Dogue de Bordeaux
(Bordeaux Dogue, Bordeaux Dog,
French Mastiff, Bordeaux Bulldog)
Appearance, temperament and characteristics of the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as French Mastiff, Bordeaux Mastiff or Bordeaux bulldog, is a strongly athletic molosser similar to the Bullmastiff in size and type but with a fawn-colored coat and red or black mask. This impressive dog, characterised as the dog with the biggest head among all dog races, passed through several phases in its long history (read more about the Dogue de Bordeaux history). It began as a ruthless fighter, but was also used as a war dog, a hunting dog and a guard dog.
The athletic and powerful body looks "as though it has been borrowed from a lion" (to cite Desmond Morris) and contrasts with its blunt, broad, wrinkled head.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a perfect example of an acromegalic breed, with excessive growth in skin as well as the bones of the extremities (the head, hands and feet).
The body is well balanced and muscular with a strong neck and powerful, deep and broad chest.
Accepted colors are: fawn, mahogany, golden or black speckled with a black or red mask.
Despite the dogs' menacing appearance, they are sweet with children and smaller or weaker living beings.
Like the english bulldog, these dogs are undoubtedly very photogenic and one dogue de Bordeaux achieved international fame as Tom Hanks's in the 1989 film Turner and Hooch. The star appeal emanating from this unruly, slobbering French giant with its massive, heavily wrinkled face, who impressid with its intelligence and cooperative nature attracted a great deal of attention to a breed that was unknown in many countries.
Dogue de Bordeaux photo
The Dogue de Bordeaux is very conscious of its own strength and therefore does not show reactions due to fear or irritability. A fundamental trait of this breed is its temperament: a Dogue de Bordeaux should never show signs of nervousness or aggressivity. An exaggerated flegmatic behavior, or fear are considered serious faults, as well.
The Bordeaux dog is an uncomparable guardian and personal protection dog capable of dissuading any intruder. However, he will react only if he feels his master, his home or the persons he has under his protection are really being threatened.
Front view of Dogue de Bordeaux
© by C. Marien-de Luca for Bulldog Information 2003-2008. All rights reserved.
Photo courtesy: Jelena Jegorova, www.dogs.lt, and Séverine Colmé, La Tour gelée
Dog Breeds Home > Molosser breeds > Dogue de Bordeaux > Appearance & Temperament
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An Owner's Guide Raising your Pet Protector
An Owner's Guide to Raising Your Pet Protector
by Lori Berg, Michael ''Gypsy'' Stratten

More information:
Introduction
Appearance, temperament, character
History and origins
Ulthaar de la Tour Gelée
Roumba de la Tour Gelée
Dogue de Bordeaux Links
Adel' Esmiralda of Baltic Diamond
Photo by Simona
Bibliography:
Dogue de Bordeaux by Joseph Janish
El Nuevo Libro del Dogo de Burdeos by Mar Blasco and Fernando Alvarez
Dogs. The Ultimate Dictionary of over 1,000 Dog Breeds by Desmond Morris
Canine Lexicon by Andrew De Prisco
Dogue de Bordeaux puppy
Trema de la Tour Gelée
female of 4 months
Related Pages:
History and origins of the Dogue de Bordeaux
Origin of the Dogue de Bordeaux Breed standard
 more information:
Dogue de Bordeaux
Joseph Janish
Origin of the breed standard
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