, preferably beef (raw);
  • offal, cartilage, tendons;
  • from time to time - fish;
  • fat-free cottage cheese, milk;
  • vegetables (cabbage, pumpkin, carrots, beets), potatoes should not be given, they are not digested;
  • raw eggs;
  • cereals.

It is convenient to cook porridge with meat and vegetables for a dog. Always available must be fresh clean drinking water. Puppies in the period of active growth are recommended to give additional vitamins and supplements to strengthen the joints.

Diseases and breed defects

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a relatively healthy breed. The most common problems are mainly related to errors in the maintenance and nutrition, and not the genetic characteristics of such dogs.

Disease Prevention for Dogue de Bordeaux

In order for the dog to live long and in good health, certain predispositions of Bordeaux to certain types of diseases should be taken into account.

  1. Respiratory problems. Such features are due to the anatomical structure of the French mastiffs, in particular, a short neck. Shortness of breath is a frequent companion of these large dogs. Try to provide your pet with clean and Fresh air cool is better. Do not walk for a long time on hot days, avoid overheating.
  2. - This is a common problem for large and massive dogs.
  3. predisposition to certain forms of cancer.
  4. Difficult childbirth - associated with the large size of the heads of even newborn puppies.

breed defects

Conformal deficiencies that reduce the breeding value of the Dogue de Bordeaux relate to various aspects of its appearance.

Important! Defects apply only to appearance, and not to the health of the dog, they will not prevent him from being a beloved animal and living a long and happy life.

Why will cynologists lower their rating at specialized exhibitions? Consider some aspects of the Bordeaux appearance that are unacceptable for the show standard.

Eyes

  • the mucous membrane of the eyelids is visible;
  • not oval, but round;
  • larger than average;
  • expressionless look;
  • swollen, swollen eyelids;
  • strabismus;
  • pale color of the iris.

  • sluggish, hanging down;
  • folded in half and looking back ("rose petals").
  • longish;
  • "dry";
  • set above or below the norm;
  • pressed into the shoulders;
  • weak muscles.

torso

  • the back is hunched;
  • the back sags;
  • the length and width of the back and lower back are significantly different from the norm;
  • weakened muscles of the back and / or lower back.

Croup

  • slanting (the dog looks tucked in behind);
  • high location;
  • the same level with the back.

Rib cage

  • the shape is different from rounded - it resembles a barrel or a spindle;
  • small sizes;
  • shortened length.

Stomach

  • sags;
  • too drawn in (like greyhounds);
  • the female giving birth has too large and hanging nipples (not a vice, but the score is reduced).

Tail

  • with nodules due to fused vertebrae;
  • with creases (up) or kinks (down);
  • bent into a ring;
  • curved;
  • corkscrew;
  • shorter than the norm;
  • absent.

Paws

  • wrists are twisted;
  • pasterns sag;
  • too widely spaced;
  • on the hind legs, the hock is deviated more than 180 degrees.

Color

Gait

  • the dog minces;
  • shuffling steps;
  • hard move;
  • weaving movements of the paws;
  • simultaneous movement of the paws on each side ("amble").

Education and training

From an early age, a puppy should spend a lot of time with people - to socialize. Having missed this moment, it is almost impossible to unleash the full potential of this breed and make a devoted companion out of a dog. Good communication with pets, including other dogs.

Training is a simple matter for the initially intelligent Dogue de Bordeaux. They learn commands quickly and follow them with pleasure. Bold and calm, they have a balanced attitude to harsh noises. It is necessary to develop the instinct of a watchman and a guard inherent in them by nature, for which it is imperative to teach them to distinguish between “us” and “them” at the command of the owner.

Important! Under no circumstances teach a Bordeaux to attack. Don't encourage aggression. Like all phlegmatic dogs, these dogs can remain calm for a long time, but when they lose their temper, they become uncontrollable, it will be extremely difficult to stop a fight.

The Dogue de Bordeaux (or French) is one of the largest and most expensive dog breeds. If you haven't met her in person, you've probably seen her in a video or photo. In general, the Great Dane gained great popularity just after the release of the sensational film "Turner and Hooch". Despite the imposing appearance, the giants have a glorious character. In life, they are excellent friends and companions.

The history of the origin of the breed

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a rich but hazy history. On the one hand, the roots of the breed go back to the beginning of our era. On the other hand, images and descriptions of the distant ancestors of French dogs can be taken as the “prototype” of many other breeds. Archeology draws us a dog that looks like Bordeaux, Dogo Argentino, and mastino.

History, closer to our time, is already outlined more clearly. The French Mastiff is mentioned in medieval documents. The tower of one of the cathedrals of Corcassonne, which was built in the 14th century, is decorated with the head of a dog that looks very much like a mastiff.

In the same period, the Aquitanian dog is mentioned, which was divided into three types:

  • Parisian;
  • toulouse;
  • Bordeaux.

The latter is precisely the most likely ancestor of our mastiff. Modern history already replete with facts. Bordeaux, nicknamed Magenta, became the subject of an exhibition held in 1863 in Paris. Having lit up, the breed could not deserve standardization for decades. The standard was adopted only in 1911.

World wars have caused enormous damage to livestock. The Dogue de Bordeaux began to revive only in the middle of the last century. The French Mastiff came to Russia quite late, in 1991.

Description of the species

breed standard


The Dogue de Bordeaux is disproportionately built - a huge wrinkled head clearly dominates the body. A strong neck is supported by a muscular body, which, in turn, rests on powerful legs. Eyes with overhanging folds are widely spaced. Hanging ears are rounded at the tips. Slightly rounded and wide nose. The Dogue de Bordeaux ends with a thick, short, low-set tail.

The body of the mastiff is covered with thick, with numerous folds, skin.

colors

The coat of Bordeaux is soft, thick, smooth and short. Mastiffs are characterized by a uniform color. The entire reddish palette is allowed: from isabella to mahogany. Small white spots on the chest and fingertips are allowed. But a light spot on the limbs above the wrist or at the end of the tail is a big minus. The same spots on the body or head are generally outside the standard.

The mask may either be absent, or be one of two colors: black or chestnut.

The nature and characteristics of education

Despite the unusual and slightly frightening appearance, the life of the French Mastiff is a calm, intelligent and sociable dog. Of course, the blood of formidable fighters flows in it, but today Bordos, if it can show an aggressive character, is only in relation to other animals.

But in order for the mastiff to grow up friendly, it should be properly educated for the duration of its entire life. Dogue de Bordeaux puppies require early socialization. The duration of the peak tendency to education in the spirit of "humanism" is about eight weeks. The peak usually corresponds to the period of 8-16 weeks of life.

The puppy needs to be immersed in an environment of its own kind. So the baby comprehends the wisdom of building relationships with his own kind. Aggressiveness should not be developed in the dog - it contradicts his modern nature. Provoking aggression breaks the character of the animal.

Pros and cons of the breed

Breed advantages:

  • wonderful guard;
  • a beautiful character is a companion dog;
  • original appearance;
  • well trained.

Disadvantages of the breed:

  • puppies are expensive;
  • snore in their sleep;
  • eat a lot;
  • relatively immobile.

home content

The "Bordeaux" history, the duration of which is measured in centuries, has seriously changed the dog. Her nature requires living in a circle of people.

Care

The breed is characterized by drooling. Of course, it is better to keep it in a private house - taking into account the regular communication of a person with a pet. Bordeaux requires a solid space, cramped space is not for this giant. Despite the inactivity due to weight, the mastiff loves to frolic on the run. At a moderate pace, of course. Regular walks - required condition preventing animal obesity.

Wool does not require much maintenance. Periodic brushing is sufficient. At the same time, for obvious reasons - just look at the photo of the mastiff - you should often wash the mastiff's face.

Diet

The basis of the diet of a large dog should be meat and offal. It is impossible to replace it with cereals on broths and bones. Puppies up to 2-3 months old are fed mainly beef. The meat should be cut into pieces. You can give soft bones that will not hurt the baby. Offal should be well washed and boiled.

Can be given a couple of times a week sea ​​fish. The source of calcium, which is so necessary for a growing organism, is fermented milk products. Raw milk is given only to small puppies. Protein food must be supplemented with vegetables and cereals.

The adult Dogue de Bordeaux is quite voracious, therefore, according to the owners, many try to switch to dry food. This provides the dog with a complete set of nutrients. Which, of course, does not mean that the mastiff should be completely deprived of natural food.

The French mastiff should not be fed pork, tubular chicken bones, minced meat. It is not recommended to share your table with him. It is necessary to exclude sweets, smoked and salty foods from the diet.

Possible diseases

Along with many others large breeds, the mastiff is prone to dysplasia hip joint. Unfortunately, the Great Dane is also prone to some forms of cancer. Sometimes there are generic difficulties - due to the size of the head. Bordos suffer, like all large dogs, from acute dilatation of the stomach. Often there are problems with the eyelids - inversion of the eyelids.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is, above all, strength and huge, intimidating size, which makes this dog an excellent guard and protector, even if he did not make a single sound. It was the frightening size and ferocious appearance that made the Dogue de Bordeaux an ideal fighter, hunter and guard throughout the history of the breed.

But the secret of the Dogue de Bordeaux is that its appearance contradicts its real essence. The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most gentle, calm and sociable dog breeds.

These dogs are extremely loyal to their owner and often feel lonely if the owner leaves them for a long time. Sociability makes the Dogue de Bordeaux a more effective watchdog, unlike many excitable terrier breeds that tend to scare anyone who approaches with their bark.

The Dogue de Bordeaux relies more on its intimidating size and trusts someone who has not yet taken any action that proves bad intentions. If the danger is obvious, then the offender will have to learn what the ferocity of the Dogue de Bordeaux is.

Sociability, combined with herding roots, allows the Dogue de Bordeaux to get along well with children and other small pets, especially if they grow up with them from childhood.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is aware of its strength and tends to protect weaker animals. However, animals larger or the same size should not be kept with the Dogue de Bordeaux, as the breed's history as a hunting and fighting dog can provoke aggression.

For their size, they are low energy dogs, which can be a problem when it comes to training. Despite the fact that the Dogue de Bordeaux is extremely intelligent, he just gets very tired to train with a trainer. more than an hour or two at a time.

Those who are interested in this breed, assuming that they are energetic and playful dogs due to their size, it is better to look at another breed. However, for those who are interested big dogs but dislikes their sometimes obnoxious and aggressive manner of activity and playfulness, may find the Dogue de Bordeaux an ideal friend.

Diseases

Like many other large and heavy dog ​​breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to hip dysplasia.

Difficulties in childbirth in dogs of this breed associated with the large head size of the puppies.

Also, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a predisposition to certain forms of cancer.

Care

Grooming a Dogue de Bordeaux is not difficult. This breed has a very short coat. Periodic use of a rubber glove specially designed for smooth-coated dogs will help remove dead skin and hair from the dog.

There is one feature in the care of this breed associated with wrinkles on the face of the Dogue de Bordeaux. Wash your dog's face regularly to remove any dirt that may get caught in the folds. It is also important to bathe your Dogue de Bordeaux regularly to prevent possible skin irritations and infections.

Despite its size, the Dogue de Bordeaux does not need much physical activity.

What's more, too much exercise during the first year of a dog's life can lead to underdeveloped bones and muscles, which can lead to serious health problems. So it would be right to limit physical activity Dogue de Bordeaux during the first years of his life. It will be enough to play with the dog for about an hour a day.

The energy level of the Dogue de Bordeaux is comparatively low for a dog of this size and strength. This is important to know and remember even when keeping an adult dog. One or two walks a day can be considered acceptable, and for older dogs a sufficient amount of exercise.

It is also very good for the Dogue de Bordeaux if there is space where the dog can run and play freely.

Keep in mind that every dog ​​is different. This description characteristic of the breed as a whole and does not always fully coincide with the characteristics of a particular dog of this breed!

Often, when people hear the name of the Dogue de Bordeaux breed, they cannot immediately understand what kind of dog they are talking about. The thing is that these dogs are more known as the French Mastiff, and besides, they are not very common. In fact, this wonderful breed is undeservedly ignored. Many families, without weighing the consequences carefully, take dogs of hunting breeds to apartments, and then the pets move to live with new owners. But the Dogue de Bordeaux is just optimal choice for most city dwellers. Big enough to be a protector, unpretentious, with an accommodating character, he will become a favorite of children and a true friend to adults.

History of the breed

Before you is a wise, intelligent and balanced dog. Rarely among representatives there are carriers of all these qualities at the same time. The Dogue de Bordeaux is still considered by many people to be a dangerous animal because of its past, but these are only echoes of history. Indeed, a very long time ago, which gave rise to the modern branch of the breed, were butcher dogs. Powerful and strong, they were harnessed to a cart and could easily cope with large animals, bulls and bears. This made it possible for the breed to survive in the dashing years of the First World War, however, it also determined them. further fate. They were used for fighting. This fighting past still serves as the reason for some cautious attitude of people towards this breed.

general characteristics

Today, the Dogue de Bordeaux is no longer the same. In the course of selection, aggressive traits and a quarrelsome character were gradually eradicated, all individuals that showed them were immediately culled. Thus, the breed became what we know today. The dog is practically not subject to stress, has amazing endurance and calmness. An affectionate and lazy creature in the family circle, he will instantly stop any attempt to attack his master by strangers.

He will prefer his favorite sofa to all workouts, such is the Dogue de Bordeaux. Owner reviews suggest that despite the great temptation, it is impossible to limit walks to five-minute outings, because this dog quickly begins to gain excess weight leading to early death of the pet. Therefore, active walks will have to be included in your schedule. You can teach a dog almost everything, but you will have to make a lot of effort, since the dog does not like to work.

Reminder to the future owner

The only thing that is required from the owner is to win the love and respect of his pet, which means loving him and being consistent in his requirements. You can not use physical punishment, humiliate the dog, he will not forgive you for this. With normal relationships, it is difficult to find such an affectionate dog as the Dogue de Bordeaux. Owner reviews indicate that these dogs get along well with all family members, allow young children to do anything with their paws, tails and ears. Pets are treated very well, but sometimes they can chase cats without harming them. Be sure to keep in mind that the Dogue de Bordeaux does not tolerate loneliness. It is very hard for him to part with the owners who raised him.

If you live in a small apartment, then think right away if you can provide normal living conditions for the dog. The size of the dog is quite impressive, and in a standard one-room it will be clearly cramped. You need to walk it often and for a long time in order to maintain normal physical shape. These dogs live an average of 8-10 years.

breed standards

Before you are stocky athletes of a very impressive appearance, we know them as the Dogue de Bordeaux. The characteristic of the breed tells us about the standard requirements that professional breeders place on individual representatives. The coat is soft, smooth and close to the body. The color of all shades of red, ranging from light, straw and ending with reddish brown. The mask on the muzzle may be brown or black. The height at the withers is approximately 68 cm for males and 60 cm for females, that is, quite impressive. Normal weight is about 50 kg, but Great Danes have a tendency to obesity, so this indicator must be constantly monitored.

This general information, however, if you want to know more exactly what the breed Dogue de Bordeaux should be like, the characteristics of the breed will greatly help you with this. The head of the dog is massive and strong. The forehead is low and wide, the muzzle is powerful, full. It ends stupidly, somewhat protruding in front of the nose. The jaws are very powerful and wide with a pronounced undershot bite. The teeth are very large. The eyes are wide apart, oval. The back is short, muscular and straight. The loin is broad and muscular. The chest is powerful, rounded. The abdomen is moderately tucked up. The dog looks powerful and compact at the same time.

Character and temperament - what makes this breed stand out?

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not only a gentle and friendly creature for a loving owner, but also an amazing bodyguard who will be faithful to the last. Aware of his strength, he is very calm and self-confident, full of self-esteem, but at the same time attentive and careful with strangers. He will not bark over trifles, he will not attack a person just like that on a walk, but he will confidently protect his territory. He will be able to protect both you and your property.

Upbringing

The standard of the Dogue de Bordeaux, described above, brings to our attention a large, powerful and strong dog with very developed protective and guard qualities. Properly brought up, he is calm about pets and other dogs, somewhat suspicious, but with the same calmness, he watches the guests who come to your house. But he will react with lightning speed to any manifestation of aggression. Some people encourage and cultivate malice in their pets, which is very reckless. This dog is very difficult to control. Great Danes are extremely intelligent and do not tend to show aggression, unless they are specifically poisoned. But then you grow dangerous monster. This is a touchy dog ​​that does not tolerate undeserved physical punishment and humiliation. She is having a hard time with sharp shouts and beatings, remembers them for a long time and may stop trusting her master.

Think carefully before you take this big dog like a Dogue de Bordeaux. Puppies are simply adorable: small, folded, with amazing intelligent eyes. However, you must realize that you are taking on a great responsibility, and this step should not be taken recklessly. You have 10 years of communication with the most faithful and devoted friend ahead of you, for whom parting with your beloved owner will be the heaviest punishment.

These are heavy dogs with a strong skeleton, which are prone to malformations of the musculoskeletal system. It is very important to walk a lot with these dogs, always twice a day and preferably at least two hours, even if walking. This is a loyal and devoted protector, with whom it is not scary to be in the darkest alleys, if there is no way to avoid them. This is a dog fanatically devoted to his master - such is the Dogue de Bordeaux. Feedback from owners and breeders suggests that keeping a dog is not difficult, it is enough to love your dog and have enough time to spend leisure time with her.

Nutrition

Very important point, because with the wrong diet, these dogs are prone to obesity. Such a Dogue de Bordeaux presents a pitiful sight. Photos in veterinary clinics sometimes demonstrate the consequences of a negligent approach to choosing a diet for your pet: this is a lot of excess weight, heart problems and early death. The principle of catering is simple: the more monotonous and easier food the more smoothly the body works. The basis of the diet is meat, fish and offal act as an additive. Additionally, you need to give dairy products and seasonal fruits and vegetables. We must not forget about the need to give vitamins and minerals, as well as provide the pet with fresh water.

Care

This is a short-haired breed, so grooming the dog is not too painstaking. It is enough to regularly wipe the wool with a cloth cloth to remove old hairs. You should bathe the dog quite often, so teach your puppy to water from childhood. The folds on the muzzle must be wiped after eating, otherwise food residues will cause bad smell. In general, the opinions of many people who have kept such dogs agree that the Dogue de Bordeaux is actually a wonderful pet. A photo of good-natured giants can decorate any album; pictures of bordos with children are especially amazing.

The owner will need to pay a lot of attention to the ears and eyes of his dog. They need to be wiped down and cleaned regularly. If the eyes are sour, and the ear is red, you should immediately show the pet to the veterinarian.

Education

These dogs are very smart, but they do not like to learn. You will have to keep them interested every time on the court, so you need to start training as early as possible. Do not forget that you cannot physically punish dogs. The dog must be constantly praised, be on the same team with it, but at the same time remain moderately strict. It is such a master that the Dogue de Bordeaux will listen unconditionally.

Common diseases

We have already said that very often these bumpkins suffer from obesity. You can't let your dog carry buns off the table and sleep 24 hours a day. If you do not have enough time for walks, it is better to choose a cat. In addition, hip dysplasia is often inherited, which is extremely difficult to treat. It is not uncommon to hear from a veterinarian about a case of epilepsy and a variety of heart problems. These dogs rarely live longer than 8 years, so you have to immediately set yourself up for the fact that the life of a pet is finite. However, judging by the reviews, not a single owner regretted that the Dogue de Bordeaux was his choice. The owners' reviews indicate that they no longer had a smarter and more devoted friend.