Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) Maintenance & Effort
Grooming
A Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most easiest breeds to groom. Blessed with sleek, short coat, Dogue de Bordeaux come in three different fur colours - fawn,mahogany and deep red - with or without markings. The coat of a Dogue de Bordeaux requires minimal grooming due to the short fur. Regular bathing will help keep the fur clean. Pet parents to Dogue de Bordeaux will have to keep in mind that due to the short fur, the skin of the Dogue is extremely sensitive to extreme cold or heat. Their short muzzle makes them highly susceptible to overheating or overcooling. Therefore, if you are in a place where there are extreme weather conditions, please ensure that appropriate care is taken to maintain the temperature for the dog. Dental grooming is also a must for the Dogue de Bordeaux. Regular brushing will ensure that there is no tartar or plaque buildup and the mouth of the Dogue de Bordeaux remains clean and there are no chances of the onset of any periodontal problems. The nails of a Dogue de Bordeaux grow really fast. To avoid any injury to the feet especially during running or playing, it will be advised that the nails of the dog are regularly trimmed and kept short. Cleaning of ears using a ear wipes will also help avoid any ear infections or wax buildup. While grooming, check for any rashes or redness in the skin, especially between the paws and the ears. A good grooming regime begins from an early age. Introducing your dog to dental, grooming and bathing regimes will ensure that the puppy gets accustomed to the routine and is comfortable with it.
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) Health & Care
Common Health Issues
Dogue de Bordeaux are generally a healthy breed of dog. However, before getting a new puppy it will be advised that all medical history of the parents of the pup is referred to rule out any genetic or hereditary disorder that might inflict the pup. Some of the common health issues that Dogue de Bordeaux might be prone are:
Hip Dysplasia - Hip Dysplasia is a genetic disorder where the hip bone has a defect in connecting with the hip joint as a result of which the dog may experience pain or lameness in either of the rear legs. As the dog grows, he / she may also develop arthritis. Before getting a puppy, check the medical documents of the parents to rule out hip dysplasia.
Aortic Stenosis - Aortic Stenosis is a cardiac defect that is found in most Dogue de Bordeaux. Due to Aortic Stenosis, Dogue de Bordeaux may feel lethargic all the time and have have episodes of fainting. When a dog has Aortic Stenosis, the heart works at twice the normal rate to pump blood. The defect in the aorta narrows the aortic valve to enable a smooth blood supply. When you get a boxer have a veterinary doctor check the heart for any murmur. Aortic Stenosis can prove lethal for the dog.
Corneal Dystrophy - Corneal Dystrophy is an inherited disease that inflicts most dogs, and is especially common in Dogue de Bordeaux. In this disease, the cornea of the dog is either underdeveloped or is opaque. This might cause loss of vision to the dog.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus or Bloat - This is a common problem in deep chested dogs. Bloat can be lethal in nature if not detected early as it causes organ, especially gastric failure. In case of Bloat, there is a sudden buildup of gas in the digestive system and then causes the organ to twist.
Epilepsy - Another common health issue that Dogue de Bordeaux may face is epilepsy where the dog might have seizures and collapse.
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) Behavior
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Snappy
Patient
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Prefer Adults
Nanny
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Aloof
Best Buddy
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Poor
Excellent
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Headstrong
Obedient
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Moody
Always Ready
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Intolerant
Best Buddies
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Intolerant
Best Buddies
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Carefree
Doting
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Couch Potato
Energy Bundle
Temperament
A Dogue de Bordeaux is blessed with a calm and gentle temperament. A Dogue de Bordeaux is extremely loyal, patient, calm, gentle, courageous and devoted to his / her family. Their fearless and strong nature make them excellent watch dogs. A Dogue de Bordeaux is a strong willed and a powerful dog and is not a dog for a first time owner. Dogues need a firm and an experienced handler else they tend to take over as the lead of the pack. Despite their fearsome appearance, a Dogue is a gentle breed and excellent with family and children.Like all dog breeds, early socialisation with children, other human beings and pets will ensure a well developed and gentle temperament.
Environment
Dogue de Bordeaux do extremely well in large houses or houses with a large backyard. However, pet parents who live in an apartment will have to ensure that their dog is getting ample amount of exercise everyday to expend the excess energy and to stay healthy.Due to their large size, Dogue de Bordeaux may knock small pets or children and even things off while they are exploring around the house. AMple space for them to roam about is a must. Dogue de Bordeaux are very sensitive to extreme heat and cold. So if you live in areas with extreme temperatures, extra precaution will have to be taken for regulating temperature so that your dog does not fall ill.
Training & Intelligence
Considered one of the intelligent breeds, Dogue de Bordeaux do well with a firm and consistent training regime. First time owners of a Dogue de Bordeaux may want to seek professional help from Canine behaviorists or Dog Trainers to ensure that a comprehensive training regime is designed for Dogue de Bordeaux that keeps them engaged and also meets the characteristics of a working dog breed. Dogue de Bordeaux respond extremely well to positive reinforcements and activities that allow it to think independently. For years Dogue de Bordeaux have been trained for agility, obedience and other trainings that suit a working dog breed. As parents to a Dogue de Bordeaux, be ready to spend a lot of time training and playing with your Dogue de Bordeaux. All forms of training for your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy should start at an early age. It will be imperative for new pet parents to start house training as soon as the puppy arrives so that there are fewer incidents inside the house.
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) Breeding
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- 6 to 9 puppies (approximately)
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- Yes
Procreation
Dogue de Bordeaux are a healthy and sturdy breed and become mature by the age of 18 years. If you are going to mate and breed your Dogue de Bordeaux, make sure that you understand thoroughly the medical histories of his / her mating partner and also the medical history of the Dogue de Bordeaux’s parents so make sure that they are not suffering from any serious genetic disorder that may be deterrent to the overall growth of the new puppies. If you are a first time pet parent, seek medical advice to ensure that the mating and breeding process is comfortable for both the dogs. Due to their large brachycephalic skulls, the veterinarians may have to perform a c section to deliver the babies.
Puppies
An average litter size of a Dogue de Bordeaux varies between 9-10 puppies with an average life expectancy of 5 - 6 years. When the puppies are born, it will be imperative to vaccinate them and to train them from early own as they are extremely active and if not monitored may destroy furniture and other things that might catch their attention.
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) Appearance
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Atheletic
Stuff Toy
Body
Dogue de Bordeaux are a rare combination of intimidating looking yet extremely friendly dogs. The brachycephalic skull of the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of its most prominent features. They have a huge head circumference with a short muzzle with a wide, powerful and a thick wrinkled pronounced stop. Dogue de Bordeaux also have a well defined underbite i.e. their lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. The nose of a Dogue de Bordeaux is large with wide open nostrils. Unlike a English Mastiff, a Dogue de Bordeaux does not have a black mask. The teeth meet in a sharp underbite and the thick upper lip hangs over the lower jaw. A dogue de Bordeaux is a relatively short and a stocky mastiff.A full grown Dogue de Bordeaux male will stand anywhere between 58 cms - 75 cms and weighs between 54 - 65 Kgs. The neck on the skin is thick and loose and forms a dewlap. The eyes are in shades of hazel or dark brown and are set wide apart. The ears are small in comparison to the giant head A Dogue de Bordeaux is a deep and broad chested dog with muscular legs and a short and soft fur coat. Dogue de Bordeauxs come in three distinct colours - fawn, mahogany and dark red with or without markings.
