Often, when people hear the name of a dog breed, they don’t immediately understand what kind of dog they are talking about. The thing is that these dogs are more known as the French mastiff, moreover, they are not too common. In fact, this wonderful breed does not deserve undeserved attention. Many families, without having carefully weighed the consequences, take the dogs of hunting breeds to the apartments, and then the pets move to live with the new owners. But the Dogue de Bordeaux is just the best choice for most urban residents. Big enough to be a defender, unpretentious, with an easygoing character, he will become a favorite of children and a true friend for adults.
Breed history
Here is a wise, intelligent and balanced dog. Rarely among representatives of the canine family are carriers of all these qualities at the same time. The dogue of Bordeaux is still considered by many people to be a dangerous beast because of its past, but this is only an echo of history. Indeed, a very long time ago the French mastiffs, which gave rise to the modern branch of the breed, were butcher dogs. Powerful and strong, they harnessed to the 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 determined their further fate. They began to be used for fighting. This fighting past is still the cause of some cautious attitude of people to this breed.
general characteristics
Today, the Dogue de Bordeaux is no longer so. In the course of selection, aggressive traits and squabbled character were gradually eradicated, all the individuals that showed them were immediately discarded. Thus, the breed has become what we know today. The dog is practically stress free, has tremendous restraint and calm. Affectionate and lazy creation in the family circle, he instantly suppresses any attempt to attack his master from outsiders.
He will prefer his favorite sofa to all training, such is the Bordeaux mastiff. Owner reviews suggest that despite the great temptation, it is impossible to limit walks to five-minute attacks, because this dog quickly begins to gain excess weight, which leads to the pet's early death. Therefore, active walks will have to be included in your schedule. You can teach a dog practically everything, but you will have to make a lot of effort, because the dog does not like to work.
Memo 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 to love him and be consistent in his requirements. You can’t use physical measures of punishment, to humiliate a dog, he will not forgive you for this. In normal relationships, it is difficult to find such an affectionate dog as a Bordeaux dog. Responses of the owners say that these dogs get along well with all members of the family, 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 Bordeaux dog does not tolerate loneliness. It is very difficult 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 conditions for the dog to live. The dog’s dimensions are quite impressive, and in a standard one-room dog it will be clearly crowded. It is necessary to walk it often and for a long time in order to maintain normal physical shape. Such dogs live on average for 8-10 years.
Breed standards
Before you are stocky athletes of a very impressive appearance, we know them by the name of the dogue de Bordeaux. Characteristics of the breed tells us about the standard requirements that professional breeders make to individual representatives. The dog’s coat is thin and soft, smooth; it attaches tightly to the body. The color of all shades of red, ranging from light, straw and ending with reddish-brown. The mask on the face can be brown or black. The height at the withers is about 68 cm for males and 60 cm for females, that is, quite impressive. The weight is normally about 50 kg, but the dogs have a tendency to obesity, so you need to constantly monitor this indicator.
This is general information, but if you want to know more precisely what the Bordeaux Great Dane should be like, the characteristics of the breed will greatly help you. The dog’s head is massive and strong. The forehead is low and wide, the muzzle is powerful, full. It ends stupidly, speaking slightly in front of the nose. The jaws are very powerful and wide with a pronounced snack. The teeth are very large. Eyes 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 taut. The dog looks powerful and compact at the same time.
Character and temperament - what makes this breed stand out?
Dogue de Bordeaux is not only a soft and friendly creature for a loving host, but also an amazing bodyguard who will be faithful to the last. Aware of his strength, he is very calm and confident in himself, full of self-esteem, but at the same time he is attentive and careful with strangers. He will not bark over trifles, will not attack a person just like that for a walk, but he will confidently protect his territory. He will be able to protect both you and your property.
Parenting
The standard of the Bordeaux dog, described above, brings to our attention a large, powerful and strong dog with very developed protective and guard qualities. Properly brought up, he calmly treats pets and other dogs, somewhat suspiciously, but with the same calmness, watches the guests who come to your home. But he will immediately react to any manifestation of aggression. Some people encourage and cultivate anger in their pets, which is very reckless. This dog is very difficult to control. Dogs are extremely smart and not prone to aggression, unless specifically targeted. But then you grow a dangerous monster. This is a touchy dog that does not suffer undeserved physical punishment and humiliation. She is experiencing severe shouts and beatings, remembers them for a long time, and may cease to trust her master.
Content
Think carefully before you take such a large dog as a dogue de Bordeaux. Puppies are simply charming: small, folded, with amazing smart eyes. However, you must realize that you are taking on a great responsibility, and this step should not be carried out rashly. You have 10 years of communication with the most faithful and faithful friend, for whom separation from your beloved master will be the most difficult punishment.
These are heavy dogs with a powerful skeleton, which are prone to malformations of the musculoskeletal system. It is very important to walk a lot with these dogs, be sure to do it twice a day and preferably at least two hours, even if at a step. This is a loyal and loyal defender, who is not afraid to be in the darkest alleys, if there is no way to avoid them. This is a dog fanatically devoted to its master - such is the dogue of Bordeaux. The reviews of the owners and breeders suggest that keeping a dog is not difficult, just love your dog and have enough time to spend leisure time with it.
Nutrition
This is a very important point, because with an improper diet these dogs are prone to obesity. A pathetic sight is represented by such a Bordeaux mastiff. Photos in veterinary hospitals 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 nutrition is simple: the more uniform and simpler the food, the more harmoniously the body works. The basis of the diet is meat; fish and offal are used as an additive. Additionally, you need to give dairy products and seasonal fruits, 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 caring for a dog is not too painstaking. It is enough to regularly wipe the wool with a cloth with a cloth to remove old hairs. You should bathe the dog often enough, so from childhood teach your puppy to water. Folds on the face must be wiped after eating, otherwise food debris will cause an unpleasant odor. In general, the opinions of many people who kept such dogs agree that, in fact, a wonderful Bordeaux dog is a wonderful pet. Photos of good-natured giants can decorate any album, especially amazing are pictures of bordeaux with children.
The owner will need to pay a lot of attention to the ears and eyes of his dog. Wipe and clean them regularly. If your eyes turn sour and your ear turns red, you should immediately show the pet to the veterinarian.
Training
These dogs are very smart, but they do not like to learn. You will have to interest them every time on the site, so you need to start training as early as possible. Do not forget that you cannot physically punish dogs. The dog needs to be constantly praised, to be in the same team with her, but at the same time remain moderately strict. It is precisely such a master that the dogue de Bordeaux will listen unconditionally.
Common diseases
We have already said that very often these bumps suffer from obesity. Do not let the dog drag the rolls from the table and sleep 24 hours a day. If you do not have enough time for walking, it is better to choose a cat. In addition, hip dysplasia is often inherited, which is extremely difficult to treat. You can often 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 will have to immediately tune yourself to the fact that the pet’s life is finite. However, judging by the reviews, not a single owner regretted that the dogue de Bordeaux was his choice. Owner reviews indicate that they no longer had a more intelligent and loyal friend.